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Code of Conduct & Sportsmanship

Code of Conduct & Sportsmanship

Participation in ESM athletics is a privilege, not a right. Parents and student-athletes must cooperatively agree to abide by the following standards:


Parent & Guardian Code

  • Support the Team: Direct all energy toward encouraging your child’s team. Avoid actions that offend or demean visiting teams, players, or coaches.
  • Let the Coaches Coach: Do not attempt to coach or instruct student-athletes from the sidelines before, during, or after practices or contests.
  • Respect Decisions: Accept the judgment of coaches and officials, and model true sportsmanship. How parents react to high-stakes moments, tough calls, and coaching strategies directly influences how our student-athletes learn to handle adversity.
  • Timeliness: Ensure your child arrives at all practices and contests on time, and is picked up promptly afterward.


Student-Athlete Code

  • Self-Control: Demonstrate respect for all coaches, administrators, officials, opponents, and spectators at all times.
  • Uniform Pride: Remember that improper behavior while in uniform reflects poorly on you, your family, your team, and your community.
  • Integrity in Outcomes: Deal with opponents respectfully, shake hands after every competition, accept victory with grace, and face defeat with dignity.
  • Zero Tolerance for Hazing: Hazing is strictly prohibited. Hazing includes any act that demeans, degrades, or creates a risk of physical or psychological harm as a condition of team entry or association. Suspected incidents will result in immediate administrative action.


Dual Expectations for Student-Athletes

  • All student-athletes are subject to both the overarching ESM Code of Conduct and the specific Team Rules established by their respective head coaches.

 

The ESM Code of Conduct: This is a districtwide policy governing student behavior, academic eligibility, and representation. It applies 24/7, both on and off campus, and during the off-season. Compliance with the ESM Code of Conduct is mandatory to maintain athletic eligibility.

 

Coaches Team Rules*: In addition to the district-wide code, each head coach has the authority to establish
unique expectations tailored to their specific sport and team. These rules may cover, but are not limited to:

  • Practice and game attendance requirements
  • Team dress codes and uniform care
  • Curfews and travel behavior
  • Playing time determinations and communication protocols

*  Failure to meet these established standards may result in disciplinary action, including a reduction in playing time, suspension, or dismissal from the team.

 

Contest Ejection Policy (Section III)

  • First Ejection: A player who is ejected from a contest shall not be permitted to participate in the next scheduled contest (Section III ruling).
  • Second Ejection: Results in a mandatory 2-game suspension.
  • Third Ejection: Results in suspension for the remainder of the sports season.
  • End-of-Season Carryover: If an ejection occurs at the end of a sports season, the suspension will carry over to the next sport season in which the athlete participates.