THE SCHOOL BOARD
OF
CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA

Sandra “Sandy” Counts
Douglas A. Dodd
Joseph “Joe.” Faherty

Kenneth “Ken” Frink
Thomas Kennedy

SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Scott Hebert

DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

Laura Lindeman

DISTRICT COUNTY ACTIVITES DIRECTOR

Robert J. Verlato, Jr.

1. All District high schools shall be members of the Florida High School Athletic Association, Inc. (FHSAA) and shall be governed by the rules and regulations adopted by FHSAA. Students who participate in athletics shall meet eligibility requirements established by FHSAA and the School Board which are consistent with Florida Statutes. Membership dues will be paid from the internal accounts of each respective school.

2. Students practicing or participating in any type of interscholastic athletics shall provide proof of accident insurance covering medical expenses of any injury sustained in a sport. The principal shall be responsible for obtaining proof, as evidenced by a signed statement from the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian, of the student’s insurance prior to practice or participation in interscholastic athletics. Such insurance may be made available to the parent(s) or legal guardian through the school, or the parent(s) or legal guardian may submit evidence that insurance has been provided through another source.

3. No student shall engage in practice or participate in any interscholastic game without the written permission of the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian, and a current physical examination as required by FHSAA being on file.
4. Interscholastic Participation: To be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities, a student must:
   1. Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous semester or a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required by Section 1003.43(1), F.S.
   2. Students sustaining injuries at a school sponsored athletic activity or event will be administered to by the procedures of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), Inc contained in the current FHSAA Handbook in accordance with the provisions of Policy 5.60 Student Injuries.
5. The Superintendent shall develop appropriate administrative procedures for the operation of the interscholastic athletics program. Such procedures should provide for the following safeguards:
   1. Prior to enrolling in the sport, each participant shall submit to a thorough physical examination as defined by Florida Statutes; and a parent/legal guardian shall report any past or current health problems along a physician's statement that any such problems have or are being treated and pose no threat to the student's participation. Physicals are valid for three hundred sixty-five (365) days.

2. Any student who is found to have a health condition which may be life-threatening to self or others shall not be allowed to participate until the situation has been analyzed by a medical review panel who has determined the conditions under which the student may participate. Pursuant to Section 1006.20(2)(d), F.S., the District shall not be liable for any student with a health condition who has been authorized to play by the parent/legal guardian if the parent/legal guardian of the student objects in writing to the student undergoing a medical evaluation because such evaluation is contrary to his/her religious beliefs or practices.
3. Any student who incurs an injury requiring a physician’s care is to have the written approval of a physician prior to the student’s return to participation.
4. To minimize health and safety risks to student athletes and maintain ethical standards, school personnel, and/or coaches should never dispense, supply, recommend, or permit the use of any drug, medication, or food supplement solely for performance-enhancing purposes.
5. The superintendent and school principal will require that sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity characterize the way the athletic program is conducted and the actions of students who participate.
6. All documentation for Physicals (FHSAA Form EL2), FHSAA Consent and Release from Liability Certificate (FHSAA Form EL3) that covers concussions, sudden cardiac arrest, and heat related illnesses, the ECG screening Consent Form and Release of Liability will be maintained by the Athletic Director for seven (7) years.

6. Students sustaining injuries at a school sponsored athletic activity or event shall be administered in accordance with the procedures of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), Inc contained in the current FHSAA Handbook in accordance with the provisions of Policy 5.60 Student Injuries.
7. FHSAA Form EL3 also provides information for parents and students on Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heat Related Illnesses. Additional Information is available in School Board Policy 4.88 Exertional Heat Illness.
8. All Citrus County Schools and Staff who participate in school sponsored athletic activities or events will comply with the provisions of the “Zachary Martin Act” to protect students’ health while participating in school sponsored athletic activities by providing the following:

1. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in a clearly marked and publicized location for each athletic contest, practice, workout, or conditioning session. 
    
2. A school employee or volunteer with current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an AED to be present at each athletic event, practice, workout, or conditioning session.
    
3. All employees or volunteers expected to use an AED must complete the proper training and be notified annually of the location of each AED on school grounds.
    
4. Each school’s emergency action plan shall include a procedure for onsite cooling using Coldwater Immersion. 
    
5. Athletic coaches and sponsors of outdoor extracurricular activities shall complete annual exertional heat illness training, including administration of cooling zones.

9. Pursuant to Florida Statutes licensed medical personnel who act as volunteers for school events and agree to render emergency care or treatment shall be immune from civil liability for treatment of a participant in any school-sponsored athletic event, provided such treatment was rendered in accordance with acceptable standards of practice and was not objected to by the participant.

10. Each public school that is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association must have an operational automated external defibrillator (AED) on the school grounds. A procedure manual has been established to provide reasonable measures, protocols, and procedures to ensure that AED’s are used by trained staff, maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines, and registered with the local EMS system.

11. All students shall be subject to all School Board rules and to the Code of Student Conduct while attending athletic events and practices.

12. In order for a student to be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular student activities, he or she must meet all of the requirements established by the FHSAA and maintain satisfactory conduct, as defined by the Code of Student Conduct.

• Appendix A-Athletic Programs Protocol
• Appendix B-Supplement Pay Schedule
• Appendix C-Process for Hiring Athletic Coaches – Athletics Flowchart
• Appendix D-Supplement Release Form
• Appendix E-Inventories and Property Records (Policy 7.77)
• Appendix F-Fundraising/Activity Request Form
• Appendix G-General Athletics Chart
• Appendix H-Purchasing and Bidding
• Appendix I-Signature Sheets
• Appendix J-Purchase Request Form
• Appendix K-How to Complete a Report of Monies Collected & Official Receipt (K1-K3)
• Appendix L-Citrus County School's Cash Count Sheet
• Appendix M-Athletic Program Inventory Form
• Appendix N-Coaching Directory and CPR Certification Template
• Appendix O-Emergency Action Plan Worksheet
• Appendix P-Incident/Accident Student Reports
• Appendix Q-Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (EL2)
• Appendix R-Consent and Release from Liability Certificate (EL3)
• Appendix S-Off-Season Athletic Participation Protocol
  • APPENDIX S - Off Season Protocol 25-26.docx
• Appendix T-FHSAA Policy 22
• Appendix U- Citrus County Athletic Gender Equity Resource Guide
• Appendix V- Parent/Student Contract and Non-Negotiables

• 1.1    Superintendent's Message
• 1.2    Philosophy Statement
• 1.3    Department of Athletics' Mission Statement
• 1.4    Principles of Athletics
• 1.5    Purpose of The Citrus County School's Athletic Handbook
• 1.6    Objective of Handbook
• 1.7    Objectives of Athletic Program

Dear Student-Athletes, Parents, and Supporters,

It is my honor to welcome you to the Citrus County School District’s athletic program. The opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics is a privilege that offers more than just competition on the field, court, or track. Athletics teach lessons that last a lifetime: perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and respect.

Being a student-athlete means balancing academic excellence with athletic commitment. This handbook was created to guide you through the policies, expectations, and opportunities that come with representing your school. I encourage you to read it carefully and discuss it with your family, coaches, and school leaders. A complete understanding of the guidelines will help you take full advantage of your athletic experience while modeling the integrity and sportsmanship that define Citrus County Schools.

A successful program thrives because of dedicated coaches, engaged students, supportive administrators and teachers, and a community that supports students. Success is measured in the pride you bring to your school, the respect you show your opponents, and the example you set for those who will follow in your footsteps.

Many great athletes and teams have worn your school’s colors with distinction, and now it is your turn to carry on that tradition. You are not just playing for yourself, but you are representing your family, your school, and Citrus County. This is your opportunity to inspire younger students, honor those who came before you, and set the standard for the future.

On behalf of the Citrus County School District, I wish you a safe, successful, and memorable season. I look forward to seeing you compete, cheering alongside your families and friends, and celebrating all that you accomplish.

Go make your mark. Go build the tradition.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Hebert
Superintendent of Schools
Citrus County School District

Athletics occupy a position of enduring historical and social importance within the fabric of our national culture. They constitute a vital avenue through which individuals cultivate the physical vigor, endurance, and discipline necessary to achieve their fullest potential. Moreover, athletic participation provides constructive, health-enhancing recreational opportunities that contribute meaningfully to the development and well-being of youth.

Given the profound influence of athletics during the formative years, such experiences should be recognized as an essential and inseparable element of the comprehensive educational program offered by Citrus County Schools.

The Citrus County School District affirms, through policy and practice, its commitment to the belief that a comprehensive interscholastic athletic program is an integral component of a well-rounded educational experience. Participation in athletics contributes to the development of self-discipline, emotional maturity, teamwork, and an appreciation for individual responsibility and worth. Students shall understand that participation in athletics is a privilege and an honor, accompanied by the responsibility to maintain satisfactory academic performance and to demonstrate exemplary conduct at all times, as outlined in the Student Handbook and the Code of Student Conduct for Citrus County Public Schools (K–12).

All coaches within the district are expected to serve as instructional leaders and positive role models for student-athletes. Coaches shall consistently demonstrate the highest standards of character, integrity, and professionalism both within and beyond the school environment. All personnel involved in the athletic program are required to adhere to the rules, policies, and procedures established by the Citrus County School District, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Coaches are responsible for the consistent and equitable enforcement of all rules and regulations, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all student-athletes. Emphasis shall be placed on sportsmanship, fairness, and the well-being of participants at all times.

The Citrus County School District is committed to excellence in all aspects of its athletic programs. A strong and positive athletic culture enhances school climate, promotes school spirit, and fosters community pride. Coaches, athletic directors, administrators, and all individuals serving in support or volunteer roles share collective responsibility for the continuous evaluation, compliance, and improvement of the athletic program.

Recognizing the significant impact that participation in interscholastic athletics can have on a student’s academic, social, and personal development, the Citrus County School District remains dedicated to promoting achievement, sportsmanship, and lifelong values through its athletic programs.

To utilize fully the potential in athletics for educational experiences, interscholastic programs should be organized and conducted in accordance with these six basics principles:

1. Interscholastic athletic programs should be regarded as integral parts of the total educational program and should be conducted so that they are worthy of such regard.
2. Interscholastic athletic programs should supplement rather than serve as substitutes for basic physical education programs, physical recreation programs, and intramural athletic programs.
3. Interscholastic athletic programs should be subject to the same administrative control as the total educational programs.
4. Interscholastic athletic programs should be conducted by personnel with training in the principles of coaching, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and all FHSAA required coaching mandatory courses.
5. The welfare of the participant should be placed above any other consideration. What happens to the athlete who participates in the sports program is of primary importance. His or her welfare should transcend any other consideration. Victory is highly desired, important, and should be sought, but not at the sacrifice of other values concerned with the development of the participant.
6. Interscholastic athletic programs should be conducted in accordance with the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations of appropriate state and national athletic associations and School District policies.

To establish mutual understanding with relevant and comprehensive information among administrators, teachers, coaches, parents and students of the policies and procedures which guide the program of interscholastic athletics in Citrus County. For the purposes of this Handbook. the term "participant" shall include but not be limited to, all of the following."

• Game officials
• Administrators
• Coaches (volunteers or compensated)
• Team members (of all teams involved)
• Game workers
• Band Members
• Cheerleaders
• Other student supporters
• Spectators
• To serve as a basis for a periodic re-evaluation of the interscholastic athletic program.
• To provide, in writing, a statement of basic policies and procedures for reference when desired and/or needed