COACHES &
ADMINISTRATORS
ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
“DeKalb Athletics: Focusing on Educationally Sound Practices”
1
Department of Athletics Staff
James Jackson
Executive Director of Athletics
NONDISCRIMINATION CLAUSE
It is the policy of the DeKalb County Board of Education not to discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in its educational
programs, activities, or employment practices.
Janet Scott
Executive Administrative Assistant
Alethea Webb
Administrative Assistant
Valerie Gilbert
Bookkeeper
Chris Chilton
Athletics Specialist
Lorenzo “Keith” Sewell
Athletics Specialist Finance
Mark Brock
Statistician/Web Design/ Media
Lisa Patterson
Adapted Sports
John “Michael” Harwell
Athletics Coordinator
Paris Burd
Middle School Coordinator
Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith
Administrative Athletics
Director
2
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
DeKalb County School District Philosophy of Educational Athletics ................................................................... 7
Goals of the Athletic Program .................................................................................................................................... 7
Objectives and Emphasis on Team Play ................................................................................................................... 7
Sportsmanship .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Code of Ethics for Coaches .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Participation.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Attendance .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Positive Athlete Program ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Development of Team Rules ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Sport Level Offerings ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Baseball, softball, and cross-country ................................................................................................................... 10
Golf, swimming, gymnastics, lacrosse, and tennis ............................................................................................ 10
GHSA - "Dead Week" ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Officials ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Rules of Eligibility ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Make Up Work ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Academically Ineligible Students ............................................................................................................................. 11
Participation in Multiple Sports ............................................................................................................................... 11
Commitment to a Team ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Maximum Game Limit .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Migratory Rule ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
GHSA Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 13
Age Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Required Carnegie Unit Credits ............................................................................................................................... 14
One Year Play Rule–On Track” ................................................................................................................................ 14
Ninth Grade Football/Basketball ............................................................................................................................. 14
Eligibility of Immigrant Students ............................................................................................................................ 14
Participation in Non-School Athletic Competitions.............................................................................................. 15
Specialty School Policy .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Vocational-Technical School/Joint Enrollment .................................................................................................... 16
Magnet Schools........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Competitive Athletics Policy (Magnet Schools) ..................................................................................................... 16
Disabled Students ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Scheduling ................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Schedule for Practice Dates and for Athletic Events ............................................................................................. 18
Sunday Practice and/or Team Meetings ................................................................................................................. 18
Varsity Schedules ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Non-Varsity Schedule ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Eighth Grade Schedules ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Game Cancellation Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Tournaments, Invitational Meets, and/or Relay Meets ....................................................................................... 19
Middle School Playoffs .............................................................................................................................................. 19
JV Tournaments ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
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Forfeiture and Restitution Policy ............................................................................................................................. 19
Cancellation/Postponement of Event/Inclement Weather ................................................................................. 20
Selection and Placement of Coaches ....................................................................................................................... 21
Selection of Coaches .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Community Coach .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Middle School Community Coach Alternative Route Requirements: ...................................................................... 22
Coaching Supplement ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Transfers .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Reassignments ........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Itinerant Coaches ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Coaching Fines by GHSA ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Team Travel Expenses ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Overnight Stays ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Meals ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Transportation-Buses ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Transportation- Regular Season Events ............................................................................................................. 24
Transportation to Tournaments and Non-Region Games (Basketball) ......................................................... 24
Transportation to Post Season Tournaments .................................................................................................... 25
Professional Leave for Team Travel for Coaches ............................................................................................... 25
Cheerleaders ........................................................................................................................................................... 25
GHSA Regulations ................................................................................................................................................. 25
Emergency Management Procedures & Supervision ............................................................................................ 26
Emergency Procedures for Athletic Practice Sessions and Athletic Contests ............................................... 26
Student Injury ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Extreme Heat and Precautions ............................................................................................................................ 27
Heat-Related Illnesses ........................................................................................................................................... 27
Suggested Care for Athletes with Heat-Related Illnesses ................................................................................ 27
Guidelines for Preventing Dehydration .............................................................................................................. 28
Guidelines for Re-hydration ................................................................................................................................. 28
Guidelines for the Prevention of Serious Infectious Disease ........................................................................... 28
Physicians and Trainers ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Supervision of Athletic Events ............................................................................................................................. 30
Procedures for Athletic Supervision .................................................................................................................... 30
Security .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Off-Duty Police Officers ........................................................................................................................................ 31
School Resource Officers ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Financial, Accounting & Fund-Raising Procedures .............................................................................................. 32
Budget ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Audits ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Revenue ................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Admission to Games (Costs) ................................................................................................................................. 32
Price Scale for Admission Tickets ........................................................................................................................ 33
Athletic Revenue Share Policy ................................................................................................................................. 33
Concessions ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Proceeds from Programs ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Sale of Programs and Spirit Items ....................................................................................................................... 33
Insignias/ Logos/Endorsements on Athletic Uniforms and Equipment ....................................................... 34
Criteria for Letter Awards ..................................................................................................................................... 34
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Specific Minimum Criteria to Receive a Letter .................................................................................................. 34
Retiring Numbers ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Naming Facilities ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Equipment Management - Inventory .................................................................................................................. 35
Purchasing ............................................................................................................................................................... 35
District Stadiums Management Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 37
Operation of the District Stadiums ...................................................................................................................... 37
Stadium Selection for Football Playoffs .............................................................................................................. 37
Press Box Procedures ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Sideline Procedures ............................................................................................................................................... 38
Broadcasting and Video Policy ............................................................................................................................. 38
Radio Usage Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 38
Television and Cable Policy .................................................................................................................................. 38
Taping of Football Games Policy ......................................................................................................................... 38
Responsibilities of the Stadium Manager ........................................................................................................... 38
Responsibilities of the Assistant Stadium Manager .......................................................................................... 39
Athletics Event Workers ‘Pay Scale’ .................................................................................................................... 39
Rental of District Stadiums by Community Organizations .............................................................................. 39
Charges in Addition to Rental Fees ..................................................................................................................... 39
Athletic Events Conducted on School Campuses .............................................................................................. 39
APPENDIX A: DeKalb County Athletics GHSA Links .............................................................................................. 41
APPENDIX B: Student Concussion Form ................................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX C: Wavier of Insurance ............................................................................................................................ 44
APPENDIX D: Insurance ............................................................................................................................................. 45
APPENDIX E: Transfer Rules...................................................................................................................................... 46
APPENDIX F: Welcome Notice .................................................................................................................................. 48
APPENDIX G: GHSA Withdrawal Form .................................................................................................................... 49
APPENDIX H: Job Descriptions .................................................................................................................................. 51
APPENDIX I: Emergency Medical Card ..................................................................................................................... 52
APPENDIX J: Travel Reimbursement Form ............................................................................................................... 53
APPENDIX K: Professional Leave Form..................................................................................................................... 54
APPENDIX L: Event Worker’s Rates ......................................................................................................................... 55
FALL SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR .......................................................................................................... 55
WINTER SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR .................................................................................................... 56
SPRING SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR ..................................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX M: Hosting Invitational ............................................................................................................................ 58
APPENDIX N: GHSA Community Coaches Process .................................................................................................. 59
COMMUNITY COACH RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................... 60
APPENDIX O: - GHSA Rules Clinics ......................................................................................................................... 61
GHSA On-Site Rules Clinic Schedules .................................................................................................................... 64
APPENDIX P: Sportsmanship Announcement ............................................................................................................ 65
APPENDIX Q: GHSA Beginning and End Dates ........................................................................................................ 66
APPENDIX R: Cancellation Policy for Athletic Events .............................................................................................. 67
APPENDIX S: Heat Protocols ...................................................................................................................................... 68
APPENDIX T: Athletics Contacts ................................................................................................................................ 70
APPENDIX U: GHSA Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 71
APPENDIX V: GHSA Eligibility Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 76
ATTACHMENT I: Head Coach Duties and Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 86
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ATTACHMENT II: Athletic Liaison Job Description ................................................................................................. 89
ATTACHMENT III: MS ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY FORM ..................................................................................... 91
ATTACHMENT IV: GHSA On-line Eligibility Seminars & Constitution ................................................................. 92
GHSA On-Line Eligibility Seminars ............................................................................................................................ 92
GHSA Constitution ....................................................................................................................................................... 92
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Introduction
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Department of Athletics recognizes the importance of
promoting educationally sound practices as part of the interscholastic athletics program. These
programs provide lifetime values such as commitment, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility,
discipline, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong wellness; all of which are the foundation for academic
success. All athletic programs are congruent with the academic goals and objectives of the Board of
Education.
Our teams will always strive to win; however, never at the expense of character, healthy attitudes,
and good judgment. We emphasize excellence, cooperation, sportsmanship, pride, and respect for
coaches, teammates, and officials. Participation in the DeKalb County School District athletics
program is a privilege and not a right. With this privilege, student-athletes are expected to conform
to the high standards of the athletic program. This privilege may be revoked at any time for failure
to comply with rules, policies, and procedures. Our goal is to ensure that the athletic experience
should not only be rewarding but fun.
The handbook is a compilation of the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) guidelines, the
Georgia High School Association (GHSA) regulations, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD)
Board policies, and in accordance with other local government guidelines which govern athletics in
the State of Georgia. It serves as a reference for coaches and administrators. For a complete listing
of guidelines rules and regulations, you may access the following link,
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/athletics/files/2022/07/Coaches-and-Administrator-Athletics-
Handbook-2022-23.pdf
Please take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with this booklet and understand the district’s
guidelines, policies, and expectations for student-athletes, parents, coaches, and administrators. Note in
instances where there is a discrepancy in information in this handbook and updated policies and
procedures of DeKalb Athletics, the updated policy and procedures will always govern.
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DeKalb County School District
Philosophy of Educational
Athletics
Goals of the Athletic Program
1. To educate girls and boys through
competition.
2. To provide educational experiences outside
the classroom setting.
3. To develop a climate for enhancement of
knowledge, physical skills, and emotional
patterns; and
4. To contribute to the development of better
citizens.
Objectives and Emphasis on Team Play
1. To provide opportunities for mental and
physical growth by developing:
a. Coordination, endurance, and muscular
strength and flexibility.
b. Ability to think through problems to
feasible solutions; and
c. Skill in performing under circumstances
that require higher ordered thinking
skills.
2. To provide for the development of desirable
social growth and adjustment by:
a. Building the student’s self-reliance and
emotional maturity.
b. Affording students opportunities for
development of leadership and group
cooperation.
c. Designing athletic activities that allow
students the opportunity to attain
enjoyment from participation; and
d. Emphasizing good sportsmanship as an
immediate and long-range goal.
Sportsmanship
One of the primary objectives of educational
athletics is good sportsmanship. The National
Federation of State High School Associations
has adopted guidelines for sportsmanship. High
school students should set a good example
concerning sportsmanship and quickly
condemn unsportsmanlike conduct by other
students or adults. To this end they should:
1. Remember that a student spectator
represents his school the same as does the
athlete.
2. Recognize that the good name of the school
is more valuable than any game won by
unfair play.
3. Respond with enthusiasm to the calls of the
cheerleaders for yells in support of the
team, especially when it is losing.
4. Learn the rules of the various athletic games
so that either as spectators or critics they
will be intelligent.
5. Accept decision of officials without
question.
6. Express disapproval of rough play or poor
sportsmanship by players representing the
school.
7. Express disapproval of any abusive remarks
from the sidelines.
8
8. Recognize and applaud an exhibition of fine
play or good sportsmanship by the visiting
team.
9. Be considerate of the injured athlete(s) on
the visiting team.
10. Insist on the courteous treatment of the
visiting team and extend team members
every possible courtesy.
11. Impress upon the community ideals of good
sportsmanship and the responsibility for
the exercise of self-control and fair play at
all athletic contests.
12. Be familiar with the rules of eligibility and
support their strict enforcement.
13. Encourage the full discussion of fair play,
sportsmanship, and school spirit to
discover ways by which students and
schools can develop and demonstrate good
sportsmanship. (See Appendix P)
Code of Ethics for Coaches
1. To abide by the rules of the State Board of
Education, the DeKalb Board of Education,
and the Georgia High School Association.
2. To maintain a high standard of personal
conduct.
3. To insist upon proper conduct of students.
4. To uphold, honor, and dignify the
profession.
5. To refrain from discussing the deficiencies
of one's colleagues in such a way as to
embarrass them.
6. To practice professionalism as determined
by the Professional Standards Commission.
7. To maintain a high standard of
sportsmanship in relationship to coaches,
players, officials, and fans.
8. To bring to the profession all knowledge,
skill, and devotion that one may possess.
9. To always extend professional courtesy to
other members of the profession.
10. To avoid the discussion of matters of
student discipline with anyone except the
proper authorities.
11. To give each student an equal opportunity.
12. To avoid intentionally humiliating one's
opponent in competition.
13. To accept proper criticism in a gracious
manner and, if in error, to remedy the fault
that called for the criticism.
14. To find out the exact meaning of written
and verbal contracts and to live up to them
in letter and in spirit.
15. To be absent from work only when
necessary.
16. To refer all physical or organic defects
requiring diagnosis or treatment to a
competent medical doctor.
17. To give credit to the proper sources in the
matter of borrowed ideas.
18. To give credit where credit is due in
recognizing meritorious service on the part
of either teachers or students.
19. To vacate one's position only after all
records are complete and can be readily
understood by one's successor and only
after appropriate notice to one's employer.
Participation
No student is to participate in an athletic
program in the DCSD unless he/she meets the
requirements for registration and participation
in athletics. Every possible policy and procedure
to protect the student have been adopted.
PRIOR to any student participating in a tryout,
9
in conditioning, in a practice, or in competition,
the student must complete the following:
1. REGISTRATION - The DeKalb County
Interscholastic Athletic Registration form,
including parents' signature, must be
completed for each sport season. The copy is
retained in the principal's office. (See
Appendix A)
2. CERTIFICATION - Each student-athlete in
grades 9 through 12 must be certified by the
Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
indicating that the eligibility requirements of
the GHSA have been met. The Certificate of
Eligibility must be on file in the principal's
office. (See Appendix A)
3. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - The parent or
legal guardian must complete the Medical
History and Authorization form before the
pupil has a physical examination. The
physical form must be signed by a physician
licensed in the State of Georgia. The form
must include the student’s name, and the
date (month, day, year) the form was
completed by the physician. Physicals are
valid for (1) calendar year from the
date of the physical. (See Appendix A)
4. INSURANCE POLICY - Each student-athlete
must be covered by either the school
approved accident insurance policy or by a
family policy if the student is not covered by
the school approved insurance policy. A
certification (waiver) signed by the parent
and a copy of the insurance card stating that
the student is adequately covered by accident
insurance must be on file in the principal's
office. (See Appendix B and C).
Student Accident Insurance is available.
Instructions to find brochure online-
Go to DeKalb School website and select the
PARENTS tab. Mid way down the page on the
LEFT you will see a link/tab for
"Accident Insurance." Click that tab/link to
access the application.
http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/documents/a
ccident-insurance/student-accident-insurance-
(english).pdf
As a reminder, students MUST be enrolled in
your school to participate with your school for
summer clinics and practices.
Attendance
Students who miss over half of the school day
due to illness shall not be able to participate in a
contest or practice on that day. Students
missing school for reasons other than illness
must have an excused absence to participate.
Final authority will rest with the principal.
Positive Athlete Program
The DeKalb Positive Student Athlete Program
recognizes a Student-Athlete of the Month from
all 19 high schools from September - May. Each
month students receive a certificate and a
nominal gift for their accomplishment. The
Positive Student-Athlete of the Month Award
encompasses many aspects. This award is not
intended to recognize a student based solely
upon their athletic performance, rather a team
member who sets a good example for others and
exhibits the greatest all around attributes of
attitude, leadership, character, and teamwork.
Students are nominated through the school’s
Athletic Liaison.
Development of Team Rules
All athletic teams will have written team rules.
These rules should be specific and set clear
expectations for behavior and participation. The
rules should also specify disciplinary actions
that will be taken when team rules are violated.
Disciplinary measures should be incremental,
enforceable, and fair, and must be applied in a
consistent manner.
It is recommended the coach involve the captain
or team leaders in the development of these
rules. The principal, who will review the
proposed rules for fairness, enforceability, and
consistency with school and school district
10
policy and community standards, must approve
team rules.
After approval by the principal, the team rules
should be reviewed with the members of the
team and a copy sent to the parents. It is
recommended that coaches request parents to
sign a copy of the team rules. The coach should
retain a copy signed by the parents. When
parents understand the rules and procedures,
they can help coaches eliminate discipline
problems.
Sport Level Offerings
Football, flag football, basketball, track,
cheerleading, wrestling, and volleyball teams
will be organized as varsity (grades 9-12), junior
varsity (grades 9-11), and middle school (grades
7-8). Sixth graders will be allowed to participate
in basketball, track, and soccer. Athletics must
approve any 8
th
grader who are intending to try-
out for the high school JV soccer team for which
their middles school is the feeder.
Baseball, softball, and cross-country teams will
be organized as varsity (grades 9-12) and junior
varsity (grades 8-11).
Golf, swimming, gymnastics, lacrosse, and
tennis teams are fielded on the varsity level
only (grades 9-12).
Seniors should NOT participate on Junior
Varsity. Middle school students cannot
participate on the Junior varsity at a feeder
school if the sport is offered at the middle school
level.
GHSA - "Dead Week"
In 2006, at the request of a group of GHSA
coaches, the GHSA Executive Committee
approved implementing a “dead week”
beginning in the summer of 2007. Each year the
“dead week” will run from the Sunday through
the Saturday in which the Fourth of July falls.
During the “dead week” no school teams may
conduct conditioning drills, practices, or be
involved in competitions on or off the school’s
campus. This means that weight training,
running drills, passing league games in football,
school-based summer league games in baseball,
team camps in a variety of sports may not occur
during this week. Violations of this rule will be
handled similarly to out-of-season practices.
Non-school programs organized by such groups
as AAU, JO, ASA, etc., are not covered by this
rule.
Officials
All officials are assigned and designated by
Georgia High School Association (GHSA).
Rules of Eligibility
A student who participates on an athletic team
at any level must meet eligibility requirements
of the Georgia Department of Education,
DeKalb County Board of Education, and of the
GHSA. Events in any sport, frequently called
exhibition or unattached events, which involve
students who are not eligible, or students who
are not members of the school team, are strictly
prohibited.
Eligibility to participate in practice or in
competition is gained or lost on the first day of
the semester, except the fall semester, when
eligibility shall be declared based on Carnegie
units accumulated according to year in school.
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Summer school is an extension of the second
semester.
Make Up Work
Make-up work for athletes will be accepted on
the same basis that make-up work is accepted
for all other students in the school. Make-up
work to remove an incomplete must be
completed within fourteen calendar days after
the close of the semester. If the make-up work is
necessary for the student to pass the minimum
of five courses or to be “on track”, the student is
ineligible until the make-up work is completed
and the passing grade assigned.
Academically Ineligible Students
Academically ineligible students shall not be
allowed to participate in conditioning, in
tryouts, in practice, in competition, or to travel
with any team. Tutorials will be conducted at
each school for all in-season student-athletes
who require assistance academically.
There is no provision in the no pass/no
participate policy to permit a student to contract
to do additional assignments to change a failing
grade to a passing grade. Once a failing grade is
assigned in a respective course, and the student
is ineligible as a result, the student does not
regain eligible status for the semester even if the
grade is changed to a passing grade within the
fourteen calendar days. The one exception is
when the grade is changed to passing due to an
error by the teacher in assigning the failing
grade. In this event, the student can regain
eligible status with proper notification to the
State Department of Education through the
Executive Director of Athletics.
Participation in Multiple Sports
Under usual circumstances, a student will not
be permitted to join an athletic team after the
second scheduled contest.
Exceptions to this will be students who enter the
school after that date and students who were
unable to participate earlier due to eligibility,
medical reasons, or play-offs in another sport.
Under no circumstances will a student be
permitted to come out for a team after the
second contest if the result is the displacement
of a member of the team.
A student-athlete can participate in two sports
(including cheerleading) with coinciding season
dates if he/she gets permission from both
coaches and parents. A practice/play plan
should be instituted by the coaches involved to
allow the student-athlete’s participation to be
maximized by each of the sports involved.
Withdrawal from one of the sports after the
season begins will require permission from the
coach of the sport the student-athlete wished to
drop out of participation along with a written
excusal request from the student signed by
his/her parents. Dropping out of participation
of one of the two sports without permission will
also disqualify the student-athlete from
participation in all sports for the rest of that
season.
Commitment to a Team
Once a student has been named as a member of
a team by the coach, he/she is making a
commitment to the team for the entire season.
Therefore, under usual circumstances, when a
student quits a team, he/she will not be
permitted to go out for a team during the same
season, or for the ensuing season, until after the
season for the sport he/she quit has ended.
Any exception to this rule must be approved in
writing by the principal with a copy of the
approval to the Executive Director of Athletics.
Example -- A student who quits the football
team will not be permitted to go out for
basketball until the football season at his/her
level of competition is over.
Maximum Game Limit
No player may exceed the maximum game limit
for any sport. A student must be an amateur. An
amateur is one who has never violated his or her
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amateur standing by receiving money, tuition,
board, or pay of any description as
compensation for playing on a professional
athletic team or in a professional participation.
A student who transfers from one school to
another with a corresponding change of
residence by the parents into the attendance
area for the new school, shall maintain eligibility
as soon as it is certified that he meets all other
eligibility requirements. The migratory rule
applies only to varsity level competition and
does not affect eligibility for any other level of
competition.
Migratory Rule
The migratory rule DOES apply to Majority-to-
Minority or School of Choice transfer students
and to magnet students. (See Appendix F) A
student who transfers from a non-member
school to a member school where the parents
reside shall be eligible as soon as properly
certified, provided that:
1. The student was a bona fide enrolled student in
the ninth grade or above in his home high
school prior to attending the non-member
school, OR
2. The student has not yet established a home
school in grades 9-12 in his area of residence,
AND
3. It is the initial move of the student from the
non-member school to the member school of
his family's residence.
4. The student has not participated in any
unauthorized game or contest.
5. The student is listed on a properly certified
eligibility list. A Certificate of Eligibility (Form
A), which shows the eligibility status of the
student-athlete, must be on file in the
principal’s office prior to any participation.
6. The student has not participated in a non-
school sponsored athletic event coached
directly or indirectly by a coach of the high
school attended by the student during the
school year. A student loses eligibility to
participate in the corresponding GHSA school
sponsored athletic activity if the athlete has
participated in or practiced in a non-school
sponsored athletic activity or instructional
camp during the school year which was
coached, directly or indirectly, by the coach of
that school's athletic activity. This does not
prohibit individual instruction of a student by a
coach outside a team or competitive setting.
7. The student has not received an unauthorized
award. Only awards of no intrinsic value and
approved by GHSA may be accepted by a high
school student athlete because of participation
in school or non-school competition in a sport
recognized by GHSA.
13
To be eligible to participate and/or try-out for a
sport or activity, a student must be enrolled full
time in grades 9-12 inclusive at the school
seeking eligibility for that student.
1. Enrollment is defined as follows:
a. Fall Semester: when the student
participates in a practice or contest
before classes begin, or the student
attends classes.
b. Spring Semester: when the student
attends classes.
c. A student may be enrolled in only one (1)
high school at a time.
2. The student must be in regular attendance.
3. The student must be taking courses that total
at least 2.5 Carnegie Units that count toward
graduation.
4. All or part of the course load of a student may
be taken online through a virtual school as
long as the student’s grades are being kept at
the school in which the student is enrolled.
Grades from virtual school courses must be
on file at the school by the first day of the
new semester for the student to be eligible.
State Board Rules apply to grades 6
th
, 7
th
,
and 8
th
the previous semester must be used
to determine eligibility. Therefore, fall sport
eligibility is determined by the grades earned
for second semester after the previous year.
Example: The eligibility for middle school
football or cheerleading would be determined
by checking the grades from second semester of
the previous year. It should not be assumed
that because a child is in the next grade, they
are automatically eligible.
Age Requirements
To be eligible to participate in interscholastic
activities, a student must not have reached his
19th birthday (high school) or 15
th
birthday
(middle school) prior to May 1st, preceding his
year of participation. A student has eight (8)
consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive
years of eligibility from the date of entry into the
ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic
competition. Eligibility for middle school
basketball and cheerleading is also determined
by the grades for second semester of the
previous years.
Basketball starts at the end of October and
students must have passed five of seven courses
in the second semester of the previous year.
Grades for first semester need to be checked to
determine continued eligibility in second
semester sports (winter and spring sports).
Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day
of the new semester based on the credits earned
the 1st semester of the current year.
1. A student is not considered to have entered
the 9th grade when a 9th grade course is
taken if:
a. the student is regularly enrolled in a
member’s feeder school in a grade below
the ninth, AND
b. the course is taken as an advanced
course, AND
c. the principal of the school attended by
the student certifies to the GHSA that the
subject and course(s) meet the criteria
set forth above. Eighth grade
participation on high school JV teams
must meet the same requirements and
their transcripts must be checked by the
high school coach using the same criteria.
2. Credits earned toward high school
graduation which are taken below the ninth
grade may be used when considering high
school eligibility. Students enrolled in grade
8 in a middle school or junior high school
which is a feeder school to the member high
school may participate in spring football
practice. These students must be eighth
GHSA Eligibility Requirements
14
graders may only participate one year on an
athletic middle school athletic team as an
eighth grader. Seventh graders may
participate one year on middle school
athletic teams as a seventh grader.
Required Carnegie Unit Credits
Students must accumulate Carnegie units
towards graduation according to the following
criteria:
1. First-year students (entering 9
th
grade) are
eligible academically. Second semester first-
year students must have passed courses
carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units the
previous semester in order to participate.
Eight grade student must pass 5 out of 7 or 4
out of 6 academic courses to be academically
eligible.
2. Second-year students must have
accumulated five (5) total Carnegie units in
the first year AND passed courses carrying at
least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous
semester.
3. Third-year students must have accumulated
eleven (11) Carnegie units in the first and
second years AND passed courses carrying at
least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous
semester.
4. Fourth-year students must have accumulated
seventeen (17) Carnegie units in the first
three years AND passed courses carrying at
least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous
semester.
One Year Play Rule–On Track”
Students who meet all academic eligibility
requirements and meet the age requirement
may participate for one year in the 7th and one
year in the 8th grade in football, basketball,
track, and/or cheerleading. Under no
circumstances may a student who is retained in
either 7th or 8
th
grade be eligible to play a
second season while in the same grade.
1. Students may accumulate the required
Carnegie units for participation during the
school year and eligibility will be reinstated
at the beginning of the next semester.
2. Beginning with students starting 9
th
grade in
2008-09, third-year students must have
accumulated 11 Carnegie units in order to be
eligible and fourth-year students must have
accumulated 17 Carnegie units in order to be
eligible.
Ninth Grade Football/Basketball
Students entering the ninth grade for the first
time may participate on the 9th grade teams for
one year only. First year ninth graders will be
the only students eligible for participation on a
9th grade team. Ninth graders should follow the
same guidelines established by the GHSA
regarding eligibility.
Eligibility of Immigrant Students
The eligibility of immigrants shall be
determined as follows:
1. School officials shall evaluate and certify
proper grade placement based on testing
procedures and transcripts, when available.
2. The eight-semester rule will apply if the date
the student first entered ninth grade can be
determined based on records available; if the
date the student first entered ninth grade
cannot be determined, the number of years
of eligibility the student has remaining is
dependent upon the grade in which he or she
is placed.
3. From the entry date into the school, the
remaining eligibility applies:
15
a. Ninth grade placement results in four
years of eligibility from the date of entry
into the school.
b. Tenth grade placement results in three
years of eligibility from the date of entry
into the school.
c. Eleventh grade placement results in two
years of eligibility from the date of entry
into the school.
d. Twelfth grade placement results in one
year of eligibility from the date of entry
into the school. On the GHSA eligibility
form, the principal will certify the date
the student first entered the ninth grade
based upon the grade placement. For
example, if the student enters school and
is placed in the tenth grade, the student
date first entered the ninth grade will be
shown as the date for other students who
are at the tenth-grade level.
4. The principal will certify that the student
has accumulated Carnegie unit credits
toward graduation to conform to the grade
placement.
a. A student entering ninth grade shall
have credit for zero (0) units.
b. A student entering tenth grade shall
have credit for five (5) units.
c. A student entering eleventh grade
shall have credit for eleven (11) units.
d. A student entering twelfth grade shall
have credit for seventeen (17) units.
5. The student will be required to meet all
other eligibility requirements including the
following:
a. Pass courses carrying at least two
point five (2.5) Carnegie units the
semester preceding participation. If a
student attends summer school:
those credits are added to credits
earned for the second semester of that
year.
b. Take courses that total at least 2.5
Carnegie Units that count toward
graduation during the semester of
participation.
c. Be “On Track” with the class.
Students who have been retained are
not eligible the next year.
Transcripts for middle school students for the
last school year generally display nine grades
each semester. However, according to State
Board Rules the two exploratory courses, each
nine weeks in length, count as only one class.
Pass or fail is determined by averaging the two
numerical scores and applying that average to
the grading scale. Physical Education is also
divided into two nine-week segments and
should be averaged in the same manner.
Language Arts, Reading, Pre-Algebra, Science,
and Georgia History comprise the remaining
five courses and are 18 weeks in length. This
means that while the transcript may show 9
grades, for the semester, there are really only a
total of seven subjects each semester of which
five must be passed to be eligible.
Participation in Non-School Athletic
Competitions
Year-round athletes, such as swimmers, track
participants, and gymnasts who choose to be
members of the high school team must attend
practice each day that it is scheduled by the high
school team. They may attend practice either
with the high school team or with the non-
school team. It is not necessary for the
individual to practice with both teams. The high
school coach may require the non-school team
16
coach to certify that the student has attended
the non-school practice.
All high school team members, including year-
round swimmers, track participants, and
gymnasts must attend all scheduled meets. The
team member must be present for the entire
meet or contest and not just for those events in
which he/she participates. Any high school
team member who misses any portion of a
scheduled meet to participate in a non-school
athletic activity or competition will be dismissed
from the school team and will forfeit all awards
and recognitions in the specific sport for the
remainder of the sport season. In order for any
year-round athlete to represent his/her school
in the GHSA sponsored high school state swim
meet, the DeKalb County Swim Meet, or any
invitational swim meet, he/she must be a
member of the high school team during the
regular season and must be in good standing.
Specialty School Policy
Consistent with GHSA By-Laws Section 1.62(n),
students enrolled full-time at DeKalb Early
College Academy (DECA) or DeKalb School of
the Arts (DSA), all of which meet the United
States Department of Education’s definition of a
“magnet school,” may
participate in GHSA
extracurricular activities at
the school they would
ordinarily attend according
to DeKalb County Board of
Education attendance policy
(the “home school”) under
the policy conditions. See
BOE Policy IDE (1) for more
information.
Vocational-Technical School/Joint
Enrollment
A student attending a vocational-technical
school, or a college (institution of higher
learning) will be eligible to participate in a high
school athletic program representing the high
school in which the student is enrolled, provided
the student meets all other eligibility
requirements, and:
1. The student is carried on the attendance
register of the parent high school and that
the parent high school receives state funds
for the student's attendance.
2. The student is carrying work in the school
which he/she is attending equivalent to five
courses and is passing five. A student that is
in a state-approved joint enrollment plan
must earn 2.5 Carnegie Units and meet the
"on track" requirement for high school
credit.
3. The student is given credit by the parent
high school for work done.
4. The student is not, and has not, participated
in athletics and/or activities in the
vocational-technical school, alternative
school, or college.
Magnet Schools
Students attending DeKalb County School
District Magnet Programs on a part-time basis
will retain eligibility at the home school
provided such students are enrolled in and
regularly attend at least two classes at the parent
school. The various magnet programs are part of
the DeKalb School District. Students who
participate in a Magnet Program must
attend the school where the program is
housed as determined by the DeKalb
County Board of Education. However,
students who are transferred to a school
housing a magnet program now are
considered migratory students under the
GHSA rules.
Competitive Athletics Policy (Magnet
Schools)
Parents may request permission for their child
to participate in the sports program at his/her
HOME school because she/he attends a school
WITHOUT a sports program. The parent will
provide transportation to any practices and/or
competitions held at the school and the district
will not be responsible for transporting the
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student back to his/her current school. Students
must meet all athletic eligibility requirements of
the Georgia High School Association, DeKalb
County School District and the School. An
application must be submitted to the
Department of Athletics.
Disabled Students
Disabled students are afforded an opportunity
to participate in co-curricular activities. A
student attending a special education center
may participate in co-curricular activities at
his/her home school if all eligibility
requirements are met.
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Schedule for Practice Dates and for
Athletic Events
The earliest date for practice for a respective
sport, the first day of competition, and the
maximum number of contests in each sport are
regulated by the GHSA. Refer to “Activity in
Season Dates" in the GHSA’s Constitution table
of contents for this very important information.
The middle school program is held to the same
“start date” requirements as the high school
program.
Sunday Practice and/or Team Meetings
So that school activities will not interfere with
family activities, under usual conditions, team
meetings and/or practices are not to be
conducted on Sunday. An exception may be
made when a team is in post season competition
and has a scheduled game on Monday. The
exception must be approved in advance by the
principal and by the Executive Director of
Athletics.
When building a schedule, consideration is
always given to:
1. Safety of athletes and spectators
2. Neighborhood rivals
3. Integrated experiences
4. Economics
5. Relative strengths
Varsity Schedules
The first consideration is given to scheduling
contests which are needed for region play.
Additional games are scheduled through the
Athletic Department of the DeKalb County
Schools. When possible, these additional games
are scheduled against other DeKalb schools. If
contests cannot be scheduled within the county,
opponents within the metropolitan Atlanta area
are selected. Contests are scheduled with
schools outside the metropolitan area only as a
last resort.
Non-Varsity Schedule
The Athletic Department, in consultation with
the principal, shall have the responsibility for
scheduling eighth grade and Junior Varsity
(J.V.) contests in the various sports. J.V. may
not play more than 70% of the number of
regularly scheduled games played by the varsity
in any sport. Eighth graders are limited to 60%
of the number of varsity games.
Eighth Grade Schedules
Competitive interscholastic activities and
practice sessions on a day preceding a school
day, which involves eighth graders must end no
later than four hours after the close of the home
team’s school day, which in most cases will be
8:00 p.m. When eighth grade basketball games
are played on Wednesday, equal time should be
allotted for the girl’s game and the boy’s game
with the boy’s game beginning ten minutes after
the end of the girl’s game. If necessary, the girls’
game may have to be cut short in order to have
equal time.
Game Cancellation Policy
Coaches may NOT cancel games/matches
without approval from the Department of
Athletics and the principal (See Appendix R).
Once a game/match is scheduled and a system-
wide schedule is completed, no additional
games/matches may be added to the schedule.
The date and the location for competition in
regional stadiums are determined by the
Athletic Department with input from the
principals. Stadium sites may change from year
to year. Coaches are responsible for meeting
obligations to attend meetings, make and
submit schedules, protect inventory and meet
schedule obligations. Failure to meet these
responsibilities may lead to negative
adjustments of the supplement salary or
termination.
Scheduling
19
Tournaments, Invitational Meets,
and/or Relay Meets
1. Requests to host a tournament or
invitational meet must be submitted in
writing and approved by Athletics.
2. All requests must include a complete format
including the entrants for the tournament or
invitational meet.
3. The host school will have total responsibility
for all financial costs incurred. Ticket
revenues above expenses will be deposited in
the school account. After all expenses are
paid, the school may keep profits. The
Department of Athletics will assume no
financial responsibility for the event.
4. Financial reports of approved invitational
tournaments/meets will be directed to the
Executive Director of Athletics. These
reports will utilize system forms that include
tickets, ticket sales reports, extra activity
payroll reports (non-security or security),
and appropriate employment forms such as
1099's (IRS). Non-DeKalb employees will be
paid by a school check. All DeKalb County
employees must be paid through Extra
Activity payroll.
5. Requests to host an area, regional, or state
tournaments must be reviewed by the
Executive Director of Athletics prior to
submitting the request to the GHSA.
6. Work orders requesting that athletic
equipment, such as wrestling mats, be
moved from one school to another are to be
sent directly to the Executive Director of
Athletics. He/She will approve and forward
the request to the Service Center.
7. The work order must state when the mat is
to be moved from your school, the school to
where it is to be moved, and the date the mat
is to be returned. When it is necessary for
wrestling mats to be moved, they must be
rolled and placed near the gymnasium door
before the workers from the Service Center
are scheduled to arrive to move the mats.
The school’s Athletic Office will coordinate
this procedure so that mats can be moved in
a timely fashion without the loss of valuable
employee's work time. Request for
equipment removal should be sent to the
Executive Director of Athletics at least ten
days in advance of the move.
Middle School Playoffs
1. After the regular season, the top team in
each division will compete in one playoff
game.
2. Regular season records will determine the
teams in the playoffs.
3. If any tie breakers exist, the tie will be broken
by the Athletic Department.
JV Tournaments
1. After the regular season, the top team in
each division for certain sports will compete
in a JV tournaments game.
2. Regular season records will determine the
teams in the playoffs.
3. If any tie breakers exist, the tie will be broken
by the Athletic Department.
4. Students who participate in more than 5
varsity basketball games will not be eligible
to participate in the JV tournament.
Forfeiture and Restitution Policy
If a school fails to show up for a game or cancels
a game within four (4) hours of the scheduled
starting time without an emergency condition or
weather-related conditions, that school shall
pay a forfeiture fee to the host school equivalent
to the cost of the officials. Additionally, the
school must make payment to the Department
of Athletics to cover cost for the
stadium/gymnasium staff and the cost of School
Resources Officers scheduled to work the event.
NOTE: If the host school is the violating team,
the fee will be paid directly to the official’s
association. The host school shall reimburse the
visiting team(s) for mileage incurred by the
visiting team(s) when this by-law is violated by
the host team).
(4) If a school fails to show up for a game or
cancels within four (4) hours of the scheduled
game time without emergency reasons or
20
weather-related reasons for a second time, that
school must make restitution again and must
show cause to the GHSA Executive Director as
to why they should not be placed on probation
by the GHSA.
Cancellation/Postponement of
Event/Inclement Weather
If it is necessary to postpone or cancel an
athletic event due to inclement weather, the
following guidelines should be followed:
1. Athletic events scheduled for the area
stadiums can only be canceled or postponed
by the Athletic Department. Events to be
held on the school campus may be
postponed or canceled when appropriate by
the host school principal after consultation
with the appropriate person from the
opposing school. When any event scheduled
to be played on the school campus is canceled or
postponed, the Athletic Department, bus drivers
and officials must be notified as soon as
possible. Failure to notify bus drivers or officials
may result in a fine. Safety is the most important
consideration. No outdoor contest or practice
may continue if lightning is present. If rain
occurs without lightning, a delay may occur.
2. Within reason and sound judgment, every
effort should be made to complete the
contest.
3. If inclement weather causes cancellation of
an event, every effort will be made to
reschedule the event.
4. When an event needs to be rescheduled,
varsity teams will have priority.
21
Selection of Coaches
Supplemented Coach- The number of
supplemented coaches for each sport is
regulated by Board of Education policy. At the
beginning of each school year, the principal will
complete a supplement form listing all
supplemented coaches and submit it to the
Human Resources, a copy of this form should
also be sent to the Executive Director of
Athletics.
Head Coach- To function as a head coach or
assistant coach in the DeKalb County School
District, a person must:
1. Be a certified professional and be employed
full time by the Board of Education, or
2. Be a retired teacher or supervising less than
one half time, or
3. Attend the GHSA Rule Interpretation Clinic
in their sport annually, and “Transportation
Permission Forms.”
4. All coaches must complete the required
Sports Safety, CPR and First Aid courses.
5. All head coaches, middle and high school,
must be certified teachers.
If any coach, volunteer, or supplemented
person, is not a member of the staff of the school
where he/she is to coach, the principal of the
school where the coach works during the regular
school day must express approval of the
coaching duties in writing to the receiving
principal.
Note: A paraprofessional must meet the same
requirements as those that are set forth for Lay
or Community Coaches.
Paid football coaches will be employed
according to the number of teams sponsored by
a high school (varsity, junior varsity, middle
school). Any exception to this formula for
assigning coaches must be approved by the
Executive Director of Athletics.
3 teams located on two campuses - 8 coaches.
3 teams located on one campus - 7 coaches.
2 teams located on two campuses - 6 coaches.
2 teams located on one campus - 5 coaches.
Community Coach
Community coaches can only be used as
assistant coaches. community coaches who wish
to coach as volunteers or for pay are to apply
directly with the principal of the respective
school. (See Appendix M)
Any individual from the community wishing to
serve as a community coach or as a volunteer
must contact the Department of Human
Resources. An application for employment must
be completed and references checked prior to
authorization. (See Appendix N)
Below are the rules and regulations that apply to
community coaches:
Selection and Placement of Coaches
22
1. All community coaches must have a
minimum of a high school diploma.
2. Community coaches cannot serve in the
capacity of a head coach for any varsity
sport.
3. Must hold a certificate from the GHSA
Community Coaching class (NFICEP) which
certifies that person to serve as a community
coach.
4. All community coaches paid or unpaid must
apply and pass a criminal background check
and complete the GHSA Community
Coaching class. Again, all community/lay
coaches must pass a criminal background
check and complete the GHSA Community
Coaching classes. Community coaches who
are paid through the district must complete
the employment process through Human
Resources.
5. Volunteer coaches MUST complete the same
process as paid community coaches.
Volunteer coaches are permitted but only
with the approval of the local principal. The
principal must inform the Executive
Director of Athletics in writing of the names
of all volunteer coaches for each sport. If any
coach, volunteer or supplemented, is not a
member of the staff at the school where the
coaching assignment exists, the principal of
the home school where the coach works
during the regular school day must express
approval of the coaching duties in writing to
the principal where the coaching assignment
exists.
Middle School Community Coach Alternative
Route Requirements:
The following items must be in place before a person
can coach:
• Criminal Background check required
• Valid Certificate in First Aid and CPR
required
• High School Diploma/GED equivalent or
undergraduate degree required
• Two references (one must be a former or
current supervisor)
• Instead of the GHSA Community Coaching
Certificate, the person can:
Complete and submit certificates for
the following NFHS clinics:
• Fundamentals of Coaching
($35)
• Protecting Students from
Abuse (Free)
• Concussion in Sports (Free)
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
(Free)
• First Aid, Health, and Safety
($35)
Note: Middle school community coaches who use
the alternative certification route are not
compensated (will need to sign volunteer
agreement)
Note: The Middle School Community Coach
Alternative Route will not be accepted as
certification for a high school volunteer or
Community Coach candidate
Link for classes:
https://nfhslearn.com/
Coaching Supplement
A coaching supplement is paid for the entire
sports season. If a coach does not complete the
season or, if for any reason, the team does not
compete for the entire season, including county
and region meets or contests, the coach's
supplement will be prorated. New coaches will
be paid during the season of the sport coached.
Supplements are set by the Division of Human
Resources. For Head Coach Duties and
Responsibilities (See ATTACHMENT I).
Transfers
Any coach that has met the normal transfer
policy will be allowed to transfer to any school if
requested by the principal. The policy requires
23
two years at the same school and satisfactory
evaluations.
Reassignments
A coach can move from one school to another
with less than 3 years of experience if requested
by the principal and if it is a promotion, i.e.,
increase in supplement. If a coach is teaching at
one school and coaching at another, the coach
should be considered for reassignment to the
school where he/she coaches if there is an
opening in the coach's teaching field and the
principal requests the coach.
Itinerant Coaches
If a coach is teaching at one school and coaching
at another due to the lack of coaching openings
at the home school and a coaching opening
becomes available at the home school, the coach
has to coach at the home school if the coaching
level is the same or higher if requested by the
principal. If the coach is teaching at a middle
school, the home school will be considered the
middle school as well as the senior high school
that draws from the middle school. All coaches
who want to coach at other schools must do so
with the approval of the home school principal.
Principals using coaches from other schools
should get approval from the coach's home
school principal.
Coaching Fines by GHSA
A Principal may at his or her discretion require
a Coach to assume financial responsibility for
any GHSA fines related to the Coach’s team,
misconduct, or failure to comply with GHSA
requirements and rules. If the Principal elects
to require a Coach to assume responsibility for
GHSA fines, the Coach should be notified in
writing of this requirement and sign a form
indicating that s/he is aware of this requirement
before the coaching season starts.
Team Travel Expenses
All travel expenses for post-season competition
must be approved by the Executive Director of
Athletics in advance. Travel reimbursement
forms must be submitted within ten calendar
days after the event. (See Appendix J)
Overnight Stays
All regular season, non-region games in which
the school desires to stay overnight shall be the
full responsibility of the school. The
Department of Athletics will cover
overnight hotel cost for students who compete
in state playoff competitions that require 2 or
more consecutive days of competition AND is
more than 3 hours from the school. Any
overnight stay that does not meet these
conditions will be the full responsibility of the
school. Prior approval must be received by the
Department of Athletics.
Meals
Meals will be provided for post season contests
when appropriate at the rate listed below. Each
case will be evaluated on an individual basis
considering the amount of time required for the
trip. When meals are provided, the number of
participants funded will be limited to the
number of uniforms provided by the
Department of Athletics for the team.
24
Managers, trainers, etc. will be limited to 4 for
football and limited to 2 for any other sports.
The cost for additional persons will be the
responsibility of the local school. Meals will not
be provided for the marching bands. This is the
responsibility of the band booster club. Meals
will not be provided by the Department of
Athletics for regular season contests in any
sport. Reimbursement for approved meals is:
breakfast - $5.00; lunch - $7.00; dinner $8.00.
The meal money will be advanced through the
local school’s general fund. The principal will
include the meal reimbursement request with
appropriate documentation on the Travel
Reimbursement Form.
Transportation-Buses
School buses will be approved according to the
formula listed in this handbook. For trips over
75 miles one-way, additional school buses above
the regular allotment may be approved to
provide a reasonable comfort level for the
coaches and students. If charter buses are used,
all expenditures above the usual cost for school
buses will be the responsibility of the local
school. Each case will be reviewed individually.
Buses will be provided for all school activities.
Transportation- Regular Season Events
The Director of Transportation is responsible
for the assignment of buses and bus drivers
when the school requests them for athletic
events. All regular season region games will be
covered by the Department of Transportation.
Schools should log the trip into the
TripTracker system as soon as foreseeable.
A principal has the discretion to request two
buses when needed. Generally, this will apply to
those games that require a considerable
distance to be traveled. This does not mean that
a principal cannot request two buses when
needed for an in-county contest. Using safety as
the factor, the principal will make that decision.
The indiscriminate scheduling of two (2) buses
for every basketball contest will cause a serious
financial drain. The principal is responsible for
seeing that the athletic teams and the band are
restricted to the correct number of buses.
Bus Utilization Guidelines – Football
Number of players in uniform:
• up to 40 - one regular bus (65 pass.)
• 41 to 80 - two regular buses (65 pass.)
• 81 to 120 - three regular buses (65 pass.)
Plus - one bus for cheerleaders
Bus Utilization Guidelines - Band
Two adult chaperones per bus are authorized to
ride and to be admitted free of charge to the
football game. Students who are not members of
the band or the corps are not permitted to ride
the bus or to be admitted free of charge to the
game. The principal or administrator on duty
and the band director are responsible for seeing
that this rule is enforced.
Bus Chaperones must have a ticket.
Bus Utilization Guidelines - All Other Sports
One bus for each team. In basketball, the boys'
team, girls' team, and cheerleaders will travel on
the same bus. In cross country and swimming,
the boys' team and girls' team will travel on the
same bus.
Transportation to Tournaments and
Non-Region Games (Basketball)
All regular season, non-region games in which
a school must travel 75 miles or more beyond
the metropolitan area, is the school’s
responsibility to assume the cost of
transportation, 100%.
25
Additionally, the cost to travel to any
invitational tournaments outside of the DeKalb
County School District is the responsibility of
the participating school, 100%.
Schools should log the trip into the
TRIPTRACKER system as soon as possible. If
the trip is beyond 100 miles, schools must select
transportation from the approved commercial
carrier list provided by the Department of
Transportation. A parent may elect to transport
his/her child ONLY in the event a desired mode
of transportation cannot be secured.
Transportation to Post Season
Tournaments
All regional/area playoffs and games leading to
a state championship will be covered by the
Department of Transportation. Schools should
log the trip into the EDULOG system as soon as
possible. A commercial carrier may be approved
if a school bus is not available to transport the
students. A parent may elect to transport
his/her child ONLY in the event a desired mode
of transportation cannot be secured.
Once again, the school district will provide
transportation to all post season region and
state and playoff/ tournaments. It is at the sole
discretion of the Department of Transportation
to determine whether a commercial carrier or
school passenger bus will be utilized. If the
school insists on using an unauthorized carrier,
the school will incur 100% of the cost.
Professional Leave for Team Travel for
Coaches
When it is necessary for a coach to be absent
from school to accompany team members for
post-season competition, a request for
professional leave should be sent directly to the
Executive Director of Athletics. Professional
leave for coaches will not be approved for
regular season competition. (See Appendix K)
Cheerleaders
There will be cheerleading squads for football
and for basketball. A student is eligible for
membership on both the football and the
basketball squads. One cheerleading squad may
be selected to cheer during the football and
basketball seasons, or a separate squad may be
selected to serve for football and a separate team
for basketball. Tryouts for varsity and junior
varsity football and basketball will be conducted
in the spring. Middle School tryouts will be held
at the beginning of each school year. Tryouts
cannot conflict with any other sport in season.
Students must meet all the academic and
athletic eligibility requirements for tryouts. All
interested students must tryout including the
previous year's team members.
GHSA Regulations
1. All rules and regulations as stated in the
National Federation Spirit Rulebook are
adopted for the Georgia High School
Association schools.
2. Cheerleaders must meet all athletic
eligibility requirements. No additional
requirements may be added.
3. Cheerleaders may compete in GHSA
sanctioned meets but not in competition
leading to sectional or national
championships.
4. Cheerleaders at basketball games shall be
restricted from the area of the end line
boundary during the time a game is in
progress. No artificial noisemakers
(including megaphones) shall be allowed in
the gym during basketball games. During
regular season basketball games, school
26
bands may not play while the ball is in play.
Enforcement of this rule is the responsibility
of the principal of the home school.
Emergency Procedures for Athletic
Practice Sessions and Athletic Contests
In each sport at all levels, coaches must have a
preseason meeting with the parents. Parents
should be contacted by mail to ensure their
attendance. At this meeting, the coach will have
the emergency medical cards completed, (See
Appendix H) distribute schedules, and cover all
procedures necessary to ensure a safe,
cooperative, and successful season.
The student may not practice until the medical
card is completed and returned. The medical
cards must be available to the coach at all
practices and contests. It is recommended they
be kept in the medical kit. A communication
link is essential at practice and all competitions.
A cellular telephone is the ideal link, but the
two-way radio could be used at the local schools.
Each stadium is equipped with telephones that
are available for use by the coaches.
At all away contests, bus drivers are to remain at
the site. In case of an injury, the bus driver has
a radio and could be of assistance in contacting
emergency help. The Department of Athletics
has purchased First Aid kits, a blanket, and a
stretcher for each school. Each school has first
aid supplies. The coach is responsible for having
these supplies available at each practice and at
each contest. In addition to the standard first
aid supplies, a blanket should be included to
prevent shock from occurring, and ice should
always be readily available.
Student Injury
In the event a student is injured on school
grounds or at athletic contests and requires the
services of the physician, the following
procedure should be followed:
Emergency Management Procedures & Supervision
27
1. When clear and present danger exists for any
athlete, 911 should be contacted
immediately.
2. Call the emergency numbers listed for the
parents on the medical cards.
3. If necessary, follow the parental instructions
on transporting the student. The parent will
make the decision regarding transportation
of the student and the physician or hospital
to be used. EMT will make the decision if
parents cannot be reached.
4. The coach should contact the principal as
soon as possible, and no later than the
following morning. The coach should
complete a serious incident report.
5. The coach should make every attempt to
follow-up with the injured athlete.
Extreme Heat and Precautions
These precautions must be followed carefully
due to the high temperatures currently being
experienced and the danger these temperatures
present to student athletes.
1. Have fluids (water or Power Aid and ice) on
hand and easily accessible during all
practices.
2. Take frequent fluid and rest breaks.
3. Schedule practices in the coolest part of the
day - early morning or late afternoon.
4. In the case of severe thunderstorms, move
the students into the building when lighting
is first noticed. Do not wait until the storm is
breaking to move inside.
5. Be sure you have the first aid kits and
emergency cards at each practice. It is also
important to have some means of
communication at every practice (walkie
talkie, cellular telephone, etc.)
6. Be prepared to cancel practice or modify the
practice schedule when extreme
temperatures exist.
7. Remove helmets and pads when not
scrimmaging.
8. Do not use salt tablets.
9. Be attentive to heat illness and dehydration
symptoms in players and treat them
appropriately.
10. Encourage players to drink fluids in the
hours before practice (no soft drinks or
beverages containing caffeine).
Heat-Related Illnesses
During the early stages of heat-related illnesses,
the athlete may experience cool, moist, pale,
ashy or flushed skin. Often there are complaints
of headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness,
exhaustion, and heavy sweating. During the late
states of the onset of heat-related illnesses, the
athlete’s skin tone may change, (for example it
may appear red in some athletes). The skin may
feel hot and dry, and the athlete may experience
changes in level of consciousness. It is not
uncommon for the athlete to experience
vomiting.
Suggested Care for Athletes with Heat-
Related Illnesses
1. Move athlete to a cool place. Offer a drink of
cool water as soon as possible.
2. Loosen tight clothing.
3. Remove wet clothing. Cover with a blanket
or appropriate covering.
4. Cool down the athlete by fanning him/her. If
the athlete refuses water, vomits or starts to
lose consciousness:
a. Call 911 immediately.
b. Place athlete on his/her side.
28
c. Cool with ice or cold packs on wrists,
ankles, groin, neck and armpits.
d. Monitor breathing and pulse carefully.
e. If choking -check airway for obstruction.
Guidelines for Preventing Dehydration
Dehydrated athletes do not perform well. Fluid
loss through sweating directly impacts strength,
endurance, power, and cognitive abilities.
Excessive fluid loss may cause an athlete to feel
fatigued, weak, irritable, nauseous, dizzy, and
even disoriented. Dehydration occurs when
athletes fail to drink enough liquids to replace
fluids lost through perspiration or urine output.
Other causes include:
1. Inadequate fluid intake.
2. Profuse sweating.
3. Reduced electrolyte intake, such as
potassium found in some foods (e.g., fruit)
and fluids.
4. Injection of hypertonic solutions, such as
intravenous solutions while under medical
care.
5. Ingestion of diuretic substances (e.g., salt,
caffeine).
If the precautions listed below are followed, the
student athlete runs fewer risks of becoming
dehydrated.
1. The athlete should drink two cups of fluid
two to three hours before a workout or
competition.
2. One hour before a workout or competition,
the athlete should drink one cup of fluid.
3. 15 minutes before a workout or competition;
drink ½ cup of fluid.
4. Before a workout or competition, the athlete
should be weighed.
5. Every 10 to 20 minutes during a workout or
competition, provide _ cup of fluid.
6. After a workout or competition: Weigh each
athlete and have the athlete drink two cups
of fluid for every pound of weight lost.
Guidelines for Re-hydration
1. The athlete should drink large amounts of
cool fluid at one time.
2. The athlete should drink cool fluids, such
as water.
3. The athlete should drink (4) 8-ounce
glasses of fluid per 1000 calories
expended.
4. The athlete should not drink soft drinks
containing caffeine.
(See Heat Protocol Appendix S)
Guidelines for the Prevention of Serious
Infectious Disease
Injuries that result in the presence of blood are
most likely to occur in physical education
classes, athletic practice sessions, and athletic
contests. The proper handling of situations in
which blood is present will greatly reduce the
possibility of any transmission of a blood-borne
pathogen such as Hepatitis B or HIV, if the
individual who is bleeding has such a disease.
Therefore, it is extremely important that
teachers, coaches, officials, and student athletes
observe the following precautions and be
cognizant that any time there is blood present
that it be treated with respect regarding its
ability to transmit infectious disease:
1. Before competing, a student-athlete should
cover any open wound on his body. This will
reduce the risk of transmission of a blood-
29
borne pathogen from the open wound or
mucous membrane of another person or
vice versa.
2. Student-athletes should render first aid to
themselves and cover their own wound(s)
whenever possible. Again, this reduces the
risk of transmission of a blood-borne
pathogen from one person to another.
3. When rendering first aid to others, an
individual should wear protective gloves
(such as rubber surgical gloves) any time
blood, open wounds or mucous membranes
are involved. The individual should wear
clean gloves for each student-athlete
treated or when treating the same student-
athlete more than once.
4. Individuals who have someone else's blood
on their skin should wear protective gloves
and wipe the blood off with a disposable
towel using a disinfectant such as isopropyl
alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Note: If blood gets on an opponent's uniform
during competition or a teammate's uniform
during practice, it is not necessary to clean the
uniform at that point unless:
a. The opponent or teammate has an open
cut on his or her body; or if,
b. The blood of the opponent or teammate is
on a part of the uniform that might
encounter the student athlete’s mucous
membranes. If the student athlete does
have an open cut or believes the blood
might encounter one of his or her mucous
membranes, then the uniform should be
wiped with a disinfectant such as
isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
c. If a student athlete begins to bleed during
practice or competition, play should be
stopped. The student athlete, who’s
injured, should be removed and any
potentially contaminated surfaces such as
the wood surface of the basketball court,
or the wrestling mat should be cleaned
using a disinfectant solution of household
bleach and water. The recommended
mixture is 10 parts waters to one-part
bleach. (Example: One and one-half cups
bleach to one gallon of water). The
surfaces should then be rinsed with clean
water to avoid participants getting the
disinfectant in their eyes. The individual
doing the cleanup should wear protective
gloves.
5. Student athletes, who are removed from an
athletic practice or contest due to bleeding,
should have their bleeding stopped and any
wound covered before they are allowed to
return to competition. If bleeding resumes,
the practice or contest should be stopped
again, and any potentially contaminated
surfaces should be cleaned. It is up to the
discretion of the official in charge of the
competition, i.e., referees in football and
basketball, home plate umpires in baseball,
etc. as to how often competitions should be
stopped due to a student athlete's bleeding.
The official will determine whether the
student athlete is disqualified from further
participation in that contest.
6. Individuals who have treated an injury
where blood is present or have cleaned a
potentially contaminated surface should
wash their hands with soap and hot water
whether or not protective gloves are worn.
Physicians and Trainers
The home team is responsible for providing a
physician at each football game. When a home
team's physician cannot attend a game, the
principal should determine if the visiting
school's physician will cover the game. If a
physician is not available to cover a football
game, contact the football coordinator in the
Department of Athletics for assistance. A
certified athletic trainer will be provided for all
varsity football games played in DeKalb
stadiums. If at a football game the physician
feels that a player should be sent to the hospital,
an ambulance is to be requested.
There is a telephone at each team's bench that
connects with the press box. The coach on the
30
field should ask that person(s) handling the
press box telephone to call an ambulance. If the
physician feels that a student should be taken to
the hospital, but an ambulance is not necessary,
he/she may be transported by car. Where clear
and present danger exists for the athlete, the
principal or his/her designee should
immediately call 911.
The Department of Athletics will provide one
certified athletic trainer for each varsity football
game.
Supervision of Athletic Events
The home school is responsible for providing
primary administrative supervision for all
athletic contests. In the case of events held at the
stadiums or other sites, the designated home
school has responsibility for supervision. This
procedure applies to all 8th grade, junior varsity
and varsity sports. Varsity football and varsity
basketball games should have administrative
coverage from both schools. This includes
holiday tournaments.
Athletic contests at any level or in any sport
where you feel a problem could occur should
have administrative coverage by both schools.
Some examples of these types of problems
include, but are not limited to, an intense rivalry
with a school, previous problems that have
occurred with the other school, problems that
exist between parents and a coach, or other
events or community problems that have or are
occurring that might spill into the game. In
addition to administrative coverage, please
communicate your concern to the other school
principal and make necessary adjustments for
safety to include increased security and
administrative presence. It will be much easier
to be proactive and prepared for potential
problems than to deal with the aftermath. All
Schools should have administrative
representation at county, region, and state
athletic events.
Procedures for Athletic Supervision
1. For athletic contests held in stadiums,
coaches should introduce themselves to the
stadium manager and identify where they
will sit.
2. If visiting a school, coaches should identify
themselves to the gym manager,
administration, and police officer on duty.
Assist, as needed, if a problem occurs at the
event.
3. Administrative coverage needs to be provided
for the entire athletic contest. Coaches should
stress to their administrative teams the need
to be on time.
4. Be ever vigilant for problems and be involved
as necessary.
5. It is recommended that coaches consider
teaming administrators for coverage. Teams
will allow all administrators’ coverage free
weeks and weekends.
Security
Adequate security personnel must be provided
for athletic events. The Department of Athletics
will handle security arrangements for the
stadium events. When necessary, the principal
is responsible for securing personnel for events
held in the gymnasium and on the campus. The
number of security officers approved for athletic
events are:
1. After Varsity Football games - one officer up
to three hours to supervise the students
when they return to the school after the
football game.
2. Varsity Basketball - two officers up to three
hours each.
3. All other events held in gymnasium - one
officer up to three hours.
Security is not provided by Athletics for other
school events such as PTA, parent-teacher
conference night, etc. If the principal believes
that additional security is needed for athletic
events, the principal must request approval
from the Executive Director of Athletics in
advance.
31
Off-Duty Police Officers
The new procedure for payment of off-duty
police officers for athletic event security is as
follows:
1. A Pink Athletic Services-Non-DeKalb
Employees Security Services form is
completed by the school and signed by the
principal and sent to the Athletic
Department for payment. Do not send the
form to payroll.
2. The school collects a completed W-9 and ICA
agreement from the officer and sends it to
the Athletic Department. (The W-9,
Affidavit, Immigration & Security forms and
ICA that is good for one year). The pay rate
will be set by the Department of Athletics.
School Resource Officers
Some schools choose to use the School Resource
Officer in addition to off-duty police officers to
provide security for basketball games. If a coach
chooses to use the School Resource Officer
(SRO) the following procedures must be
followed.
1. Payroll can only be turned in for the SRO on
the green colored form titled Extra Activity
Payroll Report –Security (School Resource
Officer).
2. The contracted agreed upon rate is $50.00
per hour.
3. In the event of a game cancellation, where
teams fail to show up for competition
without prior notification, officers will
receive a maximum of 2 hours pay.
4. This payroll form must be signed by the
principal and sent to the Athletic
Department. Do not send the green form to
Payroll!
5. Please remember that this is for athletic
event security with up to three hours of
security approved.
6. No school check is to be written to the SRO.
The SRO will be paid for working game
security by the regular payroll paycheck.
7. A school cannot schedule an SRO to escort
the team to a game. Prior authorization is
required from the Department of Athletics
for any school requesting a police escort.
Additionally, the school may incur a portion
of the cost to escort the team.
32
The operational program is financed with
revenue derived from the sale of tickets,
concessions, and broadcasts. The Executive
Director of Athletics is responsible for the
allocation of equipment and services to each
school in accordance with budgetary limitation
and need.
Budget
The budget for the athletic program is
incorporated in the general budget for the
DeKalb School District and is reviewed and
adopted according to policy.
Audits
The Director of Finance makes periodic audits
and examinations of the athletic fund account at
the countywide and local school levels. He/She
prepares periodic financial reports on the
athletic fund account. The athletic fund account
is audited annually by the State of Georgia
Department of Audits.
Revenue
The Directors of Athletics and Finance
supervise the sale of tickets at athletic events
and the sale of concessions at the regional
stadiums. They designate a stadium manager
who is directly responsible for ticket sales at the
gate. The principal of the school is responsible
for most ticket sales for athletic events taking
place on the athletic field and in the gymnasium
at the school with the exception of a few. The
principal prepares athletic funds for pick up by
the armored car service using official
documents and finance codes. Sub-regional,
regional, and sectional games and tournaments
in which high schools from other systems are
involved are conducted in accordance with the
policies of the Georgia High School Association.
Admission to Games (Costs)
A scale of prices for the admission to athletic
events is recommended each year by the
Director of Finance and the Executive Director
of Athletics to the Superintendent for approval.
Each school district employee is issued a pass
that admits the employee to athletic events
sponsored by the DeKalb Board of Education
without charge. The Executive Director of
Athletics, with the approval of the
Superintendent, has the authority to issue
passes. The GHSA playoff contests, sub-region,
region, and area are played under the
regulations of the GHSA and prohibits the use
of DeKalb County Board of Education season
complimentary passes for these events. All
students and other patrons are to pay admission
for athletic events except for the following cases:
1. Team members and cheerleaders who are in
uniform and are participants in the scheduled
activity are admitted free of charge. Junior
Varsity players are required to pay for varsity
games and varsity players are required to
pay for Junior Varsity games. Only
participants in the respective event are to be
admitted free.
2. Team managers, statisticians, etc. are
admitted free of charge. Limit of two per team
unless the principal personally sees the need
for and authorizes additional managers,
statisticians, etc. Athletic events scheduled in
the school gymnasium are held under the
supervision of the school principal. It is the
principal's responsibility to see that the
policies stated above are followed.
Immediately after each athletic event held at
the school, the ticket report, deposit report,
and payroll forms are to be sent to the
Department of Athletics.
Financial, Accounting & Fund-Raising Procedures
33
Price Scale for Admission Tickets
All tickets will be sold via GOFAN. Patrons may
purchase tickets by logging on to
https://gofan.co/search
Senior Citizen, age 65 and older with
identification, will be admitted for the price of a
student ticket.
1. Football – Varsity
Adults $7.00
Students & Seniors $5.00
2. Basketball- Varsity, JV, & MS
General Admission $5.00
3. Cross Country- Varsity & JV
General Admission $5.00
4. All Other Paid Athletic Events
General Admission $5.00
NOTE: GHSA sets the price for all playoff and
state tournament games.
(JV Football, MS Football, Varsity, JV, & MS
Basketball, Varsity & JV Soccer, MS Track, MS
Competitive Cheerleading, County
Tournaments (Price is Per Session)
To purchase a student ticket at the stadium, it
will be necessary to present the student picture
I.D., if requested. Only student participants who
are dressed out will be admitted free of charge
Athletic Revenue Share Policy
Any revenue recognized from the GHSA Playoff
will be shared with the participating school at
the predetermined Revenue Share Percentages.
1
st
Round Playoff – 33%
2
nd
Round Playoff – 33%
3
rd
Round Playoff – 50%
4th Round Playoff – 65%
Championship – 80%
The Principals and Coaches will determine how
the funds should be used.
Concessions
The concessions at each stadium are operated
by a concession manager who is directly
responsible to the Executive Director of
Athletics. The concession manager is
responsible for the employment and
supervision of the necessary personnel to
operate the concessions and shall compensate
these employees. Revenue derived from the sale
of tickets and concessions in the regional
stadiums is deposited to the athletic program
account. Funds in this account are
administered, supervised, and disbursed by the
Executive Director of Athletics in accordance
with established policy.
Proceeds from Programs
The principal of the home team school is
responsible for the preparation and sale of
programs at athletic events. When a school-
affiliated organization is granted permission to
sell the programs, the net proceeds shall be
prorated according to prior written agreement
between the principal and the constituted
officials of the school-affiliated organization.
The principal according to policy accounts for
funds derived from the sale of the programs.
Each booster club should place six programs in
the stadium press box prior to each football
game for use as a team roster by the game
broadcaster.
Each high school principal who has contracted
with an organization to publish a program is to
submit a copy of the signed contract showing its
terms to the Executive Director of Athletics. The
principal must review any program before it is
printed.
Sale of Programs and Spirit Items
1. When two DeKalb teams play, if the
designated home team does not have a
program, the designated visiting team may
sell programs at the game. The principal of
the visiting school should contact the home
school principal prior to the game to
determine if the home team will have a
program for sale.
2. Both teams may sell spirit items from a table
in the concourse area as designated by the
34
stadium manager. Sales are limited to school
spirit items – no foods or dinks may be sold.
Spectator safety and general stadium
security must be the primary concern when
considering items to sell.
3. Spirit items include programs, stadium
cushions, cloth and cardboard spirit items
bearing the school logo and/or colors. Only
spirit items approved by the principal may
be sold at the games.
4. A maximum of four Booster Club
representatives may sell programs and spirit
items in their designated part of the stadium
during the game. These representatives
must pay regular admission charges and
wear an identification tag provided by the
local school.
5. Only the sport in season will be permitted to
sell the approved spirit item at the stadium.
Insignias/ Logos/Endorsements on
Athletic Uniforms and Equipment
DeKalb School Board Policy prohibits the
display of insignias, logos, and/or
endorsements other than DeKalb School and/or
manufacturing logos on athletic uniforms and
equipment. Examples of permissible logos are
Nike, Adidas, etc. All other advertisements
and/or endorsements are prohibited. Any
special accommodations or commemorative
insignias must be approved prior to being
placed on the items. All uniform orders must be
approved by the principal, area superintendent,
and the Executive Director of Athletics. (See
Booster Club Handbook on the Athletics
Website for additional details)
Criteria for Letter Awards
A letter award shall depend upon satisfactory
completion of the season or activity.
Junior Varsity or Middle School team members
are not eligible for letter awards. Only students
in the ninth grade or above shall be eligible for
letter awards. A student shall be given only one
letter. Inserts for other sports and service bars
shall be awarded for letters earned after the
first year.
Specific Minimum Criteria to Receive a
Letter
• Cheerleaders: Acceptable performance at all
assigned events.
• Football, Basketball, and Soccer:
Participation in one-half of total game
quarters.
• Baseball and Softball: Any player, other
than the pitcher, must participate in one-
half of the total innings played by the team.
A pitcher must participate in one-half of the
total innings played by the team and/or
pitch in one-fourth of the innings played by
the team.
• Track, Cross-Country and Lacrosse:
Participation in one-half of the scheduled
meets.
• Gymnastics, Wrestling, Tennis, Golf, and
Swimming: Participation in one-half of all
matches or meets.
• Managers: At the discretion of the principal
and coach.
Notwithstanding any of the above listed criteria,
a letter may be awarded in any activity or sport
when, in the judgment of the coach and
principal, special merit is evident. The GHSA
Constitution states that a student-athlete
cannot receive an award of intrinsic value.
Symbolic awards (i.e., non-cash), presented for
winning or placing in GHSA competitions are
limited to $250.00 per sport per year, this may
be paid by the local school and must be
approved by the Board of Education.
35
Retiring Numbers
For any athlete to have his/her number retired,
the following criteria should be followed:
1. The athlete must be a graduate of that high
school.
2. The student's number must officially be
retired in a ceremony sponsored by the
school.
3. The administration at each high school must
establish their own criteria, keeping in mind
that the individual should be a positive role
model in every respect.
4. The Athletic Department recommends a
five-year waiting period after the student has
graduated.
Naming Facilities
Any decision to name a facility or space in honor
of an individual must have the approval of the
DeKalb Board of Education.
Equipment Management - Inventory
In keeping with school board policy, all athletic
equipment is inventoried annually. The head
coach and the athletic liaison are responsible for
taking athletic inventories three times per year:
Fall; winter; and spring sports. Athletic
coordinators no longer take inventories for the
individual schools. The principal is responsible
for all property assigned to the school and the
school district shall be reimbursed for the value
of property lost through negligence.
Negligence of the person concerned shall be
established by means of appropriate hearings. A
prorated portion of the value shall be paid to the
school district for property that has been
misused. Thefts shall be reported to the
appropriate administrator as soon as they are
discovered. A police report must be filed, and a
copy sent to the Athletic Department. The
principal at the middle school or senior high
school will be responsible for athletic equipment
and uniforms housed on the campus.
The senior high school and the middle school
will maintain separate inventories. The head
coach of each sport, or the person designated by
the principal will be responsible for
requisitioning athletic equipment for the school.
A close working relationship between the high
school and middle school coaches will be
necessary for the success of the athletic
program. Each school will receive an annual
budget for equipment replacement for each
sport.
Varsity uniforms will be replaced every three
years and will be passed down to the junior
varsity team for use. Middle School uniforms
will be replaced every four years. In the event of
a change in head coaches, the principal must
take the necessary steps to see that athletic
uniforms and equipment are secured and
accounted for. Keys to equipment storage rooms
must be accounted for and may be changed as
needed. A complete inventory must be
conducted with the outgoing coach after the
keys have been taken up and/or the locks
changed. The athletic coordinator will assist
with the inventory process. The school must pay
the cost for inventory lost as a result of a change
of coaches.
Purchasing
The Athletic Department is responsible for
allocation of equipment and services to each
school in accordance with budgetary limits and
needs. The purchasing agent of the DeKalb
School District in accordance with established
policy purchases athletic and related
equipment.
37
Operation of the District Stadiums
The stadiums are operated on a regional basis
and are made available for the use of each DCSD
secondary school. The Department of Athletics
is responsible for scheduling events in the
regional stadiums. In the interest of spectator
safety, all stadiums will use walk-through and
hand-held metal detection for varsity games.
The following guidelines govern stadium
admission procedures and patron expectations:
1. Booster Club representatives and/or officers
must pay full admission prior to the games.
2. In addition to the band directors, coaches,
and/or sponsors, two chaperones per bus
transporting auxiliary groups may be
admitted at no charge. Such groups include
bands, cheerleaders, drill/flag corps, and
majorette/rifle corps. All other adults
accompanying these groups are expected to
pay and enter through the regular gate.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the principal
to take proper steps and precautions to
ensure that crowd control is handled
reasonably at all interscholastic athletic
contests.
4. To ensure crowd control and spectator
comfort, no noisemakers such as air horns,
cow bells, whistles, etc. shall be permitted in
the stadium or gymnasium.
5. No food, coolers, cans or bottles can be taken
into the stadium.
6. Each patron, including students, will be
given a ticket stub when he/she enters the
stadium. The ticket stub must be presented
to police officers, school officials, or stadium
officials upon request.
Stadium Selection for Football Playoffs
When there is more than one county school that
desires to use a specific stadium for a playoff
game, the Executive Director of Athletics will
make the decision based on safety and economic
factors. Whenever possible, Memorial Stadium
will be used for region and state playoff games.
Other factors considered in stadium selection
are:
1. Classification (7A -A)
2. Best overall won/lost record
3. Team records if the two teams played have
been competing against each other.
4. Best regions record.
Press Box Procedures
1. Each school is allotted space for coaches in
the booth or area with phones to the field.
Each school is allowed space for a statistician
as assigned by the coach.
2. Each newspaper is allotted space for a
maximum of two reporters.
3. Radio stations will be allotted space
according to the placement of phone lines.
Stations must pay a rights fee to The Athletic
Department. Phone company
representatives will need to contact stadium
managers for placement of phones for
broadcast. All requests made to schools
should be directed to the Athletic
Department.
4. Cable television will be allotted space on the
filming platforms or the roof of press boxes.
Space in the press box will be available for
most regular season games. For playoff
games it will be necessary to check with the
Athletic Department in advance.
5. The press box will be limited to coaches, the
media, stadium personnel, officials, school
administrators, and members of the Athletic
Department.
District Stadiums Management Guidelines
38
6. Playoff Games - The Athletic Department
will attempt to set up a seating chart for
playoff games. All members of the media
need to request space in advance. Visiting
scouts will be restricted to two spaces. Any
broadcast or cable television replay must be
cleared through the Athletic Department.
7. Game Tape - A space is always allotted for
the cameraman taping the game for the
Athletic Department for all regular season
and playoff games.
8. Press Credentials for the Media - Passes are
available upon written request to the
Athletic Department.
9. Each school is allowed one videotape crew in
the press box at Adams, Avondale, and
North DeKalb. At Memorial and Godfrey
stadiums, videotaping must be done
underneath the press box.
Sideline Procedures
During football games all spectators are to be in
the stands. Spectators are not permitted on the
sidelines or on the track during the game. The
sidelines are reserved for coaches, players in
uniform, student managers, team doctor and/or
trainer, and media. No one else is to be on the
sidelines without written approval from the
Executive Director of Athletics.
Broadcasting and Video Policy
Any request to broadcast, telecast, tape record
or film an athletic contest in a regional stadium
should be directed to the Athletic Department.
Radio Usage Policy
Permission must be obtained from the
Department of Athletics. For football, the
stadium manager must have a memo from the
Department of Athletics, or the radio station
must have a letter from the Athletic Department
granting permission to assign space in the press
box. The rights fee for a regular season game is
$50 and shall be added to the gate receipts. Any
requests for state playoff broadcasts must be
made to the GHSA. The state has set fees for all
sports.
Television and Cable Policy
Regular season broadcasts shall be negotiated
by the Athletic Department. Permission for
playoff games is granted by the GHSA. The
originating station must have a minimum of
three promotional announcements for the
DeKalb County School District. The Athletic
Department must approve the announcers
chosen by the broadcasting outlet.
Taping of Football Games Policy
The Department of Athletics tapes all home
games played in DeKalb stadiums. Taping of
games for schools outside DeKalb County is
available on a reciprocal agreement basis.
DeKalb County schools will exchange tapes with
schools outside the county during the state
playoffs. DeKalb County Schools will tape all
state playoff games in DeKalb regional stadiums
for the home team. There will be a charge for the
visiting team. Taping of games played outside
the school system is the responsibility of the
individual school.
Responsibilities of the Stadium Manager
1. To supervise the stadium during all
scheduled events.
2. To determine staffing needs, in collaboration
with the athletic coordinator.
3. To supervise all stadium personnel.
4. To identify security coordinator.
39
5. To perform all additional duties as
determined by the athletic coordinator.
Responsibilities of the Assistant
Stadium Manager
1. To assist the stadium manager in carrying
out all designated duties.
2. To supervise the stadium in the absence of
the stadium manager.
3. To supervise the arrival and departure of
group buses.
4. To assist in validating tickets in the event of
an overflow crowd.
5. To perform other duties as designated by
the stadium manager and/or the athletic
coordinator.
Athletics Event Workers ‘Pay Scale’
All DCSD Event Workers, except for SROs and
Campus Security, must read, sign, and submit
an ‘Agreement for Pay’ form. Current rates are
listed in APPENDIX L and are reviewed each
school year and are subject to change at the
discretion of the executive management of the
Department of Athletics.
Rental of District Stadiums by
Community Organizations
School events and school-affiliated
organizations have priority in the use of district
stadiums. Requests for the use of district
stadiums by community organizations will be
sent to Business and Transportation Services via
the link below:
https://dekalb.schoolspace.us/home
Charges in Addition to Rental Fees
1. Public Address System $60.00 per day
2. Lights $50.00 per hour or fraction thereof
3. Stadium Manager $35.00 per hour or
fraction thereof - minimum $70.00
4. Custodian $25.00 per hour or fraction
thereof - minimum $50.00
5. Security- $60.00 per hour
6. Insurance - A Certificate of Insurance is
required and a copy must be on file in the
Facilities department of Operations.
Athletic Events Conducted on School
Campuses
Athletic events, which are held on the school
campus, are conducted under the supervision
and direction of the principal and the
Department of Athletics. The rate of
compensation for personnel used in these
events is determined at the beginning of the
40
school year by the Executive Director of
Athletics and approved by the Board of
Education. The principal is responsible for the
operation of concessions either by the school or
through a school-affiliated organization.
Receipts from concession sales are deposited in
the special school account and expenses paid in
accordance with school district policy. In the
event a school-affiliated organization operates
the concessions, the net proceeds are prorated
according to prior written agreement between
the principal and the constituted officials of the
school-affiliated organization. Funds derived
from the sale of concessions are accounted for
by the principal according to policy.
41
APPENDIX A: DeKalb County Athletics GHSA Links
A. Begin and End Dates:
https://www.ghsa.net/beginning-and-ending-dates
B. Constitution and By-Laws
https://www.ghsa.net/constitution
C. GHSA Physical Form
https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/forms/Preparticipation_Physical_History_and_Eval
uation_-_Current_Fillable.pdf
D. Emergency Medical Card
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/athletics/files/2016/03/EMERGENCY-MEDICAL-CARD.pdf
E. Concussion Management
https://www.ghsa.net/concussion-management-high-school-athletics
F. Concussion Form
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/athletics/files/2020/07/Updated-Concussion-Form.pdf
G. Emergency Action Plan
http://www.anyonecansavealife.org/
H. Heat Policy
https://www.ghsa.net/practice-policy-heat-and-humidity
https://www.ghsa.net/5-tips-help-athletes-stay-safe-intense-heat
I. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/sports-
medicine/Sudden_Cardiac_Arrest_Awareness_Form.pdf
J. Lightning and Inclement Weather
http://www.ahsaa.com/Portals/0/PDF's/AHSAA/AHSAA/Forms/Lightning%20Safety.pdf?ver=2017-03-29-
100626-463
42
K. Sports Medicine South 3D Injury Guide
http://www.sportsmedsouth.com/patient-resources/3d-injury-guide-videos/
L. Sports Medicine Websites
https://www.ghsa.net/sports-medicine-websites
M. Nutrition and Training
https://www.ghsa.net/putting-extra-mile-or-rep
N. GHSA Forms
https://www.ghsa.net/forms
O. Community Coaches Certification
https://www.ghsa.net/lay-coach-certification
P. DeKalb Athletic Forms
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/athletics/downloads/
43
APPENDIX B: Student Concussion Form
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
STUDENT/PARENT CONCUSSION AWARENESS FORM
SCHOOL________________________________________________________________
DANGER OF CONCUSSION
Concussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention and a state law has been passed to address this
issue. Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. Once considered little more than a minor
“ding” to the head, it is now understood that a concussion has the potential to result in death, or changes in brain function
(either short-term or long-term). A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain
function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and for or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow
to the head or body. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion
symptoms as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death.
Player and parental education in this area is crucial – that is the reason for this document. Refer to it regularly. This form
must be signed by a parent or guardian of each student who wishes to participate in GHSA athletics. One copy needs to be
returned to the school, and one retained at home.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION
• Headache, dizziness, poor balance, moves clumsily, reduced energy level/tiredness.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds
• Fogginess of memory, difficulty concentrating, slowed thought processes, confused about surroundings or game
assignments.
• Unexplained changes in behavior and personality
• Loss of consciousness (NOTE: This does not occur in all concussion episodes)
BY-LAW2.68 GHSA CONCUSSION POLICY: In accordance with Georgia law and national playing rules published by
the National Federation of State High School Associations, any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors
consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest and shall not return to play until an
appropriate health care professional has determined that no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care
professional may include licensed physician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed
physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in
concussion evaluation and management.
a) No athlete is allowed to return to a game or a practice on the same day that a concussion (a) has been diagnosed, or
(b) cannot be ruled out.
b) Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be cleared medically by an appropriate health care professional prior
to resuming participation in any future practice or contest. The formulation of a gradual return to play protocol
shall be a part of the medical clearance.
By signing this concussion form, I give ____________________________________High School permission to
transfer this concussion form to the other sports that my child may play. I am aware of the dangers of concussion and this
signed concussion form will represent myself and my child during this school year. This form will be stored with the athletic
physical form and other accompanying forms required by the
_________________________________________School System.
I HAVE READ THIS FORM AND I UNDERSTAND THE FACTS PRESENTED IN IT
SIGNED: ______________________________ ____________________________
Student Parent or Guardian
DATE_______________________________
44
APPENDIX C: Wavier of Insurance
WAIVER FOR FOOTBALL INSURANCE
WAIVER FOR FOOTBALL INSURANCE
(GRADES 9-12)
I understand that one requirement for eligibility to participate in football is adequate insurance
coverage against injury while in practice or play. My child is adequately covered by accident insurance
with appropriate policies which I already carry, and I do not desire to obtain coverage under the
standard DeKalb Insurance Plan for Athletics. Such coverage would result in a duplication of insured
benefits.
My insurance is:
Company providing insurance_______________________________
Name of Insured__________________________________________
Policy number ___________________________________________
Copy of the insurance card must be attached.
I have presented evidence to show my child is adequately covered with personal or family accident
insurance and I do not wish to purchase the football accident insurance sponsored by the DeKalb
County Board of Education. I hereby state that I am the legal guardian of said child and I am authorized
to make this decision.
______________________________ _____________________________________
DATE SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN
_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT
(Witnessed by Principal or representative)
_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL OF
REPRESENTATIVE Having Witnessed
Student Signature
45
APPENDIX D: Insurance
WAIVER FOR ATHLETIC INSURANCE EXCEPT FOOTBALL
FOR ALL ACTIVITIES EXCEPT FOOTBALL IN GRADES 9-12
I understand that one requirement for eligibility to participate in athletics or cheerleading is adequate
insurance coverage against injury while in practice or in play. Since my child is adequately covered with
such accident insurance with appropriate policies which I already carry, and I do not desire to obtain
coverage under the standard DeKalb Insurance Plan for Athletics. Such coverage would result in a
duplication of insured benefits. I certify that my child is adequately covered with personal or family
accident insurance, and I do not wish to purchase accident insurance through the Student Scholastic
Accident Insurance Program sponsored by the DeKalb County Board of Education.
Copy of the insurance card must be attached.
I hereby state that I am the legal guardian of said child and I am authorized to make this decision.
Company providing insurance_______________________________
Name of Insured__________________________________________
Policy number ___________________________________________
SPORT/ACTIVITY________________________________________
______________ ____________________________________
DATE SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN
_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT
(Witnessed by Principal or representative)
_____________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL OF
REPRESENTATIVE Having Witnessed
Student Signature
48
GHSA
Georgia High School Association
APPENDIX F: Welcome Notice
Welcome to _________________________________ High School. Please read the following
if you desire to participate in our interscholastic activities. You are eligible only if you:
• Had a bona fide move and living within our school district boundary.
• Attended school last semester.
• Passed 2.5 Carnegie units the previous semester.
• Have earned Carnegie units that count toward graduation equivalent to years you have been in
high school.
• Have been in high school no more than four consecutive years after your first entry into ninth
grade.
• Have not attained your 19th birthday prior to May 1st preceding the year of participation.
• Have completed a physical examination during the past 12 months.
• Was not ineligible at the previous school for academic or behavioral reasons.
• Are not a professional athlete in the sport you wish to participate.
Our school’s athletic code and eligibility policies are available upon request.
49
APPENDIX G: GHSA Withdrawal Form
GHSA
Georgia High School Association
To: STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL
ATTENTION: BEFORE YOU WITHDRAW
READ THIS INFORMATION!
_________________________________ High School wishes you success and good fortune. If
you are planning to transfer to another high school in Georgia and be eligible for participation in
competitive events, the GHSA has asked that we make you aware of the following information.
You will be INELIGIBLE for participation in your new school if you:
• Transfer enrollment to the new school without a corresponding move by your parents into the
new school service area.
• Did not attend school last semester.
• Did not pass 2.5 Carnegie units, or the equivalent, toward graduation, the previous semester.
• Have not attained the required number of accumulated Carnegie Units for years in school.
• Have been in high school more than four consecutive years after your first entry into the ninth
grade.
• Have attained your 19
th
birthday prior to May 1st preceding the year of participation.
• Have not completed a physical examination during the past 12 months.
• Are a professional athlete in the sport you wish to participate.
• If you are currently on out-of-school suspension, in alternative school for disciplinary reasons,
or have been expelled by the previous school.
50
To be eligible to practice or compete against another team or opponent at your new
school, you must:
Meet all the above GHSA eligibility requirements.
If all requirements are not met, your new school may apply for a waiver of the eligibility rule not met in
the case of a true “Hardship” situation. (See GHSA Constitution and By-Laws for procedure.)
51
APPENDIX H: Job Descriptions
Athletics Job Description
Stadium Manager:
1. To supervise all stadium operations during scheduled events
2. To complete itemized reports for the Department of Finance and Athletics
3. To determine in collaboration with the Athletic Coordinator, staffing needs for the stadium
4. To employ all stadium personnel
5. To train/supervise all stadium personnel
6. To implement a security plan and hire appropriate security personnel
7. To perform other duties as determined by the Athletic Coordinator
Assistant Stadium Manager:
1. To assist the stadium manager in carrying out all designate duties
2. To supervise the stadium in the absence of the stadium manager
3. To supervise the arrival and departure of group buses
4. To assist in opening additional seller windows in the event of an overflow crows
5. To assist in taking tickets in the event of an overflow crowd
6. To perform other duties as designated by the stadium manager and/or the athletic coordinator
Stadium Worker:
Camera Operator- video tape varsity football games for both schools
Scoreboard Operator- operates scoreboard for all games.
Public Address Announcer- Announces varsity football games.
Ticket Taker- Collects tickets as spectators enter the stadium.
Security Worker- Operates and monitors walk through metal detectors and checks bags and packages for
banned items.
Police- Post certified police offices provide security for all athletic events.
Concession stand worker- Sells concessions items at athletic events.
Middle & High School Workers:
Gym Manager- Same responsibilities as Stadium Manager
Ticket Taker- Collects tickets as spectators enter the stadium.
Police- Post certified officers provide security for all athletic events.
Clock Operator- Operates clock for varsity basketball games.
Score Keeper- Keeps officials score book for varsity basketball.
52
APPENDIX I: Emergency Medical Card
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARD
Child’s Name__________________________________
Parent’s Name____________________________________
Parent’s Address_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Work #_________________ Home #____________________
Hospital Preference_______________________________________________
Primary Physician_________________________________________________
Insurance Company________________________________________________
Insurance Card#_____________________________________________
53
APPENDIX J: Travel Reimbursement Form
54
APPENDIX K: Professional Leave Form
DeKalb County School District
Athletic Department
6829 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Office (678) 6761821
Fax (678)676-1829
MEMO TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
SCHOOL______________________________________________________
NAME OF COACH/TEACHER__________________________________________
ATHLETIC EVENT TO BE ATTENDED__________________________________
DAY OF WEEK
DATE
FULL DAY
HALF DAY
100.1000.511300.00011.9990.9990.8010.120.0000
CHARGE CODE FOR PROFESSIONAL LEAVE
Professional Leave is authorized with Full Pay.
_________________________________________
PRINCIPAL’S SIGNATURE
_________________________________________
APPROVAL- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
(After approval from the Executive Director of Athletics, a copy will be returned to the principal to be
included with the payroll report. The absence should be keyed as leave with pay.)
55
APPENDIX L: Event Worker’s Rates
FALL SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Varsity Football Games
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON- DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Stadium Manager
$35.00
$35.00
Assist Stadium Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Stadium Sta
$15.00
$15.00
JV and Middle School Football Games and Flag Football
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Stadium Manager/Assist
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Stadium Sta
$15.00
$15.00
Cross Country, Softball, and Volleyball (school-based sporting events)
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Sta
$15.00
$15.00
Security
School Resource Ocers
$65.00
Campus Supervisors
$50.00
County Police Ocers
$65.00
Stadium Clean Up
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Lead Clean Up
$30.00
$30.00
Clean Up
$25.00
$25.00
Trash Haul (Flat Rate)
$25.00 (one hour only)
$25.00 (one hour only)
I, (Please print full name here) ________________________________________ understand
that this amount is based on a maximum of 3 hours of duty per event. If exceeded,
manager and coordinator have the right to approve or change mesheets.
_________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Worker Date
56
WINTER SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Varsity Basketball Games (Max. 3 hours for 2 games {Boys and Girls})
(Max. 1.5 hours for 1 game {Boys or Girls})
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON- DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Gym Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Gym Sta
$15.00
$15.00
Clean Up (Saturday Only -
Flat Rate)
$25.00 (one hour only)
$25.00 (one hour only)
JV and Middle School Basketball Games (Max. 3 hours for 2 games {Boys and Girls})
(Max. 1.5 hours for 1 game {Boys or Girls})
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Gym Manager
$20.00
$20.00
All Other Gym Sta
$15.00
$15.00
Clean Up (Saturday Only -
Flat Rate)
$25.00 (one hour only)
$25.00 (one hour only)
Wrestling, Swimming (Tournaments Only)
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Gym Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Sta
$15.00
$15.00
Clean Up
$25.00
$25.00
Security
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fullme)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
School Resource Ocers
$65.00
Campus Supervisors
$50.00
County Police Ocers
$65.00
I, (Please print full name here) ________________________________________ understand
that this amount is based on a maximum of 3 hours of duty per event. If exceeded,
manager and coordinator have the right to approve or change mesheets.
_________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Worker Date
57
SPRING SPORTS 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Varsity, JV and Middle School - Lacrosse/Soccer/Track
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fulltime)
NON- DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Stadium Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Stadium Staff
$15.00
$15.00
Track Meet Director
$35.00
$35.00
Track Meet Marshal
$25.00
$25.00
Track Meet Clerk
$25.00
$25.00
Gymnastics and Baseball (Tournaments and Playoffs Only)
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fulltime)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Event Manager
$25.00
$25.00
All Other Staff
$15.00
$15.00
Security
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fulltime)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
School Resource Officers
$65.00
Campus Supervisors
$50.00
County Police Officers
$65.00
Stadium Clean Up
Job Title
DCSD Employee (Fulltime)
NON-DCSD
Per Hour
Per Hour
Clean Up
$25.00
$25.00
Trash Haul (Flat Rate)
$25.00 (one hour only)
$25.00 (one hour only)
I, (Please print full name here) ________________________________________ understand
that this amount is based on a maximum of 3 hours of duty per event. If exceeded,
manager and coordinator have the right to approve or change timesheets.
_________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Worker Date
58
APPENDIX M: Hosting Invitational
APPLICATION
FOR HOSTING INVITATIONAL
TOURNAMENTS/MEETS/CAMPS
DEKALB COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
APPLICATION FOR HOSTING INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS/MEETS/CAMPS
HOST____________________ SPORT__________________
DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS _______________________________________
EVENT DATE/DATES_____________ NO. OF ITEMS_______
DATE GHSA SANCTIONED__________
It is understood that all DeKalb District policies/procedures are applicable in reporting the results of
the event. The policies and procedures include but may not be limited to:
1. Use of admission tickets provided by the Department of Athletics.
2. Appropriate ticket sale reports that provide a complete record of gate receipts
3. Use of required forms for payment for services of DeKalb and non-DeKalb employees.
4. Use of forms when appropriate: 1099(IRS), ICA, W-9
5. Evidence of deposit, of all monies from ticket sales into local school account.
6. Employment of gym manager when appropriate to prepare and submit report to the Department
of Athletics.
7. All reports are due in the Department of Athletics within ten (10) days after the conclusion of the
activity.
_______________________ ______________________
Head Coach Principal
_______________________ ___________________________
Athletic Coordinator Executive Director of Athletics
59
APPENDIX N: GHSA Community Coaches Process
GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
FOR COMMUNITY COACHES
Interested in becoming a Community Coach?
The Georgia High School Association offers a Community Coach Education Program that you must
complete in order to be a certified Community Coach. You MUST register for this course through the
school where you will be coaching. The registration form is NOT available on the GHSA website. The
cost of the course is $325. This course consists of two classes: a 4-hour Sport First Aid class and an 8-
hour Principles for Coaching class. At each class you will receive an exam. After successfully completing
(a score of 80 or above) both exams you are then certified to coach. Coaching before this time is a
violation of GHSA policy and subjects your school to a fine.
Please Note: The Coaches Education Program Registration Form is not on the website.
Prospective coaches must get that form from the school at which they are going to coach.
***NFCEP (National Federation Coaches Education Program for Community Coach)
Registration Form must be obtained through the principal of the school.
60
COMMUNITY COACH RECOMMENDATION
FOR DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS
_______________ School Year
DATE:_________________________________
SCHOOL:___________________________________
NAME: __________________
LAY COACH SPORT: _______________
PHONE NUMBER: _______________
SOC. SECURITY NUMBER: ___________
PAYMENT TYPE: Please check one.
Volunteering ( )
Paid through school’s supplement ( ) - Please make sure name has been turned in on the
Supplement Roster sent to the schools in August. The Roster is returned to Staff Services Department.
APPROVED: ________________________________
Principal’s Signature
(Please do not write below line)
***************************************************************************
For Human Resources Use Only
CHECKLIST:
Application complete _________
Completed paperwork for fingerprinting _________
Submitted coaching credentials for processing ________
Authorize for paid supplement--form forwarded to Staff Services
***************************************************************************
Please submit the completed form to the Human Resources Department
61
APPENDIX O: - GHSA Rules Clinics
GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION RULES CLINIC:
64
GHSA On-Site Rules Clinic Schedules
GHSA On-Line Rules Clinic Schedule for 2019-2020- Required for all coaches!
The GHSA Office requires ALL officials to complete the annual on-line GHSA/NFHS Rules
Clinic(s) for each respective sport officiated. Each official must verify that they have completed
the clinic within the allowable timeframe to complete the clinic. Verification of completion will
be distributed to each local association following the published deadline. Click the link below:
GHSA Clinic Website (learn.ghsa.net)
NFHS Concussion Video - Concussion in Sports
Review the GHSA website for all other sport categories at: http://learn.ghsa.net/ghsa-line-rules-
clinic-schedule
A. Coaches and Officials - In order to receive clinic credit in a particular sport, you must
complete the clinic for that sport by the date listed. For credit to be recorded, you must
watch the entire presentation and fill out an attendance form that will be
presented at the end of the presentation. However, after the clinic deadline has
passed, the attendance form will no longer appear.
B. If you are having trouble viewing the clinic presentations, try these troubleshooting tips.
C. We have had many clinics confirmation emails bounce back to us due to
incorrect email addresses or spam filters. There are also some email providers
that are routing certain emails from our email server to Spam folders. If you
did not receive a confirmation email, please check your Spam folder. You can also send an
address.
D. Please retain your confirmation email as this is your proof that you completed
the clinic.
65
APPENDIX P: Sportsmanship Announcement
SPORTSMANSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
(GHSA)
GHSA Sportsmanship Announcement
Please ensure that the following statement is read as a public address announcement prior to the start.
of every GHSA sanctioned contest: "The GHSA and its member schools have made a commitment to.
promote good sportsmanship by student/athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned.
events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors.
will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to.
enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. Thank you for
your cooperation in the promotion of good sportsmanship at today's event."
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APPENDIX R: Cancellation Policy for Athletic Events
The following procedures must be taken:
1. Approval by the Principal and/or designated personnel (Assistant Principal,
Athletic Liaison, etc.).
2. Contact the Athletic Department and get approval from the Athletic
Coordinator for specific sport or Athletic Director.
3. Contact opponents.
4. Contact Officials Association.
5. Contact Athletic Department to cancel officials (soccer only).
6. Contact Transportation.
7. Contact personnel at site of meet.
NOTE:
If a school fails to show up for a game or cancels a game within four (4) hours of the scheduled starting
time without an emergency condition or weather-related conditions, that school shall pay a forfeiture
fee to the host school equivalent to the cost of the officials. NOTE: If the host school is the violating
team, the fee will be paid directly to the official’s association. The host school shall reimburse the
visiting team(s) for mileage incurred by the visiting team(s) when this by-law is violated by the host
team). Additionally, the school must make payment to the Department of Athletics to cover cost for the
stadium/gymnasium staff and the cost of School Resources Officers scheduled to work the event.
If a school fails to show up for a game or cancels within four (4) hours of the scheduled game time
without emergency reasons or weather-related reasons for a second time, that school must make
restitution again and must show cause to the GHSA Executive Director as to why they should not be
placed on probation by the GHSA.
Athletic Department
5829 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Office (678) 676-1821 / Fax (678) 676-1829
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APPENDIX S: Heat Protocols
Summary of Heat Protocols
2022-2023
Due to the unpredictability of weather in Georgia, certain precautions must be taken to avoid serious
illness and possible death during outdoor activities in times of extreme heat. Included in our heat
protocol standards are examples of hydration stations and tips on when to discontinue all outdoor
activities in DeKalb County. Please adhere to these guidelines for the protection and safety of student
athletes and staff. (Note: the term “activity” includes all sports practices, physical
education classes, clubs, band, cheerleading and other outdoor activities.)
Temperature/Heat Index:
a. Coaches must take daily Heat Index readings from the Digital Pocket Psychrometer which is
provided to all HS and MS Football Coaches.
b. Readings must be taken every 30 minutes beginning 30 minutes before practice and continuing
throughout the practice.
c. Document all readings for each practice during the extreme heat periods.
d. When the Heat Index reading from the psychrometer is lower than 95 degrees, provide water
breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes duration. Provide ice-down towels for cooling.
e. When the Heat Index reading is 95 or higher, always provide water breaks every 30 minutes for
10 minutes duration and ice-down towels for cooling. Helmets and other possible equipment
should be removed when not involved in contact. Reduce the time of outdoor activity and
consider adjusting practice times to cooler times of the day such as early morning or late evening.
f. When the Heat Index reading is 100 to 102 degrees, always provide water breaks every 30
minutes for 10 minutes duration and ice-down towels for cooling. Reduce the time of outdoor
activity. Adjust practice times to cooler times of the day such as early morning or late evening.
Alter uniforms by removing items if possible. Allow for changes to dry t-shirts and shorts.
Helmets and other possible equipment should be removed when not involved in contact.
g. When the Heat Index reading reaches 103 degrees, practice must be suspended. No Outdoor
Practice is allowed once the Heat Index reading reaches 103 degrees or higher.
a. Coaches should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily. When the (AQI) is Orange, the air is
unhealthy for sensitive individuals including all children under the age of 18. This includes those
with respiratory and cardiac conditions. Outdoor exertion for all children and sensitive adults
should be limited in duration and intensity. Begin activities prior to 12 noon (early morning is
recommended) or after 6 p.m. (late evening). These times of the day are when pollutants are
lowest.
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b. When the (AQI) is Red, the air is unhealthy for everyone. No Outdoor Practice is allowed
when the AQI is Red.
c. Always provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be
available, and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
d. A shaded water area must be provided and must include ice water coolers and cups with injury
ice available. It is recommended that a cooler for Powerade is made available. Powerade provides
a perfect oral hydrating solution for electrolyte balance and carbohydrates for energy.
e. Water stations should be available around the field perimeter. For example, stations can be set
up on both end zones on each side of the field and at the 50-yard line on each side of field. This
will provide six areas where several water bottles are available. (These are in addition to the
shaded water area.)
f. Designate an Assistant Coach to keep water rotations going during practice. NEVER run out of
water during practice.
g. We recommend official water breaks every 30 minutes. These should be conducted near the
shaded water/Powerade station.
h. Limit your outdoor practice sessions in the heat to 3 hours total. This includes warm-up,
practice, instruction, breaks and cool-down.
i. Encourage light-colored clothing with shorts. Remove helmets and shoulder pads during
instructional periods.
j. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) must be present at all practices.
k. ALWAYS watch and monitor athletes carefully for danger signs due to extreme heat. Please see
the list of possible heat disorders:
Heat Index Reading:
• 80 – 90 degrees – Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
• 90 – 105 degrees – Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion is possible with
prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
• 105 – 129 degrees – Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion is likely. Heatstroke
is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
• 130 degrees – Heat stroke or sunstroke is likely.
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APPENDIX T: Athletics Contacts
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
DeKalb County School District
Athletic Department
James Jackson, Executive Director Athletics - 678 676-1824
Janet Scott- Executive Administrative Assistant - 678 676-1821
Chris Chilton, Athletic Specialist - 678 676-1825
Lorenzo Sewell, Athletics Specialist, Finance - 678 676-1830
Mark Brock, Athletics Specialist, Statistician, Sports Media - 678 676-1827
Valerie Gilbert, Bookkeeper - 678 676-2079
John Harwell, Athletics Coordinator - 678 676-1823
Paris Burd, Middle School Athletics Coordinator - 678 676-1839
Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrative Athletics Director - 678 676-1884
Alethea Webb, Administrative Assistant - 678 676-2019
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APPENDIX U: GHSA Responsibilities
ELIGIBILITY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCESSES (GHSA)
DeKalb County Schools
Department of Athletics
Eligibility Responsibilities and Processes
COACH
The student registers, “signs-up”, or shows interest to participate in sport(s).
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.30) – AGE to be eligible to participate in interscholastic
activities, a student must not have reached his 19th birthday prior to May 1st, preceding his year of participation.
The coach provides all prospective athletes with the following forms and requires that all paperwork is complete
and returned to the coach prior to the student’s participation. The required paperwork
Consists of the following forms:
1. Physical
2. Insurance waiver
3. Registration form
4. Permission to participate form
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.41) - Students must have a certificate of an annual
Physical examination on file at the school prior to participating in any athletic try-outs, practices or Games
that indicate the students are physically approved for participation.
(a) Physical examinations will be good for twelve (12) months from the date of the exam.
EXCEPTION: Any physical examination taken on or after April 1 in the preceding year will be
accepted for the following GHSA school year.
(b) The physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical physician, Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.
(c) The exam must be signed by an M.D. or D.O., but the doctor's stamp is acceptable if it is in script,
and if information appears elsewhere on the form identifying him/her as a medical doctor.
(d) The GHSA requires that member schools use the latest edition of the pre-participation physical
evaluation form approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, et. al., found on the GHSA web-
site.
The Coach does not issue equipment or allow participation until all eligibility requirements are complete and
the athlete has been cleared by the coach, the athletic liaison, the principal, and the Georgia High School
Association.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.21) To be eligible to participate and/or try-out for a
sport or activity, a student must be enrolled full time in grades 9-12 inclusive at the school seeking eligibility for
that student.
(a) Enrollment is defined as follows:
(1) Fall Semester: when the student participates in a practice or contest before classes begin,
or the student attends classes.
(2) Spring Semester: when the student attends classes.
(3) A student may be enrolled in only one (1) high school at a time.
(b) The student must be in regular attendance.
(c) The student must be taking courses that total at least 2.5 Carnegie Units that count toward
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graduation.
NOTE: If an eligible student transfers from a school that uses a block-schedule format to a school using a
traditional format (or vice versa) and that student cannot get a full schedule of classes with equivalent credit, the
school may petition the Executive Director for a waiver of this rule for the semester the transfer occurs.
(d) All or part of the course load of a student may be taken online through a virtual school as long as
the student’s grades are being kept at the school in which the student is enrolled. Grades from
virtual school courses must be on file at the school by the first day of the new semester for
the student to be eligible. The coach provides a complete student roster along with all competed.
paperwork to the athletic liaison who also reviews and ensures that all documents are accurate and
complete. The student is not allowed to participate until the coach and the athletic liaison clear.
him/her for participation based on completed paperwork and academic eligibility. The coach must
check each student submitted by the athletic liaison from the official GHSA form to ensure
students have been deemed eligible. The coach has the responsibility to ensure that each player on
the team has been deemed eligible by GHSA prior to participation.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.11) - Students gain eligibility to practice or compete for
the school in which they are enrolled after they have been certified by the principal of that school, after the
eligibility forms have been processed by the GHSA office, and after the students have met the standards of:
(a) academic requirements
(b) age
(c) semesters in high school
(d) residence in the school's service area
(e) transfer rules
Note: Students establishing eligibility as entering 9th graders are automatically eligible for the first semester.
Any certificated person who violates rules in regard to student eligibility, or illegal practices, or knowingly
misleads a member school and/or the GHSA will have a report of that behavior sent to the Professional Standards
Commission.
The GHSA offers eligibility presentations which detail GHSA eligibility rules and forms processing. These
seminars are especially helpful for school administrators and athletic department personnel that are responsible
for processing GHSA eligibility forms. The seminars are located on-line at http://www.ghsa.net/eligibility.
ATHLETIC LIAISON
The liaison submits all confirmed prospective athlete’s names on GHSA Form A or B, signs the report and
delivers the document to the principal for review and signature. Once the registration is signed and approved by
the principal the athletic liaison submits the eligibility form to the GHSA for eligibility status and approval.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.12) - The certification of eligibility shall be submitted
initially in each sport or activity no later than twenty (20) days before the date set by the GHSA for the first
contest in that sport or activity.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.42) - A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or
four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic
competition.
(a) A student is not considered to have entered the 9th grade when a 9th grade course is taken if:
(1) the student is regularly enrolled in a member’s feeder school in a grade below the ninth, AND
(2) the course is taken as an advanced course, AND
(3) the principal of the school attended by the student certifies to the GHSA that the subject and
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course(s) meet the criteria set forth above.
(b) Credits earned toward high school graduation which are taken below the ninth grade may be used when
considering high school eligibility.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.51) - To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try
out in interscholastic activities, a student must be academically eligible. A student is required to pass classes
that carry at least 2.5 Carnegie Units counting toward graduation the semester immediately preceding
participation.
Exception 1: First semester ninth grade students.
Exception 2: A cheerleader who is academically ineligible for the spring semester may try out if she is passing
ALL classes at the time of the tryout. The window of opportunity to try out under these conditions is available
only during the ten (10) days set aside for tryouts that the school chooses.
(a) Passing in all GHSA member schools is a grade of seventy (70).
(b) Students participating in junior varsity or “B” team competition must meet all scholastic requirements.
(c) If an eligible student transfers from a school that uses a block-schedule format to a school using a
traditional format (or vice versa) and that student cannot get a full schedule of classes with equivalent credit in
the semester of the transfer, the school may petition the Executive Director for a waiver of his rule for the first
semester after the transfer occurs.
(d) For schools offering courses with yearlong grading, eligibility must be computed for each semester.
(1) At the end of the first semester, the school must determine that the student has a grade of 70% or higher in
classes carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units.
(2) The second semester grade will be the grade given for the entire course and shall include the end of-course
test grade.
(3) Remediation programs designed to bring the student’s first semester grade up to 70% or higher may be
used (in accordance with GHSA guidelines) if the school allows such programs for all students.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.52) - Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day
of the subsequent semester. The first day of the fall semester shall be interpreted as the first date of
practice for the first sport.
(a) Exception: Students who successfully complete summer school to maintain eligibility become
eligible the last day of summer school.
(1) Summer school is an extension of the previous semester and courses may be:
a. remedial in nature where a previously taken course is repeated in its entirety with a new
grade being given.
b. enrichment in nature where a new course is taken that results in new credit being earned.
(2) A maximum of two (2) Carnegie unit credits earned in summer school may be counted for
eligibility purposes. NOTE: Additional credits may be earned in credit recovery programs or make-up
programs.
(3) Summer school credits earned in non-accredited home study programs or non-accredited private schools
may not be used to gain eligibility. Accreditation recognized under the rule shall be from the Georgia
Accrediting Commission (GAC) or a regional accreditation agency (such as SACS) or the Georgia Private
School Accreditation Council (GAPSAC).
(4) An independent study course taken in summer school must be regionally accredited and accepted
by the school system for graduation credit.
(b) Courses completed after the beginning of a new semester may not be used to gain eligibility for that
semester. Example: night school classes, correspondence courses, etc.
(c) Independent study courses taken during the school year must meet the criteria of 1.52 (a) 4.
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(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 1.53) - Students must accumulate Carnegie units
towards graduation according to the following criteria:
(a) First-year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second semester first-year
students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units the previous semester in
order to participate.
(b) Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total Carnegie units in the first year, AND
passed
courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(c) Third-year students must have accumulated ten (10) Carnegie units in the first and second years,
AND
passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(d) Fourth-year students must have accumulated sixteen (16) Carnegie units in the first three years,
AND
passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(e) Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year and
eligibility will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.
(f) Beginning with students starting 9th grade in 2008-09, third-year students must have accumulated
11 Carnegie units in order to be eligible and fourth-year students must have accumulated 17 Carnegie
units to be eligible.
Once the student athlete’s eligibility is confirmed by the GHSA, the official form is returned to the athletic liaison
who then informs the coach and athlete. The athlete is eligible to participate only when cleared through the
formal GHSA process. Any certificated person who violates rules regarding student eligibility, or illegal practices,
or knowingly misleads a member school and/or the GHSA will have a report of that behavior sent to the
Professional Standards Commission. The GHSA offers eligibility presentations which detail GHSA eligibility
rules and forms processing. These seminars are especially helpful for school administrators and athletic
department personnel that are responsible for processing GHSA eligibility forms. The seminars are located on-
line at http://www.ghsa.net/eligibility.
PRINCIPAL
The principal receives the eligibility form from the athletic liaison. The principal signs the eligibility report and
returns the form to the athletic liaison for submittal to the GHSA.
The athletic liaison is responsible for the timely submission of all GHSA eligibility forms in accordance with the
published timeline found in the GHSA “White Book”. The principal retains a copy of eligibility report for their
official records.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.21) - The administrative head of each school shall have
on file in the school office a certificate of an annual physical examination given by a licensed medical
physician, a doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant indicating the student
is approved for participation in athletic activities before that student may tryout, participate in practice or
conditioning drills, or participate in interscholastic contests (see By- Law 1.41). The physical exam form must be
signed by the physician or osteopath after reviewing the data from the examination and the student’s health
history on the form.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.22) - The administrative head of each school shall
operate all interscholastic contests and activities under direct and complete control of the school
administration or designated school personnel. These responsibilities are not to be delegated by the board of
education, superintendent, or principal to any person or persons who are not a part of the school staff.
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(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.23) - The administrative head of each school is
expected to be a person who believes in fairness and honesty as evidenced by the strict adherence to all rules
and regulations in regard to eligibility of contestants representing his/her school.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.24) - The administrative head of each school is
expected to employ those persons who exemplify fairness and honesty. Any certificated person who violates rules
in regard to student eligibility, or illegal practices, or knowingly misleads a member school and/or the GHSA will
have a report of that behavior sent to the Professional Standards Commission.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.25) - The administrative head of each school may
submit to the GHSA Executive Committee such recommendations for the improvement of the GHSA as
he/she may deem necessary. These recommendations must be submitted to the GHSA Office at least thirty (30)
days prior to the meeting of the Executive Committee.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.26) - The member institution has a responsibility to
educate student-athletes, coaches, and other appropriate persons on GHSA rules and procedures
that could affect them. Further, the member school should monitor its compliance with State Association
guidelines.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.27) - Member schools that fail to follow stated
procedures and deadlines may be assessed a fine for each violation.
(GHSA Constitution and By-Laws Section 2.29) - Member schools are expected to fulfill their
responsibilities for a sports season once they have committed to play that sport.
(a) If a school commits to play a sport at the region meeting that precedes the sport, or on April 1 for Area sports,
and then drops out of competition before or during the season, the school will have to play a non-region schedule
in that sport the next year.
(b) If a school enters the competitive structure that qualifies it to advance in postseason competition, that school
is expected to advance if it qualifies. Schools that drop out of competition after qualifying may be penalized with
fines or probation.
(c) Appeals for emergency circumstances may be filed with the Executive Director.
Any certificated person who violates rules in regard to student eligibility, or illegal practices, or knowingly
misleads a member school and/or the GHSA will have a report of that behavior sent to the Professional Standards
Commission.
The GHSA offers eligibility presentations which detail GHSA eligibility rules and forms processing. These
seminars are especially helpful for school administrators and athletic department personnel that are responsible
for processing GHSA eligibility forms.
The seminars are located on-line at http://www.ghsa.net/eligibility.
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APPENDIX V: GHSA Eligibility Guidelines
GHSA GUIDELINES FOR ELIGIBILITY
GHSA Guidelines for ELIGIBILITY
The following eligibility information has been extracted from the current GHSA Constitution and By‐Laws.
Please refer to the Constitution and By‐Laws for additional information. The Georgia High School Association
recognizes that local boards and/or governing bodies may place more stringent requirements as they deem
appropriate. The Association encourages all boards of education and/or governing bodies to extend the same
rules and regulations to all extra‐curricular activities under their jurisdiction. These rules establish the
provisions governing student eligibility to participate in interscholastic activities.
A. The word "student" used in these By‐Laws refers either to a boy or girl participant in interscholastic athletics,
cheerleading, or literary activities. Therefore, according to correct grammatical usage, since the antecedent
"student" can involve persons of both sexes, the masculine pronouns he, his, or him used throughout said By‐
Laws will refer to either male or female participants.
B. The word "principal" used in these By‐Laws refers either to a male or female head of a secondary school.
Therefore, according to correct grammatical usage, since the antecedent "principal" can involve or refer to
persons of either or both sexes the masculine pronouns, he, him, or his, will refer to a male or female head of a
secondary school.
C. The abbreviations GHSA used throughout these By‐Laws refers to the Georgia High School Association.
BY-LAW 1.00 - STUDENT
1.10 - CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY
1.11 Students gain eligibility to practice or compete for the school in which they are enrolled after they have
been certified by the principal of that school, after the eligibility forms have been processed by the GHSA office,
and after the students have met the standards of:
(a) academic requirements
(b) age
(c) semesters in high school
(d) residence in the school's service area
(e) transfer rules
Note: Students establishing eligibility as entering 9th graders are automatically eligible for the first semester.
1.12 The certification of eligibility shall be submitted initially in each sport or activity no later than twenty
(20) days before the date set by the GHSA for the first contest in that sport or activity.
(a) This due date does not consider the date of the first contest scheduled.
(b) EXCEPTION: Literary, One‐Act Play, Debate, and Riflery certification is due twenty (20) days prior to the
first scheduled contest.
1.13 If a student ruled ineligible by the GHSA, competes interscholastically due to the terms of a court
restraining order or injunction against his/her school and/or the GHSA, and then has the court order
vacated, stayed, reversed, or ruled unjustified; the Executive Director shall take one or more of the following
actions against the school involved in the interest of restitution and fairness to the competing school(s):
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(a) Require that individual and/or team records and performances achieved during participation by the ineligible
student be vacated or stricken.
(b) Require that team victories be forfeited to the opponent(s).
(c) Require that team awards earned by the school or individual awards earned by the ineligible student be
returned to the GHSA.
1.20 - ENROLLMENT AND TEAM MEMBERSHIP
1.21 To be eligible to participate and/or try-out for a sport or activity, a student must be enrolled full time
in grades 9‐12 inclusive at the school seeking eligibility for that student.
(a) Enrollment is defined as follows:
(1) Fall Semester: when the student participates in a practice or contest before classes begin, or the student
attends classes.
(2) Spring Semester: when the student attends classes.
(3) A student may be enrolled in only one (1) high school at a time.
(b) The student must be in regular attendance.
(c) The student must be taking courses that total at least 2.5 Carnegie Units that count toward graduation.
NOTE: If an eligible student transfers from a school that uses a block
‐
schedule format to a school using a
traditional format (or vice versa) and that student cannot get a full schedule of classes with equivalent credit,
the school may petition the Executive Director for a waiver of this rule for the semester the transfer occurs.
(d) All or part of the course load of a student may be taken online through a virtual school as long as the
student's grades are being kept at the school in which the student is enrolled. Grades from virtual school course
must be on file at the school by the first day of the new semester in order for the student to be eligible.
1.22 Students enrolled in grade 9 in middle or junior high school which is a feeder school to the high
school may participate in interscholastic activities for the parent school.
1.30 - AGE
To be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, a student must not have reached his 19th birthday prior
to May 1st, preceding his year of participation.
1.40 - LIMITS OF PARTICIPATION
1.41 Students must have a certificate of an annual physical examination on file at the school prior to
participating in any athletic try‐outs, practices or games that indicate the students are physically approved for
participation.
(a) Physical examinations will be good for twelve (12) months from the date of the exam. EXCEPTION: Any
physical examination taken on or after April 1 in the preceding year will be accepted for the following GHSA
school year.
(b) The physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical physician, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, nurse
practitioner or a physician's assistant.
(c) The exam must be signed by an M.D. or D.O., but the doctor's stamp is acceptable if it is in script, and if
information appears elsewhere on the form identifying him/her as a medical doctor.
(d) The GHSA requires that member schools use the latest edition of the pre‐participation physical evaluation
form approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, et. al., found on the GHSA web site.
1.42 A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of
entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition.
(a) A student is not considered to have entered the 9th grade when a 9th grade course is taken if:
(1) the student is regularly enrolled in a member's feeder school in a grade below the ninth, AND
(2) the course is taken as an advanced course, AND
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(3) The principal of the school attended by the student certifies to the GHSA that the subject and course(s) meet
the criteria set forth above.
(b) Credits earned toward high school graduation which are taken below the ninth grade may be used when
considering high school eligibility.
1.43 Sub-varsity competitors must meet all eligibility requirements with the exception of the migratory rule.
1.44 Students in grade 9 and higher may participate on both the varsity and sub-varsity teams in the same
sport with the following limitations:
(a) Football _ a player may not participate in interscholastic competition more than six (6) quarters per week.
The week starts with the varsity game. Violations of this participation rule will result in a mandatory fine and an
automatic forfeiture of the game in which the student exceeded the limit. Additional penalties may be imposed
by the Executive Director in extreme circumstances.
(b) Basketball _ a player may not participate in interscholastic competition more than five (5) quarters per
calendar day.
(c) Soccer _ a player may not participate in interscholastic competition more than three (3) halves per calendar
day.
(d) All other sports ‐ the combination of games, play‐days, or weigh‐ins (varsity and sub‐varsity) in which the
student participates may not be greater than the limit allotted to the varsity in that sport.
1.45 Eighth grade students may participate on a sub‐varsity team of a high school provided they attend a
feeder school of that high school.
(a) Students in grade 8 are never eligible for a varsity event in any activity.
(b) Eighth grade students who play on a high school team must meet all middle school requirements as put forth
by the State Department of Education.
(c) An eighth-grade student who is declared ineligible at a middle school or retained for academic reasons, is
considered to be ineligible for participation on a sub‐varsity high school team.
(d) Eighth grade students participating on a sub‐varsity team may only participate in 60% of the number of
games allotted to the varsity team in that sport.
(e) Students below the eighth grade are not eligible to participate on any high school team.
(f) Students enrolled in grade 8 in a middle school or junior high school which is a feeder school to the member
high school may participate in Spring football practice. These students must be pre‐enrolled at that member high
school, and once pre‐enrolled; the student has established eligibility at that high school.
(g) Students enrolled in grade 8 in a middle school or junior high school which is a feeder school to the member
high school may try out for cheerleader at the high school. Eighth grade students at a non‐feeder school that has
no system high school may participate in cheerleader tryouts at the member high school serving the student's
area of residence. Such a student must be pre‐enrolled at that member high school, and once pre‐enrolled; the
student has established eligibility at that high school.
1.46 The number of contests, starting and ending dates, and the number of practice days allowed for each sport
or activity can be found listed in a calendar at the front of this publication.
1.47 Girls may participate on boys' teams when there is no girls' team offered in that sport by the school. Boys
are not allowed to play on girls' teams even when there is no corresponding boys' sport. NOTE: Cheerleading is
a co‐ed sport.
1.48 Advisory Notice - Pregnant Students: In response to the increasing number of pregnant students
attending member schools, and the continued participation of these students in GHSA activities, the following
advisory notice is being offered:
(a) During the first 18 weeks of pregnancy, students, with written consent from a physician, may be allowed to
participate in athletic activities except those activities in which a fall or other rapid deceleration is likely to occur.
(b) Pregnant students should not be allowed to participate in any athletic activities after the 18th week of
pregnancy.
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1.49 Schools having students participate in athletic activities with artificial limbs must certify that the artificial
limb is no more dangerous to participants than a natural limb.
(a) A permission form must be filed with the GHSA office.
(b) The form may be found in the Miscellaneous section on the GHSA web site.
1.50 - SCHOLASTIC STANDING / SCHOLARSHIP
1.51 To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities, a student must be
academically eligible. A student is required to pass classes that carry at least 2.5 Carnegie Units counting toward
graduation the semester immediately preceding participation.
Exception 1: First semester ninth grade students.
Exception 2: A cheerleader who is academically ineligible for the spring semester may try out if she is passing
ALL classes at the time of the tryout. The window of opportunity to try out under these conditions is available
only during the ten (10) days set aside for tryouts that the school chooses.
(a) Passing in all GHSA member schools is a grade of seventy (70).
(b) Students participating in junior varsity or "B" team competition must meet all scholastic requirements.
(c) If an eligible student transfers from a school that uses a block‐schedule format to a school using a traditional
format (or vice versa) and that student cannot get a full schedule of classes with equivalent credit in the semester
of the transfer, the school may petition the Executive Director for a waiver of this rule for the first semester after
the transfer occurs.
(d) For schools offering courses with yearlong grading, eligibility must be computed for each semester.
(1) At the end of the first semester, the school must determine that the student has a grade of 70% or higher in
classes carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units.
(2) The second semester grade will be the grade given for the entire course and shall include the end‐of‐course
test grade.
(3) Remediation programs designed to bring the student's first semester grade up to 70% or higher may be used
(in accordance with GHSA guidelines) if the school allows such programs for all students.
1.52 Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day of the subsequent semester. The first day of the fall semester
shall be interpreted as the first date of practice for the first sport.
(a) Exception: Students who successfully complete summer school to maintain eligibility become eligible the last
day of summer school.
(1) Summer school is an extension of the previous semester and courses may be:
a. remedial in nature where a previously taken course is repeated in its entirety with a new grade being given.
b. enrichment in nature where a new course is taken that results in new credit being earned.
(2) A maximum of two (2) Carnegie unit credits earned in summer school may be counted for eligibility purposes.
NOTE: Additional credits may be earned in credit recovery programs or make‐up programs.
(3) Summer school credits earned in non‐accredited home study programs or non‐accredited private schools
may not be used to gain eligibility. Accreditation recognized under the rule shall be from the Georgia Accrediting
Commission (GAC) or a regional accreditation agency (such as SACS) or the Georgia Private School Accreditation
Council (GAPSAC).
(4) An independent study course taken in summer school must be regionally accredited and accepted by the
school system for graduation credit.
(b) Courses completed after the beginning of a new semester may not be used to gain eligibility for that semester.
Example: night school classes, correspondence courses, etc.
(c) Independent study courses taken during the school year must meet the criteria of 1.52 (a) 4.
1.53 Students must accumulate Carnegie units towards graduation according to the following criteria:
(a) First- year students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. Second semester first-year students
must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units the previous semester to participate.
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(b) Second-year students must have accumulated five (5) total Carnegie units in the first year AND
passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(c) Third-year students must have accumulated ten (10) Carnegie units in the first and second years AND
passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(d) Fourth-year students must have accumulated sixteen (16) Carnegie units in the first three years AND
passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie units in the previous semester.
(e) Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year and eligibility
will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.
(f) Beginning with students starting 9th grade in 2008-09, third-year students must have accumulated 11
Carnegie units to be eligible and fourth
‐
year students must have accumulated 17 Carnegie units in order to be
eligible.
ADVISORY NOTICE: CURRICULAR INNOVATIONS
A. BLOCK FOUR PROGRAMS:
1. The student takes four courses that are worth one (1) Carnegie unit each and the classes meet twice the number
of hours per week as in the standard curricular programs.
2. To be eligible, a student must earn at least 2.5 Carnegie units.
3. Carnegie unit requirements are the same in all curricular programs.
B. BLOCK EIGHT PROGRAMS:
1. The student takes eight courses at some time during the term, and each course is worth one‐half Carnegie unit.
2. To be eligible, a student must earn at least 2.5 Carnegie units during the term.
3. Carnegie unit requirements are the same in all curricular programs.
C. HYBRID SCHEDULING:
1. Definition: A student takes a combination of courses scheduled as block courses, yearlong courses and/or
traditional courses.
2. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in a combination of courses that carry at least 2.5 Carnegie units.
3. To be eligible, a student must have passed a combination of courses the previous semester that carries at least
2.5 Carnegie units.
1.54 A student enrolled in a joint-enrollment program between his parent school and a vocational‐technical
school, an alternative school, or a college, shall be eligible to represent the parent school in interscholastic
activities provided he:
(a) is enrolled at the parent school and that school received state funds based on his enrollment. If enrolled in a
private school, he must be a full tuition‐paying student.
(b) is carrying work in the school which he is attending equivalent to at least 2.5 Carnegie Units, and has passed
coursework carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units the preceding semester.
(c) is a student in a state‐approved joint enrollment program in which he will receive credit at the parent school
for high school courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units during the high school semester.
(d) must receive credit at the parent school for work done at the alternative school, vocational‐technical school,
or college.
(e) must not have participated in interscholastic activities in the vocational‐technical school, alternative school,
or college.
1.55 Students participating in post-secondary options programs shall be eligible to participate at the parent
school provided academic eligibility is maintained.
(a) Students shall receive credits at the parent school based on the following:
(1) 7.5 quarter hours at the college level = 1 Carnegie Unit
(2) 5.0 semester hours at the college level = 1 Carnegie Unit
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NOTE: To participate, a student must be enrolled at a college for at least 18.75 quarter hours or 12.5 semester
hours.
(b) Students in post‐secondary options programs will gain or lose eligibility on the first day of the subsequent
semester of the parent school.
(c) Questions arising from this program should be referred to the GHSA Executive Director.
1.56 Loss of Eligibility: Students assigned to an alternative school or on out‐of‐school suspension for
Disciplinary reasons, or adjudicated to YDC, lose their eligibility. Suspension is considered to have ended
when the student is physically readmitted to the classroom.
1.57 Failure to Meet Academic Standards: When a school administrator believes that the student has failed
to meet the academic eligibility requirements due to conditions that were beyond the control of the school, the
student, and/or his parents, and such that none of them could have been expected reasonably to comply with the
rule, he may request that the student's case be put on the agenda of the Appeal Board.
(a) Ignorance of the rule(s) on the part of any individual is not sufficient cause to set aside the rule(s).
(b) Schools must supply all the materials requested on the Hardship Application Form on the GHSA web site.
1.58 Credit Recovery/Make-up Work: Students who have academic deficiencies at the end of a semester
may make up those deficiencies in programs that are available to any student in the school.
(a) Credit recovery programs are short‐term programs that involve a course that has been completed and a grade
given. The student is given the opportunity to work on areas of deficiency.
(b) Make‐up programs occur when a course has not been completed and an "Incomplete" grade has been given.
The student is given the opportunity to work on areas of deficiency.
(c) Credit recovery and make‐up work must be completed within fourteen (14) school days after the start of the
next semester. The student is ineligible until such time as the work is completed and the required passing grade
has been recorded. Exception: If the end‐of‐course test is not offered within 14 days of the beginning of the next
semester, the student may be granted a reasonable extension by the GHSA.
(d) The GHSA Executive Director shall be authorized to approve credit recovery or make‐up work completed
later than fourteen days after the start of the next semester if he finds that the:
(1) timeframe was not met due to circumstances outside the control of the student, his parent(s), and the school,
AND
(2) work was completed as soon as reasonably possible, AND
(3) allowance for such a delay is offered on the same basis to all students in the school.
(e) Credit recovery programs operated during the summer or in intersessions shall be completed within fourteen
days of the beginning of the new semester. Students using those credits to gain eligibility are ineligible until the
course is completed successfully. Credit recovery is used for remedial work only, and no new credit courses may
be applied under this provision.
(f) Students using credit recovery or make‐up programs must have their eligibility submitted to the GHSA office
on a "Form C."
1.59 Students with disabilities:
(a) A student with disabilities who is enrolled in a special education program which is not physically located at
the parent school (example: psycho‐education center, regional occupation center, community‐based instruction
class, etc.) shall be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities at the parent school
if IEP (Individual Education Program) requirements are met.
(b) Schools with students having to meet only IEP requirements for course credit must establish an accounting
process for the number of courses passed each semester, and for the awarding of Carnegie units. Requirements
for the date of entry into the ninth grade and for age apply to students with IEPs without variation.
(c) Competitive interscholastic activities administered through local special education programs shall follow
Georgia Department of Education guidelines and procedures for special education, and are exempt from GHSA
requirements.
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1.60 - SCHOOL SERVICE AREAS / TRANSFER / MIGRANT STUDENTS / MIGRATORY WAIVER
1.61 School service areas for member public schools are those attendance boundaries established by local
boards of education from which a school normally draws its students. The school service area for a member
private school is the county in which the private school is located. The school service area for a startup or
converted charter school will be the same as the school from which the charter school draws its students.
1.62 A transfer student who has established eligibility at a former school in grades 9‐12 shall be immediately
eligible at the new school if:
(a) The student moved simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former
school, and the student and parent(s) or persons residing with the student live in the service area of the new
school, this is known as a "bona fide move."
(1) The student may choose the public or private school serving that area.
(2) It must be apparent that the parent(s) or the persons residing with the student and the student have
relinquished the residence in the former service area and have occupied a residence in the new service area.
(3) Relinquishment of the former residence may be met by one of the following procedures: selling the residence;
having the residence listed with a real estate agent for sale at a fair market value; having a contract with a buyer;
having a lease agreement at a fair market value; or abandoning the house and shutting off unnecessary utilities.
When a family claims multiple residences, the residence for which they apply for a homestead exemption will be
declared the primary residence.
(4) The bona fide move is validated when the student's family maintains the new residence for at least one
calendar year. A return to the previous residence within that year renders the student to be a migrant student.
All hardship appeal processes are available.
(b) The student was enrolled in a private school or a magnet school and has a bona fide move from one
public school service area to another public-school service area. A student in this situation may attend either the
public school or a private school serving his area of residence.
(c) The student was enrolled in a non-member private school in Georgia or was boarded at a school
out of state and, without a bona fide move, transferred to a GHSA-member school that serves his area of
residence as long as:
(1) The student was enrolled at the high school serving his/her area of residence in grades 9‐12 before attending
the non‐member school, OR
(2) The student has not yet established eligibility at grades 9‐12 at a member school serving his area of residence,
OR
(3) the student has previously established his attendance at a school other than the school serving his area of
residence, and chooses to return to that school, AND
(4) it is the initial move of the student from a non‐member school to a member school serving his area of
residence.
(d) The student transfers from a non‐member home school and the receiving school grants credit so that the
student has accumulated sufficient Carnegie units. At the time such credit is given, the student must also have
passed a minimum of five (5) courses the previous semester. The student becomes eligible when credit is awarded
officially.
(e) The student is involved in a foreign exchange program that is approved and published on the "Advisory
List of International Educational Travel and Exchange Programs" published by the Council on Standards for
International Educational Travel (CSIET). This list is found on the GHSA web site.
(1) The student shall be considered eligible for a maximum period of one calendar year.
(2) The student shall not be a graduate of a secondary school in his home country.
(3) The student must maintain eligibility requirements at the member school.
(4) The foreign exchange program must assign students to schools by a method that ensures that no student,
school, or other interested party may influence the assignment for athletic purposes.
(f) If one of his/her parents or the custodial parent is a certified teacher or administrator teaching at the receiving
school. This opportunity is available one time only at any given school.
(g) The student has one of the following family‐related situations that produces a waiver of the bona fide
move rule:
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(1) There is a Superior Court or Juvenile Court awarded change of permanent custody and the student moves
to the residence of the parent receiving custody.
(a) The student must attend the member school serving that area of residence.
(b) A copy of the court order must accompany the eligibility forms.
(c) NOTE: Temporary guardianship papers issued by a Probate Court are not valid for eligibility.
(2) There is a Superior Court or Juvenile Court final order awarding permanent joint custody to the parents
and the student moves to a residence of his or her parent outside the service area of the previous school.
(a) This waiver may be made one time during a calendar year.
(b) A copy of the court order must accompany the eligibility forms.
(3) There is a death of a custodial parent, and the student moves to live with the other natural parent in a
new school service area.
NOTE: A copy of the death certificate shall be submitted with the eligibility papers.
(4) There is a military transfer of one or both custodial parents that creates a change of residence that is not a
bona fide move. NOTE: A copy of the deployment order shall be submitted with the eligibility form.
(h) Students who are U.S. citizens returning from a foreign country shall be eligible if they meet all other
requirements of eligibility.
(i) Students who are transferred from one school attendance area to another school attendance area by a
mandate of the local board of education maintain their eligibility.
(j) Married students setting up a household (domicile) shall be eligible in the school of their residence
provided they meet all other requirements of eligibility.
(k) Students at the Atlanta School for the Deaf will be eligible at the school serving their area of residence
provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
(l) The migratory rule (See 1.63) will be waived one time for students entering the following boarding
schools:
Ben Franklin Academy Rabun Gap School Tallulah Falls School
Georgia Military College Riverside Military Academy
Exception: Students from foreign countries not on an approved foreign exchange program are not eligible.
(m) Students entering a school as an "unaccompanied youth" under the conditions of the McKinney
‐
Vento Act
must go through the hardship appeal process to become eligible.
1.63 A "migrant student" is a student who transfers into a GHSA school without a bona fide move or without
one of the exceptions listed in by‐law 1.62. The student may practice or compete at the sub‐varsity level but may
not compete at the varsity level for one calendar year from the date of his entry into the new school.
1.64 A student who is not eligible because of GHSA rules at the former school, and then transfers to a new school,
cannot regain eligibility by the transfer. Ineligible students cannot gain eligibility by being adjudicated to YDC
and subsequently returning to their resident school with earned credit.
1.65 Students whose transfers from member school to member school have been approved by the GHSA office
after the end of regular season play or during post‐season play are not eligible for participation in GHSA
sponsored tournaments and/or playoffs in that sport for the school year of transfer.
1.66 A student who is not eligible at one school because of suspension or expulsion and then transfers to a
member school cannot regain eligibility by such a transfer, for the length of the suspension or one calendar year,
whichever is less.
1.67 A permissive transfer is defined as an allowance by a local board of education for students and/or their
parents to choose a school to attend without regard to the location of residence.
(a) A student transferring from member school to member school on a permissive transfer is considered a
migrant student.
(b) A student transferring to or from a school housing a system‐wide, singular academic or vocation program or
a magnet program on a permissive transfer is considered a migrant student.
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(c) Students transferring under the provisions of "No Child Left Behind" and the failure to make "Adequate Yearly
Progress" must be processed through the normal Hardship Appeal procedures. Such students must demonstrate
that they have been materially affected by the issue(s) that caused the former school to be placed on the "Need
to Improve" list.
(d) When a military base is in two school districts, a student moving onto the base for the first time may choose
to attend either school district, or that district will place the student appropriately. Any transfer after the initial
move will be subject to standard eligibility regulations.
1.68 Hardship Applications may be filed to attempt to establish eligibility in the following situations:
(a) A student who changes schools because of a temporary custody transfer from a parent to a guardian, or
from one guardian to another (See Article IV, Section 5, in the GHSA Constitution).
(b) A student whose transfer is based upon his being emancipated, homeless, a child from a broken home, a
ward of the DFACS, or a ward of a Court (See Article IV, Section 5, in the GHSA Constitution).
1.69 When a new school opens, student eligibility shall be determined as follows:
(a) When a school district mandates an attendance area for a new school for all grades enrolled at the new school,
all students living within the mandated attendance area in those grades are immediately eligible. All students
living outside the mandated attendance area who desire to attend the new school are considered migrant
students and are ineligible for one year. Hardship appeals may be filed if conditions warrant.
(b) When a school district mandates some students to attend the new school, allows some students to stay at
their present school, and permits some students to transfer to the new school, the school shall set a deadline for
students living in the attendance area of the new school to decide whether they will move to the new school, or
stay at the present school. The decisions exercised at the deadline date are binding. Subsequent changes render
the student to be a migrant student with the one‐year period of ineligibility. Students who are granted permissive
transfers to enroll at the new school from other schools within the system are considered to be migrant students.
Hardship appeals may be filed if conditions warrant.
1.70 - RECRUITING/UNDUE INFLUENCE
1.71 Recruiting and Undue Influence is defined as the use of influence by any person connected directly or
indirectly with a GHSA school to induce a student of any age to transfer from one school to another, or to
enter the ninth grade at a member school for athletic or literary competition purposes, whether or not the school
presently attended by the student is a member of the GHSA.
(a) The use of undue influence to secure OR retain a student for competitive purposes is prohibited and shall
lead to penalties being assessed against either school. NOTE: This violation may cause the student to forfeit
eligibility for one year from the date of enrollment.
(b) Evidence of undue influence includes, but is not limited to, personal contact by coaches and sponsors in an
attempt to persuade transfer, gifts of money, jobs, supplies, clothing, free transportation, admission to contests,
invitation to attend practices and/or games, or free tuition.
(c) Complaints or reports of violations of this rule will be investigated and handled on a case‐by‐case basis. If
coaches are found to be in violation of the recruiting rule, a copy of the investigation will be forwarded to the
Professional Standards Commission of the Department of Education.
1.72 A student athlete transferring from one member school to another shall be ruled ineligible for one year
because of "undue influence" if it is proven that:
(a) the coach of the receiving school coached an out‐of‐school team on which the athlete played prior to the
transfer; OR
(b) the coach at the receiving school acted as a private athletic instructor for the transferring athlete, regardless
of whether the coach was paid for his services and/or expertise
(c) Articles (a) and (b) shall be enforced even in the event the student made a bona fide move into the receiving
school's service area.
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1.80 - FINANCIAL AID
1.81 Any student who receives financial aid or non‐GHSA approved gifts from any source and in any form
(scholarships, tuition remission, cash, gifts, etc.) arising out of or received in connection with their
participation in any sport or literary event shall be ruled ineligible. This prohibition shall not apply to awards
under By‐Law #1.90 or to other items approved by the GHSA.
(a) The GHSA Executive Director will determine whether the financial aid or gift arose out of or in connection
with participation in any sport or literary event.
(b) If a school allows a student who has received such financial aid or gifts to participate in competition, the
Executive Director shall assess an appropriate penalty.
1.82 Financial aid in the form of free or reduced tuition or other aid must be need‐based aid as determined by
a national student aid service or financial aid based on institutional policies for academic performance
(classroom record and/or test scores) that is administered by persons not in the athletic department.
1.83 Member schools who award financial aid shall issue a statement to the Executive Director signed by the
principal or headmaster of the school giving the following information:
(a) number of students enrolled in the school
(b) number of students receiving financial aid
(c) names of students (or a listing of student identification numbers) receiving financial aid who are involved in
GHSA activities
(d) certification that the percentage of students who participate in activities and who receive financial aid is the
same percentage as the number of students receiving financial aid who do not participate in activities (plus or
minus 5%)
1.90 - AMATEUR STATUS/AWARDS
1.91 A student who represents a school in interscholastic athletic competition shall be an amateur in that
activity.
(a) An amateur athlete is one who engages in athletic competition solely for the physical, mental, social, and
pleasure benefits derived therefrom.
(b) Accepting nominal, standard fees or salary for instructing, supervising, or officiating in an organized youth
sports program or recreation, playground, or camp activity, shall not jeopardize an athlete's amateur status.
(c) Reasonable compensation derived from private lessons in a sport is permissible.
1.92 An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by:
(a) competing for money or other monetary compensations except for reasonable allowances for travel, meals,
and lodging. NOTE: Accepting expense allowances authorized by the United States Olympic Committee for
Olympic Development Programs is acceptable for GHSA students.
(b) receiving any award or prize of monetary value which has not been approved by the GHSA.
(c) capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts with monetary value except college scholarships.
(d) signing a professional playing contract in any sport or hiring an agent to manage his/her athletic career.
1.93 Only awards approved by the GHSA may be accepted by a high school student‐athlete as a result of
participation in school or non‐school competition in a sport recognized by the GHSA.
1.94 Symbolic awards (i.e., non‐cash) presented for winning or placing in GHSA competitions are limited to
$250 per year, per student in the aggregate, paid by the local school. These are the only GHSA‐approved awards
for interscholastic competition. Beyond this, a student may receive one (1) school sweater or jacket presented by
the school during his high school career.
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ATTACHMENT I: Head Coach Duties and Responsibilities
1. DUTY TO PLAN
A. This is a comprehensive requirement that transcends all other duties. Inherent in this duty is the need
to continually conduct focused analyses of potential hazards and to develop responsive strategies
that prevent or reduce the potential for injury and loss in the following areas: coaching competence;
medical screening; appropriate activities that consider age, maturity and environmental conditions;
facility and equipment evaluation and improvement; injury response; warnings to athletes and their
families; insurance of athletes; proper GHSA forms completed and signed by parents to include;
physical form; concussion awareness form; sudden cardiac arrest awareness form; practice policy for
heat and hydration form. Head coaches are responsible for managing and logging lightning detector,
wet bulb, and AED logs. Negligence can be alleged when an injury loss results from no planning,
inadequate planning or when plans are developed but ignored.
B. Eligibility of Players – Head coaches are responsible for ensuring all players are academically
eligible to participate, meet all age requirements, and live in the school zone. Head coaches must
turn in a team roster to the Athletic Liaison prior to the first day of practice. The head coach must
provide information to the Athletic Liaison concerning any transfer student needing a “B” form
approval. The following guidelines are provided by GHSA:
Students gain eligibility to practice or compete for the school in which they are enrolled after
they have been certified by the principal of that school, after the eligibility forms have been
processed by the GHSA office, and after the students have met the standards of: (a) academic
requirements (b) age (c) semesters in high school (d) residence in the school's service area (e)
transfer rules Note: Students establishing eligibility as entering 9th graders are automatically
eligible for the first semester unless over age.
C. Scheduling – Head coaches are responsible for scheduling all games prior to the beginning of
the season. DeKalb Athletics must be contacted 72 hours prior to any cancellation otherwise the
school may be charged for referees. DeKalb Athletics must be contacted for approval of any
rescheduled games.
D. Uniforms and Equipment – Head coaches are responsible for ordering uniforms and equipment
through DeKalb Athletics. Head coaches are responsible for the proper care of all uniforms and
equipment. Proper inventory and documentation must be completed at the end of each school year.
Any discrepancies are the responsibility of the school.
E. Head coaches are responsible for the following concerning their coaching staff:
1. Head coaches are responsible for properly vetting assistant coaches according to DeKalb School
District and GHSA policy.
2. All coaches must complete GHSA rules clinic for their sport.
3. All coaches must follow and adhere to GHSA Constitution and By-Laws. Any violations of
GHSA policy must be reported to DeKalb Athletics.
4. All coaches on staff must complete first aid and CPR training.
5. All Community/Lay coaches must complete the GHSA process and be certified by GHSA.
6. Coaches may not coach athletes outside of their season on any non GHSA team within
twelve months of coaching the player on the school team.
ATTACHMENT I:
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F. Emergency Action Plans/Practice Plans – Head coaches are responsible for creating and
implementing Emergency Action Plans for practice and games. This plan should include medical
emergencies, fights, and active shooters. Emergency Action Plans and daily practice plans must be
turned in to the Athletic Liaison. Head coaches are responsible for knowing and complying with
begin and end dates and all practice policies established by GHSA. Head coaches are responsible
for attending any post season play-off meetings held by GHSA.
G. Head coaches are responsible for communicating all information concerning their teams to school
administrators and players parents.
2. DUTY TO SUPERVISE – A head coach must be physically present at all events, provide supervision and
control of impulsive behavior, competent instruction, structured practices that are appropriate for the age and
maturity of players, prevent foreseeable injuries and respond to injury or trauma in an approved manner. Head
coaches must ensure there is always proper adult supervision of student/athletes before and after practice and
athletic events. Athletes must not be left unsupervised waiting for parents to pick them up following any athletic
activity.
3. DUTY TO ASSESS ATHLETES’ READINESS FOR PRACTICE AND COMPETITION – Head
coaches are required to assess the health and physical or maturational readiness skills and physical condition of
athletes. A progression of skill development and conditioning improvement should be apparent from practice
plans. Athletes must also be medically screened in accordance with state association regulations before
participating in practice or competition.
4. DUTY TO MAINTAIN SAFE PLAYING CONDITIONS – Coaches are considered trained professionals
who possess a higher level of knowledge and skill that permits them to identify foreseeable causes of injury
specific to a sport and inherent in defective equipment or hazardous environments. Coaches should not practice
in unsafe field environments and should report any field or practice facility issues to the principal.
In addition, weather conditions must be considered. Athletes should not be subjected to intense or prolonged
conditioning during periods of extreme heat and humidity or when frostbite may be a factor. In addition, a plan
for monitoring and responding to dangerous weather conditions is necessary.
5. DUTY TO PROVIDE PROPER EQUIPMENT – Coaches and athletic administrators must ensure
athletes are properly equipped with equipment that is appropriate for the age and maturity of the athletes and
that is clean, durable, and safe. Fitting should be carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
This is especially important for protective equipment which must carry a National Operating Commission on
Safety in Athletics Equipment (NOCSAE) certification and must be checked for proper fit and wearing.
Athletes must wear protective equipment any time they are exposed to the full rigors of contact in practice or
competition. Selection of equipment must also consider the age and maturity of the athletes.
6. DUTY TO INSTRUCT PROPERLY – Instructor-coaches must be properly prepared to provide
appropriate and sequential instruction and to identify and avoid dangerous practices or conditions. Instruction
must demonstrate appropriate and safe techniques and must include warning about unsafe techniques and
prohibited practices.
7. DUTY TO MATCH ATHLETES –Athletes should be matched with consideration for maturity, skill, age,
size, and speed. To the degree possible, mismatches should be avoided in all categories.
8. DUTY TO CONDITION PROPERLY – Practices must account for a progression of cardiovascular and
Musculo-skeletal conditioning regimens that prepare athletes sequentially for more challenging practices and
competitive activities. Consideration must be given to student readiness and maturational factors. In addition,
consideration should include weather conditions and their impact on student health. Practice policy guidelines
must be reviewed and followed in accordance with GHSA Constitution and By-Laws.
9. DUTY TO ENSURE ATHLETES ARE COVERED BY INJURY INSURANCE – Athletic
administrators and coaches must screen athletes to ensure that family and/or school insurance provides a basic
level of medical coverage. Athletes should not be allowed to participate without injury insurance. Deductible
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and co-payment requirements should be clearly explained to parents and athletes. Certain schools may need to
publish this information in several languages. Comprehensions should be required of parents and athletes.
10. DUTY TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY CARE – Coaches are expected to be able to administer accepted,
prioritized, standard first aid procedures including the use of AED machines and administering CPR when
needed.
11. DUTY TO DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN – Athletic administrators and coaches
must develop site-specific plans for managing uninjured team members while emergency care is being
administered to an injured athlete. In addition, plans must be in place to: ensure access to a telephone, and a
stocked first aid kit. The plan should also account for a timely call to EMS and an expedited access by EMS to
the injured athlete by stationing coaches or team members at driveways, parking lots, entry doors and remote
hallways.
12. DUTY TO PROVIDE PROPER TRANSPORTATION – Head coaches must ensure school bus
transportation is provided for all schedules games using Trip Tracker. Players who travel to athletic events by
car must follow district guidelines and have the proper waiver documentation completed prior to the event.
13. DUTY TO SELECT, TRAIN AND SUPERVISE COACHES – Head coaches will be expected to ensure
coaches can provide safe conditions and activities as outlined in the preceding list of thirteen duties.
I have read the above document and understand I am responsible for all duties and responsibilities of being the
head coach. I understand it is my responsibility to read the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws and know all rules
governing my sport as outlined by the National Federation of High Schools and GHSA.
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Title ___________________________________________________________________________
Signature _______________________________________________________________________
89
DeKalb County Athletic Department
ATTACHMENT II: Athletic Liaison Job Description
Title: Athletic Liaison
Qualifications:
1. Valid Georgia Teacher Certification
2. Previous experience as a coach in a variety of sports.
3. Knowledge of overall operation and policy and procedure governing the athletic program.
Reports To: Principal
Supervises: Assists the principal in supervision of coaches and all aspects of the school athletic
program.
Job Goal: To provide for overall leadership and coordination among the various sports to facilitate
programs that provide student/athletes worthwhile learning experiences through athletic competition.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Reports to the high school principal, the DeKalb County Department of Athletics and the
Superintendent of Schools.
2. Administers the interscholastic policies and procedures of the local school, the DeKalb
Department of Athletics, the Board of Education, and the Georgia High School Association.
3. Maintains for each sport a permanent file containing the GHSA medical forms, insurance/waiver
forms, athletic registration forms and other appropriate information for all student-athletes.
4. Maintains a school athletic history for each sport, which includes the win-loss record, number of
students participating, team championships, individual championships and outstanding team
and individual honors.
5. Review written team rules for each sport to assess that they are enforceable, equitable and fair.
6. Develops and coordinates and Athletic Study Table Program.
7. Prepares athletic eligibility based on a list of players submitted by each coach.
ATTACHMENT II:
90
8. Interprets athletic policies and procedures for coaches as needed.
9. Assists in resolving conflicts that may develop between coaches and programs.
10. Coordinates the equitable use of athletic facilities to include training and team rules for practice,
games and special events for fairness and to meet gender equity requirements.
11. Supervises the proper care, use and storage of all athletic equipment.
12. Conducts an accurate inventory of uniforms and equipment for each sport. A copy of this
inventory is to be filed with the Department of Athletics within two weeks of the completion of
the season.
13. Assists, where possible, in arranging for medical personnel at all home varsity football games
and larger athletic events and coordinates GHSA physical exams for students.
14. Supervises athletic events and awards programs as assigned by the principal.
15. Coordinates requests for maintenance and repair of athletic fields, track gymnasium and other
athletic areas.
16. Recommends facility improvements needed for the principal.
17. Works as a liaison among the coaches, the local school administration, and the Department of
Athletics.
18. Reviews game schedules for conflicts or problems.
19. Recommends cancellation or postponement of contests to the principal after consulting with the
coach.
20. Assists as a liaison between the coaches and the athletic booster clubs.
21. Follows the Code of Ethics as printed in the Athletic Handbook and maintains an athletic
program that promotes sportsmanship and fair play.
22. Evaluates athletic needs constantly to seek ways to improve the total school athletic program.
23. Works to assure gender equity issues are resolved at the school level.
24. Teaches the Sports Safety/CPR classes to certify the school’s and feeder school’s coaches
annually.
25. Develops, publicizes, and monitors a local safety plan for athletics.
26. Administers all programs in compliance with the request of Title IX.
27. Performs other duties as the principal and/or Superintendent of Schools may Direct.
91
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
ATTACHMENT III: MS ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY FORM
SPORT _______________ List students alphabetically per grade (all 8
th
grade then all 7
th
grade student
athletes)
Name
Last,
Name
First, MI
Birthday
GRADE
Total
Classes
Offered
Last
Semester
(6 or 7)
Total Classes
Passed Last
Semester using
the 4 out of 6
Or
5 out of 7 model
(ex. 4.5/6 or 6/7)
Eligibility
4 Out Of 6
Or
5 Out Of 7
Y or N
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Coach Signature: __________________________________________
Administrator of Athletics: ______________________________
Date: _________________________
Signature confirms that the information on the eligibility sheet is accurate.
ATTACHMENT III:
92
ATTACHMENT IV: GHSA On-line Eligibility Seminars & Constitution
GHSA On-Line Eligibility Seminars
Session 1 –
Academic Eligibility Regulations:
http://www.ghsa.net/node/1734
GHSA Eligibility Seminar –
Session 2 –
Transfer Eligibility Rules:
http://www.ghsa.net/node/1763
GHSA Eligibility Seminar –
Session 3 –
Processing Eligibility Forms:
http://www.ghsa.net/node/1767
GHSA Constitution
https://www.ghsa.net/sites/default/files/documents/Constitution/Constitution20-
21completecx23.pdf
ATTACHMENT IV:
