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

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

The objectives of the handbook are to:

• Promote desirable ethical practices, sportsmanship, and productive relationships among schools, coaches, participants, officials, and spectators.
• Provide information on the various district policy, procedures, and regulations, of the Florida High School Athletic Association and National Federation of High School Associations
• Provide information on the major procedures, regulations, and policies approved by the school board and school administration.
• Provide information guidelines, and relationships, of the duties and responsibilities of coaches, participants, and administrators.

The comprehensive athletic program within Citrus County Schools is designed to support the overall educational mission of the district. Its specific objectives include:

• To promote an understanding of the role and value of athletics in society, by recognizing outstanding athletic achievement and emphasizing the educational benefits of athletic participation.

• To foster good citizenship and respect for rules and authority, by instilling in students the principles of justice, fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while reinforcing the importance of being a responsible and respectful member of a team.
• To support the goals of the total educational program, by promoting physical fitness and the understanding that a healthy body contributes to academic success; and by offering a dynamic athletic program that engages student interest and enhances the overall learning environment.

The School Board of Citrus County is responsible for all aspects of the public-school program. The logical chain of command for initiating or changing policy is as follows:

• Individual School Coaching Staff- Suggested policy changes from coaches shall pass through a school's activities director, who shall, in turn, submit all proposed policies to the school Principal for action.
• Supervisor Staff- The County AD shall be a liaison representative between the Secondary Principal and the County Administrative Staff.
• County Administrative Staff- The County Administrative Staff shall review all suggested guideline changes prior to inclusion into the Citrus County School's Athletic Handbook.

• The Board of Education is the final authority for establishing policy for the school district, including the Department of Athletics.
• The Board of Education will periodically review existing policies affecting the athletic program in the Citrus County School district and will revise, expand, update, and improve policies as appropriate.
• The Board of Education will serve as a link to the extended school community and communicate a full realization of the value of athletics as an educational tool important to the development of young people.

• The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for implementing Board of Education policy for the school districts and shall, per Board directive, establish regulations and procedures for administering the schools, including management of the Department of Athletics, as appropriate.
• The Superintendent of Schools will periodically review existing regulations and procedures affecting the athletic programs in the Citrus County School district and will collaborate with the school administrators and Activities Directors to revise, expand, update, and improve regulations and procedures as appropriate.
• The Superintendent of Schools will serve as a communication link to the extended school community, along with the Board of Education, and will communicate a full realization of the value of athletics as an educational tool important to the development of young people.
• The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will participate in the overall ongoing assessment of the athletic program and will serve as the final administrative appeal for conflict resolution and/or problem solving in the Department of Athletics.

The County Activities/Athletic Director reports directly to the Director of Secondary Education and is responsible for the oversight and development of the County interscholastic athletic programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing consistent leadership and guidance to all schools to maximize the effectiveness and compliance of their athletic programs.
• Promoting equitable athletic opportunities for all middle and high schools.
• Interpreting Board policies to offer clear guidance on athletic matters.
• Conducting an annual review of the Athletic Policies and Handbook
• Ensuring compliance with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
• Coordinating and providing periodic training for athletic coaches.
• Arranging emergency medical services (EMS) coverage for all home football games.

• The principal or designee of the school is responsible for the operation of his/her school.
• The principal or designee recommends the appointment of athletic personnel. As such, the principal is responsible for educating his/her staff to ensure compliance with the policies and procedures contained within district policy, FHSAA policy, and guidelines within the Citrus County Schools Athletic Handbook.
• The principal or designee is the instructional leader of the school and, therefore, is a critical component of the overall supervision of the athletic program, which is an extension of the school day.
• The principal or designee will supervise the activities director to support his/her efforts to allow all eligible students the opportunity to have a positive educational experience through participation in athletics.
• The principal or designee will support and work with the activity's director in his/her role as supervisor and primary evaluator of school athletics personnel.
• The principal or designee, in his/her leadership position, must have as his/her first concern the welfare of students and staff, including those participating in the athletics program.
• The principal or designee, working with the activity's director, has control over all interscholastic athletic relations in which his/her school participates, including interscholastic athletics for boys and girls.
• The principal or designee must sanction all athletic contests in which his/her school participates.
• The principal or designee may exclude any contestant who, because of improper conduct, would not represent his/her school in a becoming manner, and may also exclude any contestant who has suffered serious illness or injury until that contestant is pronounced physically fit by a licensed physician.
• The principal or designee, and other members of the school's administrative team, will attend athletic events and demonstrate support for the students, coaches, and parents involved in the programs.
• The principal or designee shall have such other powers concerning interscholastic athletics with his/her school as are in keeping with the growth and needs of the school and which are consistent with the provisions of the regulations of the FHSAA / NFHS. Any post season (away) events, the away team will also send a representative (designee) to the event.
• The principal or designee should prepare an evaluation of the activities director on an annual basis.​​​​​​​

• The Athletic/Activities Director at each secondary school shall supervise and administer the school’s interscholastic athletic program. This individual is responsible for implementing a comprehensive program in accordance with the policies established by the School Board of Citrus County, ensuring alignment with the overall educational mission of the school, and promoting positive relationships among students, staff, and the community.
• The Athletic/Activities Director shall be responsible for the following:
• Maintain direct and ongoing communication with the school principal and the District’s County Athletic Director.
• Coordinate and oversee the school’s interscholastic athletic program.
• Recommend, develop, and administer athletic schedules.
• Collaborate regularly with coaches to ensure effective communication regarding all aspects of the athletic program.
• Coordinate all transportation arrangements for athletic events in collaboration with district transportation personnel.
• Arrange for the use of non-school facilities, as necessary.
• Oversee the scheduling, supervision, and operation of all home athletic events.
• Coordinate event coordination, including pre-game, halftime, and related activities (e.g., band performances and ceremonies).
• Ensure the preparation and distribution of event programs and related materials.
• Coordinate staffing needs for athletic events, including timers, scorekeepers, security personnel, ticketing staff, officials, and other necessary personnel, and ensure appropriate communication with visiting teams.
• Promote athletic programs through appropriate communication with media outlets and school channels.
• Attend required local, district, regional, and state meetings pertinent to the athletic program.
• Ensure appropriate supervision and hospitality for visiting teams.
• Collaborate with coaches on budget development, procurement processes, and equipment purchases in accordance with district guidelines.
• Oversee the distribution, collection, maintenance, storage, and inventory of uniforms and equipment.
• Review all accident reports related to athletic participation and notify the County Athletic Director in cases involving emergency medical services.
• Encourage staff participation in professional organizations and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of team performance, individual awards, and student participation.
• Ensure all athletic facilities and venues are properly prepared for events.
• Ensure compliance with School Board policies, Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules and regulations, and the Citrus County Schools Athletic Handbook.
• Communicate promptly with the County Athletic Director regarding sensitive or potentially controversial matters, including but not limited to ejections, inter-school conflicts, coach-related concerns, and serious injuries.
• Maintain an accurate and current database of all athletic personnel, including both paid and volunteer coaches.
• Ensure all coaches maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED prior to the start of their respective seasons.
• Review and approve all athletic-related fundraising activities.
• Serve as a liaison to all athletic booster and fundraising organizations, ensuring compliance with School Board policy, Title IX requirements, and FHSAA regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Title IX (gender equity) requirements across all athletic programs.
• Attend all district-scheduled Athletic Director meetings.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and program development to maximize the benefits of extracurricular athletics for students and the school community.
• Supervise all personnel assigned to the athletic department and program.
• Keep the principal fully informed regarding all athletic department operations and concerns.
• Oversee all aspects of athletic program operations, including scheduling, rescheduling, security, transportation, personnel, and officials.
• Assist in the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of coaches in accordance with district guidelines, and mentor newly appointed head coaches during their first season.
• Ensure all teams implement and adhere to established emergency action plans.
• Administer the athletic program in full compliance with district policies, school regulations, and FHSAA rules.
• Conduct end-of-season conferences with each head coach to review program performance, plan awards, and discuss future program direction; provide recommendations to the principal regarding coaching assignments as appropriate.
• Require head coaches to conduct end-of-season evaluations of assistant coaches and submit recommendations regarding their continued service.
• Provide annual training to all coaches on the Citrus County Schools Athletic Handbook, district protocols, and applicable policies and regulations; maintain signed documentation verifying completion of this requirement.
• Periodically attend practices and contests for all athletic programs and actively support and promote equitable opportunities for all student-athletes.

Each Head Coach and Assistant Coach is responsible for reviewing the Athletic Handbook.

They shall be guided by the principles that interscholastic competition is to be conducted for the welfare of the student and that each sport has a definite contribution to make the overall development of the student, the school, and the community. Responsibilities of all Head Coaches are:

• To conduct the policies and procedures of the Citrus County School District, the Florida High School Athletic Association, and the National Federation of High School Associations.
• Each Coach is required to adopt a heat injury prevention philosophy by always promoting unrestricted access to water. A student-athlete should never be denied access to water.
• Each Head Coach is responsible for developing an emergency action plan specific to his/her sport and school campus. Items to be included (but is not limited to) in the emergency action plan includes:

• Who will call 911?
• Who will provide access to the emergency medical personnel once they are on campus?
• Who will stay with the injured athlete?
• Who will secure the other players and spectators?
• Who will contact parent or guardian?
• Who will accompany the student athlete to the hospital?
• Who will notify the school's activity director?

• See Appendix O APPENDIX O - Emergency Template CCSB 2025-2026.pdf
• To be personally responsible to the activities director for the proper operation and supervision of their sport.
• To be loyal to their principal, activities director, school, and county administrative policies and personnel.
• To submit budget proposal to his/her activities director for approval.
• Applicants for coaching positions must submit a photocopy of their driver’s license to the school activities director prior to being offered a position to coach.
• To discuss and receive approval from the activities director for all expenditures of athletic funds.
• To discuss and receive approval from the activities director prior to accepting any uniforms, equipment, etc. from any outside clubs or groups.
• To be responsible for the care and storage of equipment.
• To be responsible for complete inventory of all equipment.
• To be responsible for coordinating schedules through the activities director. To assure all student athletes have completed and have submitted, to the activities director, all paperwork that is required by the FHSAA and Citrus County, prior to allowing the student to participate in practices or games.
• To attend all athletic meetings. This includes those organized at the school level as well as those coordinated at the district level.
• To complete the FHSAA required courses prior to the deadline date established by the FHSAA. If this is not done prior to the deadline, the fine assessed by the FHSAA will be the responsibility of the head coach.
• To submit a written transportation request to the activities director at least two weeks prior for the need for a bus.
• To ensure that when making a trip that requires loss of time from school, the activities
  director has a list of students making the trip and amount of class time they will miss.
• To be responsible for facilities used by their sport. Turn to the activities director any needed maintenance requests.
• To fill out an accident report on any athlete who becomes injured during practice or competition within 24 hours of the date and time of the injury. Must notify the AD immediately.
• To notify the activities director of any situation that necessitates the completion of an accident report.
• To be responsible for setting up required facilities for all home contests involving their sport.
• To be responsible for Field Trip seating chart for the bus.
• To ensure within one week after the close of the season, the following items are submitted to the activities director:

• List of letter winners
• Season record
• Roster of team members in good standing at the end of the season
• List of athletes receiving any special recognition
• Complete inventory of all equipment
• List of awards to be ordered.

• To be responsible for assuring all assistant and volunteer coaches follow the policy and guidelines of the Citrus County School District, the Florida High School Athletic Association, and the Citrus County School's Athletic Handbook.
• To be a leader of young men and women, constantly setting a fine personal example of what it means to be an athlete. It is expected that the head coach will be consistent and fair in all rules and regulations applied to the athletes they coach.
• To be a person with high moral character, integrity and who is first concern is always the welfare of the athletes he/she coaches.
• To be responsible for instructing his/her athletes in the proper and current rules of the game.
• To make sure him/her and his/her assistants and other coaches in the sports program are using proper training and conditioning techniques in both practices and games.
• To be responsible for safe use of athletic equipment used in his/her sports program and the end-of-season inventory of said equipment.
• To work with the activities director, for monitoring the team's discipline under the accepted rules and standards of the school district. This includes any violation of the Citrus County Athletic Handbook and the Citrus County School's Code of Conduct for athletes during and after school hours, on or off school properties, as appropriate.
• To make recommendations regarding the hiring of assistant coaches. No coach, at any level, may work with students until they have been properly processed through the Human Resources Department.
• To assign all duties to his/her assistant coaches within his or her specific sport program.
• To conduct a thorough check of locker rooms, shower, and equipment room after each practice session and game. The head coach (designee) should be the last to leave practice, game, or locker room area.
• To work cooperatively with activities director to make decisions/plans concerning schedules, times of games, officials, transportation, dressing facilities, and eligibility lists; however, the activities director reserves the right and the responsibility to make all decisions to benefit the entire sports program and not to show favoritism to or special treatment of any sports team, boys, or girls, during any of the three sports seasons.
• To be the coordinator of all activities in his/her program. The varsity head coach should coordinate and supervise the coaches at all levels. It is the responsibility of the varsity head coach to supply a specific program for the junior varsity coaches to follow. Additionally, it is suggested that the varsity head coach have as much involvement as possible in the junior varsity programs involving his/her specific sport. He/she shall hold regular staff meetings to coordinate his/her program at all levels.
• To submit the official score report, as required by the FHSAA (where applicable). Coaches will submit score reports using the platform adopted by the FHSAA.
• Submission of the official score report must be done immediately following the conclusion of an athletic contest.
• To ensure that while students are present, members of the coaching staff adequately supervise the locker room area. This would include before, during, and after practice.
• To submit to the activities director, his/her written policy regarding specific criteria a student athlete must meet to letter in the given sport.
• Assuming responsibility for all matters assigned by the activities director that are not mentioned above.

• Volunteer coaches must complete the volunteer coaches' program through the Citrus
• County School's Department of Professional Development before they begin to coach.
• Volunteer coaches are to work under the direct supervision of the head coach and are not permitted to be the sole supervisor of student athletes at any time.
• Must have a current CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Student athletes are to be held accountable for the standards outlined in The Citrus County School's Code of Conduct.

• A positive approach should be taken toward the promotion of sportsmanship at athletic contests.
• The community must share responsibility for good sportsmanship at athletic contests.
• The whole community (law enforcement, civic clubs, school personnel, news media, parent groups, student organizations, and students) must work together to promote good sportsmanship.
• Parents must accept the responsibility for the actions of younger children at athletic contests.
• Methods should be developed to eliminate unnecessary promenading in front of and under grandstands at athletic contests.
• Sportsmanship should be promoted in all schools throughout the year.
• Citrus County Coaches should be loyal to Citrus County teams advancing beyond district competition. Citrus County Coaches shall not give information of any form (oral, written, film or video tape) to opponent schools of Citrus County teams in region, section, or state playoffs.
• Opposing schools should exchange films when appropriate.
• Each school shall display the Citrus County School's Spectator Code of Conduct.

See appendix A - APPENDIX A- Athletic Programs Protocol 2025.2026.docx

General unsportsmanlike Conduct:

• General unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, the use of profanity or other inappropriate, abusive, or offensive language; engaging in physical or verbal altercations; committing flagrant fouls; or participating in any other actions that violate the principles of good sportsmanship, respect, and fair play.

Gross unsportsmanlike conduct:

• Gross unsportsmanlike conduct is any act by a student‐athlete, coach, or team representative that is malicious, hateful, discriminatory, violent, or intentionally demeaning toward a contest official, opponent, teammate, spectator, or other participant in an athletic event. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Threatening, striking, or attempting to injure an official, opponent, spectator or other individual.
2. Physical contact beyond the scope of normal competition with intent to harm.
3. Spitting on or at an official, opponent, teammate, or spectator.
4. Directing gender, racial, ethnic, religious, or other discriminatory slurs or verbal abuse toward an official, opponent, teammate, or spectator.
5. Any other act of misconduct so severe that it brings into question the integrity, safety, or sportsmanship of the contest.

Consequences:

• Immediate ejection from the contest.
• Ineligibility for a minimum suspension period (for example, up to six weeks) or longer based on severity and repeated offenses, as per the rules of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) or applicable state‐level body.
• Additional disciplinary actions as determined by the school and district (including removal from team, probation, etc.).

Reporting of Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

• Schools are required to report an unsportsmanlike act or flagrant foul that led to an ejection of a student-athlete(s), coach(s), or other school representative(s) of the school’s athletic interest within (1) school day of the incident.
• FHSAA Self Report Form

Coach

• Any member of a coaching staff assessed with unsportsmanlike or gross unsportsmanlike behavior will be subject to disciplinary action that is agreed upon by the Principal and the County Athletic Director.
• In addition, the payment of all fines assessed against the school by the FHSAA will be the responsibility of the Coach or Coaches involved in the unsportsmanlike act.
• The fine levied by the FHSAA must be paid in full before the coach is allowed to resume his/her coaching duties. (This will come out of the coach’s personal checking, not internal accounts)

Athlete

• An athlete who is ejected or disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct is subject to additional disciplinary action by the principal of the school depending on the severity of the unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Athletics are an extension of the school day, and athletes are subject to the same regulations found in the Student Code of Conduct.
• The fine levied by the FHSAA must be paid in full before the player is allowed to resume his/her athletic responsibilities in games. (This will come out of personal checking accounts, not school internal accounts)

Officials (including football clock operator)

• Each school has the authority to contract with the official association of their choice.
• The rate of pay shall be governed by the FHSAA, and a signed contract recognized by the School Board.

OFFICIALS AGREEMENT

Ticket Sellers and Ticket Takers

• It shall be the responsibility of the activities director to select responsible persons for this job opportunity.

Announcer

• It shall be the responsibility of the coach (with the activities director's approval) to select a person to announce the contest.
• The announcer is responsible for announcing the contest and ensuring that the scheduled program is conducted in the proper sequence.

Scoreboard Operator

• Where applicable, it shall be the responsibility of the head coach to select a responsible person for this job. The activities director must approve the selection of the scoreboard operator.

Police Officer

• The coordinating of police officers shall be the duty of the activities director.
• The rate of pay will be determined by the scale set forth by those departments managing the assignment of personnel.
• It is the responsibility of the activities director to assure that each law enforcement officer is given specific instructions as to their responsibilities.

Custodian

• It shall be the responsibility of the school administrator or the administration's designee to select a responsible person for this job.
• When applicable, the custodian will be responsible for maintenance after and unlocking all restrooms, press box, and dressing room facilities before, during and after the contest.

Fee Schedule for Personnel

• Official fees are negotiated with the official’s association.
• Clock operator fee is negotiated with the official's association (football only).

Ticket Sellers

1. If the person working as a ticket taker has worked or will work 40 hours in a week's time, the rate of pay will be: Time and a half of minimum wage.
2. If the person working as a ticket taker has not or will not work 40 hours in a week's time, the rate of pay is straight minimum wage.

Police/Sheriff

• Law enforcement officers will be paid at the appropriate scheduled rate.

Custodian

• Custodians will be paid according to the scheduled rate of the School Board.

Paid Athletic/Activities Coaches

1. School sends posting request to HR for the paid athletic/activities coach position.
2. Coach applicants apply for the position on our website.
   1. Coach applicants must hold a current Florida Department of Education Athletic Coaching Certificate or Educator’s Certificate to be eligible for paid coaching.
3. School interviews all the applicants who have applied for that specific position.
4. Once the position has closed, the school chooses a coach.
5. School sends the Athletic Supplement Recommendation Form to HR with their choice of coach along with the supporting documentation.
6. HR schedules/completes the fingerprint and drug testing appointment.
7. HR receives drug testing and fingerprint clearance (this can take anywhere from 7-10 days).
8. The new coach is entered into Skyward, their badge is created, and the badge is sent to the school.
9. HR contacts school to inform them that the athletic coach has cleared and is eligible to coach.
10. Coaches cannot start coaching until they have been cleared by HR and entered into Skyward.

Volunteer Athletic/Activities Coaches

1. School asks the volunteer coach to complete a volunteer application.
   1. Volunteer applications can be found on our website.
2. School emails completed volunteer application to CCS Police Dept (Safe Schools Administrative Secretary) requesting the applicant become a volunteer coach.
3. Safe Schools Administrative Secretary schedules volunteer coach for fingerprint appointment.
4. Once the Safe Schools Administrative Secretary receives fingerprint clearance from FDLE, she enters volunteer coach into Skyward, Raptor, and creates a volunteer coach badge.
5. Safe Schools Administrative Secretary sends volunteer coach badges to the Program Specialist for Athletics and Activities.
6. The Program Specialist for Athletics and Activities schedules the volunteer coach for volunteer coach training.
7. At the conclusion of the volunteer coach training, the Program Specialist for Athletics and Activities provides the coaches with their badges, and only then are they able to begin volunteer coaching.
   1. Current Citrus County Schools employees can volunteer coach without following the above volunteer coaching requirements.

Volunteer Concession Stand Workers

• Must have a volunteer application on file with the volunteer coordinator at the District Services Center.
• A copy of the volunteer's driver's license must be submitted with the volunteer application.
• Must have a satisfactory driver's license screening completed and on file with the volunteer coordinator at the District Services Center.

Volunteers to Help Run Events

• In situations such as this, the volunteer, at a minimum, must be cleared through Raptor at the school. This would include events such as track meets.

• Volunteer (must go through volunteer training for coaches, including background check).
• Salary employees (Instructional Staff).
• Non-exempt (hourly paid) employees (Support Staff).

Head coaches must consult with the activities director for permission to use non-faculty coaches. Approval must come from the Citrus County School Board.

Hourly Paid Employees Hired to Coach (Non-Exempt)

• The established supplemental rate of pay for non-exempt employees shall be the minimum wage of the State of Florida at the time the services are rendered.
• Those supplemental services provided by an employee after the completion of a 40-hour work week in his/her regular job shall be paid at a time-and-one-half rate of the minimum wage.
• The number of hours that a non-exempt employee may work in a supplemental position will be calculated by dividing the specific supplemental pay by the established supplemental hourly time-and-one-half rate. (Example: $2,956 divided by $22.50 = 131.38 hours available). The hours available calculation is a maximum number for services provided, but it is not intended to mandate the number of hours to be worked for full payment.
• The non-exempt employee, along with the Head Coach, Activities Director, and Site Administrator, shall be responsible for maintaining a log that reflects the weekly hours and a running total of available hours remaining for agreed services.
• The non-exempt employee shall not work beyond the total hours available for the agreed supplemental service unless they have obtained written approval from the Assistant Superintendent.
• Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Department of Labor guidelines disallow additional "volunteer" hours to be utilized in conjunction with any activity connected to the services provided under this agreement, including all preseason, regular season, post-season, and conditioning activities.
• Any violation of this agreement may lead to immediate suspension/termination of the supplemental services and may lead to disciplinary action upon review of the reasons for failure to follow any of the agreed stipulations.

Substitute Coaches (Non-Instructional/Non-Support)

• Coaches who are paid a supplement but are not instructional or support staff will be treated as substitutes. A time sheet must be turned in weekly for the coach to receive payment. Any part of the supplement remaining at the end of the season will be paid in a lump sum.
• Substitutes are calculated the same way as non-exempt employees, but their hours are figured by the current straight government minimum wage of $15. They adhere to the same guidelines regarding hours and cannot exceed those limits. If they work over 40 hours in a week (rare), the time and one-half rate ($22.50) would apply.

Order of Consideration for Supplemental Positions

• CCSB Instructional
• CCSB Support
• Community (non-CCSB employees)

• In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, coaches who are considered substitutes will be paid a minimum wage. Their time worked must be turned in weekly by the coach to the athletic director, who will sign off on the time and send it to Payroll and the County Athletic Director. Any money owed at the end of the season will be paid in a lump sum to the coach.

All coaching positions held by anyone other than a certified instructional staff member will no longer have to be posted at the conclusion of each school year.

See Appendix C - Apply to FLDOE for Athletic Coaching Certificate directions

Supplements and Daily Rate of Pay

• Supplements for individual coaching assignments can be found in the salary schedule provided by the personnel office. See APPENDIX B - Copy of Supplement Pay Chart 2025
• If a coach does not fulfill his/her commitment for a given season, the supplement will be prorated using the following formula:
  • The total supplement is divided by the total number of days (practices and games) during the regular season to determine the daily rate of pay.
  • The total number of days worked is then multiplied by that daily rate to determine the final distribution.
• It is the expectation of the Citrus County School Board that all athletic seasons will begin on the first eligible date for practice established by the FHSAA.

Supplement Submission & Payment Deadlines

"Double Dipping" is not permitted. Examples of "double dipping" include, but are not limited to:

• Practices during instructional time: Coaches holding practices during instructional time. Most often this occurs on half-days of school or prior to the end of the contracted work time on teacher workdays. However, off-campus supplemental coaches can hold a practice on half-days at the principal's discretion.
• Concurrent Coaching: Coaches are permitted to coach two teams with seasons that are concurrent with one another. In this instance, "double dipping" only occurs in situations which cause the coach to neglect his/her duties and/or obligations for one of the teams to meet the demands of the other.

It is not considered to be "double dipping" if the practice and game schedules of the two teams are not in conflict with one another. It is only in this instance that permitting a person to coach two sports with concurrent seasons is allowed.

When considering the option to "split" one supplement between two or more people, the school's activities director must:

• Contact the County Athletic Director
• Contact the Human Resources Department
• Contact the Payroll Department

Each high school and middle school shall be allocated one (1) gender equity supplement per school year. The use of this supplement shall be determined at the principal’s discretion; however, all proposed uses must receive prior approval from the County Athletic Director.

Reference: APPENDIX U - CCSB Athletic Gender Equity 2025-2026

Prior to requesting athletic supplements to be released, the activities director must collect a Supplement Release form from the head coach for a given sport. Items included on the Supplement Release form include:

• Inventory list (pre & post)
• Awards List
• Game results for the season
• Equipment stored and secured in an orderly manner

Reference: APPENDIX D - Supplement Release Form (Revised 2025-2026)

Pursuant to Citrus County School Board Policy 7.77, "property inventories shall be performed annually." Therefore, prior to the releasing of athletic supplements, the head coach for any given sport must submit to the school's activities director an up-to-date and accurate inventory of all equipment/property issued and assigned to the given sport. This record must be kept on file for three years.

Reference: APPENDIX E - Inventories and Property Records (Revised 2025-2026)

The following time schedule should be followed in submitting individual school athletic budgets:

• Individual head coaches will turn in equipment requests to their activities director within two weeks of the conclusion of the sport season.
• The activities director will then make a composite athletic department budget and submit it to the County Athletic Director prior to June 15^th of each year for review.

Reference: APPENDIX G - General Athletics Chart 2025-2026

• No expenditure for any unauthorized purchase or contract shall be approved by the School Board. The payment for any unauthorized purchases or contract shall be the sole responsibility of the person placing the order or entering such contracts (verbal and/or written).
• Purchases from internal accounts must be authorized in writing by the principal or the principal's designee. Neither the principal nor the School Board shall be liable for any purchases made in the name of the school without expressed written approval. Expressed written approval will be in the form of a pre-approved purchase order with number.
• Please refer to Florida’s rules and accounting for education (Red Book) and the Citrus County School Board Policy 7.70. See APPENDIX H - Purchasing and Bidding 2025-2026

Uniform Rotation Purchases:

• Uniform purchases for all sports programs shall follow a three-year replacement cycle. No team is permitted to purchase new uniforms within three (3) years of the previous uniform purchase date.
• A staggered or split rotation of uniform purchases is permissible within this cycle. This may include, but is not limited to, alternating the replacement of home and away uniforms or specific uniform components such as jerseys or pants.

All uniform purchases made under the approved three-year rotation will be funded on a shared basis as follows:

• 50% funded by General Athletics
• 50% funded through team or sport-specific fundraising efforts

Compliance with this policy is required to ensure fiscal responsibility and equity across all athletic programs.

Each school is responsible for the annual payment of its own Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) membership dues, as well as its own Home Campus (Athletic Clearance) invoices. These expenses must be managed and paid by the individual school on an annual basis.

Coaches are prohibited from requiring students to purchase specific equipment and/or uniforms from specific vendors.

• Prior to the start of any fundraising a Fundraiser Request form must be completed by the Coach and submitted to the activities director for approval. The Fundraiser Request forms can be obtained in the bookkeeper’s office. This must be done prior to the initiation of any fundraiser.
  Reference: APPENDIX F - Fund Raising Request 2025-2026
• All purchases by any coach/sponsor must have prior approval of the activities director and the bookkeeper. There is a form for this purpose in the bookkeeper's office. Any coach or coaches designee who orders or purchases any goods or services without prior approval will be held accountable for payment of any charges billed to the school. The school nor the school district will be held liable for such unauthorized purchases.
  Reference: APPENDIX J - Purchase Requisition 2025-2026
• During the collection of money, coaches/sponsors must complete a numbered signature sheet including the date, amount collected, the students name printed, and the signature of the payee. These signature sheets must be turned in to the school's bookkeeper by the next business day.
  Reference: APPENDIX I - Signature Sheet 2025-2026
• In the event a sponsorship for advertising is sold, the payee needs to receive a written receipt and "thank you" letter on the school letterhead.
• Prior to turning in money to the school's bookkeeper, the coach/sponsor must complete a Monies Collected form to be turned in at the time of deposit. After the bookkeeper has counted the funds being turned in, he/she will then give the coach/sponsor a signed copy of the monies collected form, for their records.
  References: K1 - How to report monies | K2 - Sample receipts | K3 - Example money collected
• Following the money collection process for all fundraisers, a financial recap must be completed and submitted to the school's bookkeeper within one week following the conclusion of the fundraising activity.
• Following this process, funds generated through the fundraising activity will then be made available for purchase requisitions. Once approved, purchase requisitions are submitted to the bookkeeper for payment. All checks must bear the signature of the bookkeeper and the principal.

Fund-raising organizations are strongly encouraged to direct all efforts toward providing funds for athletic banquets, awards programs, and related athletic equipment. These purchases must be approved by expressed written approval from the principal or his/her designee. Expressed written approval will be in the form of a pre-approved purchase order.

Accepted donations or gifts of funds, materials, or equipment shall be accepted and processed in accordance with the following:

• A value of $500.00 or greater shall be accepted by the Board in the regular meeting.
• Value less than $500.00 shall be accepted by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
• This includes, but is not limited to, equipment, uniforms, monetary, gifts, etc.

A "cash count sheet" must be included with the deposit being made. The cash count sheet must be signed by the person submitting the deposit, (1st counter), then the “cash count sheet” must be signed by the recipient/bookkeeper, the (2nd counter).

Reference: APPENDIX L - CC Cash Count Sheet 2025-2026

Athletic Event Ticket Prices

Issuance of Complimentary Passes

Only the passes listed below will be accepted at athletic contests taking place on a Citrus County public school campus. Please note the following regulations:

• School Specific: Each individual school pass is valid only at that school's home, non-state series athletic events.
• Identification: Identification must be presented if requested at the pass gate. Guests may also be required to sign in.

Available Pass Types

• Press Pass: Local press ID required for admission.
• Student Pass: $50.00
• Senior Citizen Pass: $50.00
• Single Adult Pass: $80.00
• Family Pass: $200.00 (Admission for up to four family members)

State series passes may be accepted for admission into all athletic contests including district, regional, and FHSAA Finals State Championship events.

CCSB employees (including staff at PACE, SRMI, and ASPIRE) may present their school board identification badge for free admission to all regular season athletic contests held on any Citrus County Public School campus. This benefit is provided to thank staff for their dedication and to encourage support for our student athletes throughout the year.

Regulations and Limitations

• This courtesy is extended to immediate family members (spouse and dependent children under the age of 19) living in the home of the CCSB employee. Please note that, for immediate family to be admitted free of charge, the employee must be present and provide their identification badge at the time of admission. This complimentary admission does not include extended family members.
• Complimentary admission does not include parking. Employees attending games are required to pay any parking fees a school may charge.
• ​​​​​​​This complimentary admission does not include substitutes (long- or short-term) or vendors.
• The courtesy of presenting your school board identification for complimentary admission is limited only to regular season athletic contests.
• This complimentary admission does not include admission to activities that do not involve the schools of Citrus County (e.g., Pop Warner football, club sporting events, and other activities).
• This benefit does not include admission to any FHSAA State Series playoff games or any fall/spring classic contests.

Remember, ticket sales help support our school athletic programs. Any abuse of this benefit may result in the employee losing their complimentary admission status. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to show your ongoing support for the talented student-athletes in our Citrus County Schools!

Youth League Admission Restrictions

Pursuant to FHSAA regulations, allowing members of the local youth leagues or organizations into games free of charge is not permitted. The FHSAA views this as a tool for recruitment.

Groups Admitted Without a Pass or Ticket

The following groups will be admitted without requiring a pass or ticket:

• Participating Teams and Coaches (To be identified by the home team).
• Bands in uniform, accompanied by a chaperone and/or sponsor (to be identified by the band director).
• Dancers and Majorettes in uniform, accompanied by a chaperone and/or sponsor (to be identified by the sponsor).
• Cheerleaders in uniform, accompanied by a chaperone and/or sponsor (to be identified by the sponsor).
• Workers must be identified at the gate (by the activities director).

All varsity and junior varsity student-athletes participating in a given sport may be admitted to home contests through the pass gate when identified by the respective varsity or junior varsity head coach at the designated entry time.

Junior varsity student-athletes will be admitted without charge to contests corresponding to their program (e.g., junior varsity boys may be admitted to varsity boys’ contests, but not to varsity girls’ contests).

In the case of a boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer doubleheader, junior varsity girls will be admitted without charge to the varsity boys’ contest if the boys’ game is scheduled prior to the girls’ game.

• The operation of athletic concessions, programs, and parking will be conducted in accordance with sound business procedures that represent the total school program in a favorable manner. The home team is responsible for preparing, printing, and selling all programs for its home games, when applicable.
• Parking for high school football games will be $5.00. The principal has the authority to determine the distribution of funds collected from parking and program sales.

Any pass holder who deliberately misuses the privileges entitled to him/her by the pass will, as a result, have their pass revoked.

Each school is responsible to complete and submit an annual athletic department budget. This budget shall be submitted on the budget template provided by the finance department.

Prior to the releasing of athletic supplements, it is the responsibility of the head coach to complete an inventory of equipment, uniforms, etc., and submit it to his/her activities director. It is the responsibility of the activities director to ensure no coaching supplement is requested for release prior to receiving the annual inventory report from the head coach of any given sport. Annual inventory reports shall be made available to District Administrative Staff upon request.

Reference: APPENDIX M - Athletic Program Inventory Form 2025-2026

All coaches—paid, supplemental, and volunteer—are required to hold a current certification in CPR/First Aid with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. This requirement is mandatory for participation in any coaching activities within Citrus County Schools.

Certification Requirements

To be considered valid, CPR/First Aid certification must:

• Include both a cognitive learning component and hands-on skills training.
• Online certifications providers recognized by the Citrus County School Board:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross

Certifications that do not meet both the cognitive and practical components, or are issued by unapproved providers, will not be accepted.

The Activities Director is responsible for:

1. Maintaining an accurate and current record of CPR/First Aid certifications for all members of the coaching staff. Records must include the full expiration date (month, day, and year) for each coach.
2. Using the official template provided by the County Athletic Director when developing and updating the school’s certification database.
3. Verifying that all supplemental and volunteer coaches maintain valid CPR/First Aid with AED certification prior to engaging in any coaching responsibilities.

Reference: APPENDIX N - Coaching Directory and CPR Certification Roster 2025-2026

Coach Compliance

It is the responsibility of each coach to obtain and maintain valid certification as required by district policy.

District Support

To assist in meeting this requirement, Citrus County Schools offers CPR/First Aid certification courses annually. Coaches are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to remain in compliance.

Non-Compliance

Failure to provide valid certification may result in the suspension of coaching duties until proper documentation is submitted and verified.

All athletic injuries requiring medical attention must have a student accident report to be completed by the athletic trainer and submitted to the principal’s designee at the school. All student accident reports are required to be submitted within 24 hours of the incident.

References:
APPENDIX P1 - 5.60 Student Injuries 2025-2026
APPENDIX P2 - 5.60G Student Injuries/Concussion Guidelines 2025-2026

Each secondary school must complete an equity report as required by the Office of Equal Educational Opportunity, (OEEO).

Reference: APPENDIX U - CCSB Athletic Gender Equity 2025-2026

To be eligible to coach, all coaches must submit a certificate that shows successful completion of the following areas required by the FHSAA annually:

• Concussion
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Heat Related Illness
• Policy 36 FHSAA Recruiting Course
• Sportsmanship

These courses are offered through NFHS Learn: https://nfhslearn.com/

Students will be assigned by the Superintendent to schools according to established residential attendance zones. The School Board shall establish residential attendance zones, school capacities and grades served for each school in the county. Each residential attendance zone shall be established to achieve maximum utilization of all School Board facilities and to consider the time and distance of travel for students. The instructional capacity for each school will be set yearly by the School Board after the recommendation by the Superintendent or his/her designee (“Instructional Capacity”). For the purposes of this policy, Enrollment Capacity is defined as ten percent (10%) less than the Instructional Capacity. Any student residing in the School District shall be assigned to a school for attendance by the Superintendent or designee based upon the school choice program, as outlined in the Controlled Open Enrollment Plan.

All required forms and documentation must be fully completed and submitted to the Activities Director prior to a student's participation in any practice. This requirement applies to all athletic teams, outdoor clubs, and school-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to, Band, ROTC, and Agriculture classes. Students who have not satisfied all requirements and received approval will not be permitted to participate in practice.

Required Documentation Checklist

• FHSAA EL 2 Form: Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation.
  Reference: APPENDIX Q - EL2_form_2025-26.pdf
• FHSAA EL 3 Form: Consent and Release from Liability Certificate.
  Reference: APPENDIX R - EL3_Form (25-26).pdf
• FHSAA EL1: Electrocardiogram (ECG) Screening
• EL1/2S: Medical Eligibility Supplemental Form (if applicable)
• Academic Sheet
• Proof of Insurance: Copy of insurance card
• Birth Certificate
• Non-Negotiables
• Student-Athlete Code of Conduct:
  Reference: APPENDIX V - CC Athletics Parents and Student Non-Negotiables contract revised 2025-26.pdf
• Spectators Code of Conduct:
  Reference: APPENDIX V - CC Athletics Parents and Student Non-Negotiables contract revised 2025-26.pdf
• Off-season Protocol:
  Reference: APPENDIX S - Off Season Protocol 25-26.docx

In terms of athletic eligibility, both the middle and high school levels are to be held accountable for following the eligibility guidelines of the FHSAA.

• High School: Refer to [Bylaw 9.4.1] of the FHSAA Handbook. A high school student must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, on the first day of each semester to be academically eligible during that semester (§ 1006.15(3)(a)1, F.S.). Final grades previously earned by the student from another school shall not be converted using the scale in Bylaw 9.4.2.
• Middle School: A middle/junior high student must have 2.0 GPA, or the equivalent of a 2.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale, on the first day of each semester. For grades 6 through 8, the semester GPA will be calculated on the first day of each semester by taking the sum of quality points earned (as per Bylaw 9.4.2) divided by the number of credits attempted during that semester. The GPA considered here is not a cumulative GPA.

Note: When determining eligibility, we do not round up a GPA. An example may be a student that has a GPA of 1.99. This student athlete would be considered ineligible until he/she has earned a 2.0 GPA at the end of a semester. The rationale for this is to use athletics as a vehicle to motivate students to achieve and maintain a satisfactory academic performance that has been defined as a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

Pursuant to Florida High School Athletic Association Bylaw 9.3.3.2, an EL6 – Notice of Transfer/Change of School form is required for all student transfers, whether occurring during the academic year or between school years. The receiving school must initiate the EL6 prior to roster placement or participation in any interscholastic contest.

The previously attended school must verify the student’s eligibility on the EL6. The form is available in Home Campus under “Eligibility Forms.”

Eighth grade students may participate in spring football practice at the public high school for which the students are zoned and will attend as ninth graders in the following school year under the following conditions.

• Student athlete can participate for the school they are zoned to attend pursuant to 1002.31 or 1002.33 F.S. However, they may also participate at the school in which they were selected and accepted the invitation to the school academy. (Must have school zone validated – County Form).
• A permission slip from parents/guardians on file in school office.
• Must be approved in writing by FHSAA office by Superintendent’s office and school principals (middle and high School).
• Students must have catastrophic insurance coverage to receive instruction/coaching from high school coaches.
• Must have current athletic physical examination within the last calendar year. A copy of the physical must be sent to the high school athletic director.
• An 8th grade athlete may not participate in any of the high school practices or have physical contact with any members of the high school team (9th, 10th, 11th grades).
• Not eligible to participate in Spring Jamboree or Spring Classic games.

• Eligibility for students attending PACE School will be evaluated on an individual basis. The evaluation committee will consist of the three high school athletic directors, the County Athletic Director, and the Director of the PACE School. If the committee approves a student’s return to athletics, the student must still complete all requirements outlined in Section 10.2.

• Coaches are encouraged to attend professional meetings and clinics for the purpose of expanding professional development of their sport. Approval for attendance at these functions during school time must be cleared through their school principal.
• All compensated coaches are responsible for attending all trainings/meetings that are coordinated by the district level administration.

For away athletic competitions, Citrus County Schools requires that at least one paid coach ride the bus with student athletes. This requirement applies to all athletic trips.

Student athletes must be supervised at all times during travel. Volunteer coaches may assist but may not serve as the only supervising coach on the bus.

For a coach to be permitted to drive students in a county approved vehicle, their driver's license must be screened and approved. At the beginning of each school year the school's activities director is responsible for obtaining a photocopy of the driver's license for each athletic coach. He/she will send them to the Citrus County School's Transportation Department for screening. In the event a coaching position has not been filled by the time the copies of the driver's licenses are submitted at the beginning of the school year, the activities director will submit a photocopy of a newly hired coach's driver's license immediately upon hiring.

Supplemental coaches may transport student athletes to and from athletic competitions provided they have submitted a copy of their Driver's License to the school's Activities Director and received screening and approval by the District Services Center.

• In scheduling buses, it is always better to schedule a bus earlier, rather than later. It is much easier for our transportation staff to cancel a bus than it is to secure a bus and driver at the last minute.
• Schools are to call their school's transportation dispatcher at least one day prior to a scheduled trip to confirm the correct number of buses scheduled.
• Special bus requests will be accommodated whenever possible. However, it is important to note that buses of a specific size and amenities (such as air conditioning) are earmarked for specific routes. If a request for a specific bus interferes with the regularly scheduled route, the request will be denied. All requests for a specific bus must be made through the school's administration.
• At the conclusion of the trip, it is the responsibility of the head coach to ensure the bus is clean and all windows are up.
• Athletic coaches are not permitted to drive school buses unless they are trained by the school district.

All preseason, and all but one regular season, travel will be restricted to the counties that directly border Citrus County. These counties include Hernando, Sumter, Marion, and Levy. The distance permissible to travel beyond the above-mentioned bordering counties is not to exceed 90 miles. If the school permits a sport to use their one trip to travel beyond the 90-mile allowance, the sport will have to provide the funding to cover the cost that is incurred by the extended mileage. If a sport desires to travel beyond the neighboring counties more than once, the individual sport must provide the funds to cover all costs associated with this travel. No district allocated funds may be used to cover the cost of any additional travel.

Anyone responsible for transporting students by school vans must watch and complete the online courses. Staff members must complete the required training as prescribed by the Risk Management Department, prior to transporting students. In addition, a pre-trip inspection must be completed prior to the transportation of students using the approved form provided by the Transportation Department.

All high school athletic banquets will be financed through individual sport fundraising accounts. All middle school awards will be determined at the discretion of each individual school.​​​​​​​

To exhibit quality professionalism at its highest standard and promote unity among coaching staff, each school, through its principal, shall determine their own code of dress for work purposes. It shall then be the responsibility of each staff member to comply with that established standard.

Each school, under the direction of its principal, shall establish a professional dress code for athletic and coaching staff for all work-related activities. This standard is intended to promote professionalism, consistency, and unity among staff members. All personnel are expected to adhere to the dress code established by their respective school.​​​​​​​

Hazing of athletes is prohibited in Citrus County Athletics. This includes, but is not limited to, head shaving and any other activities that may endanger, demean, or coerce students. In the best interest of all students, such activities must be eliminated, and every precaution shall be taken to ensure they do not occur within any athletic program.

Pursuant to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) policy, student athletes are not required to participate in any off-season program. FHSAA policy states, "Participation shall be voluntary and shall not be required, either directly or indirectly, for membership on an interscholastic team." This includes but is not limited to the following outside agencies: AAU, USA, USOC, USGA, AJGA, FIFA, ASA, USSA, USS, NISCA, ASCA, CSCAA, FTA, USTA, ITF, USVBA, or any team affiliated with a school.

See appendix T - APPENDIX T -FHSAA Policy 22 - 2025-2026​​​​​​​

All high schools within the district shall adhere to a mandatory home-and-home scheduling format for all interscholastic athletic contests. This requirement applies to all team and individual sports and is in effect regardless of school classification, district assignment, or competitive level. Each participating school is expected to host and travel in an equitable manner to ensure competitive balance and consistency across the county.

In addition, varsity football programs are prohibited from designating a county opponent as their official Homecoming game. Homecoming contests must be scheduled against non-county opponents to preserve the integrity of county competition and maintain equitable scheduling practices among member schools.

• Coach
• AD
• Principal
• County AD
• Personnel

***Notification of parents and players***​​​​​​​

In any situation where a student athlete loses consciousness, emergency medical personnel must be called. The incident shall then be reported to Student Services.

Pursuant to Citrus County School Board policy 5.60 (G) student athletes are required to wear a school-issued helmet in order reduce the risk of sustaining the most serious types of brain or head injury. This includes, but is not limited to football, baseball, and softball. This requirement is in effect for all practices and competitions.

No provision within this policy manual shall be circumvented under any circumstances. The principal of each school is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the intent of all established county policies, including the exclusion of varsity athletics from the academic school day. Failure to uphold these policies may result in administrative review and appropriate corrective action.

Any Citrus County School who is chosen to be a district host for a sport that requires a tie between two or more teams to be broken by a coin flip or blind draw, will contact the County Athletic Director so that he/she can be present to verify the outcome of the coin flip or blind draw. The activities director or head coach will make every attempt to contact the head coach or activities director of any Citrus County School to offer them the opportunity to be at the coin flip or draw.

At the middle school level, when teams are tied in standings, rankings will be determined by total opponent points allowed, with the lowest total receiving the higher placement.​​​​​​​

Coaches will place in their team rules, a rule that will address any type of social media issues that may arise before, during, or after the season is completed. This includes but is not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, text messages, emails, or any other type of social media that may be used that would bring negative feedback to the team, school, or district. Refer to Athletic Non- Negotiables.

Any student-athlete who voluntarily withdraws from a team during its regular season shall be ineligible to participate in any other sport until the conclusion of that season. This policy reinforces the importance of commitment, responsibility, and sportsmanship to their teammates and the school community.