Athletes cannot score with new regulations

September 14, 2009 • written by Myles Artis  
Filed under Sports

Critical and life changing decisions are made everyday. They can lead people to situations that may guide them into a road of success and opportunity, or a road full of regret. If a student, especially an athlete, decides to do an unlawful deed, their eligibility could be damaged and put to a halt until the punishment is complete.

Jeff Townsend, athletics director, understands the rules and regulations of Kirkwood’s Code of Conduct.

“Two things, first the training rules of Kirkwood High School. It goes over the possession and use of drug, tobacco and alcohol related offenses toward student-athletes. If anyone is in possession or under the influence of these substances, there can be penalties that apply for the athlete participating in his/her sport along with school punishments,” Townsend said.

However, the violations that go along with the punishments can halt a student’s athletic season.

“To verify whether or not the athlete has broken a law outside of a school offense, we must learn from a credible resource that he or she has actually done it. The first violation is a suspension from any athletic activity for 10 school days. The second is 45 days, and the third violation is 180 days of athletic suspension. Suspension can also occur if a student is suspected of using any drug or alcohol by a school administrator or a police officer,” Townsend said.

Not only do athletic rules make you ineligible, if any athlete gets punished by the school, their eligibility will be terminated.

“Now, if an athlete gets suspended from school for 10 days, then they can’t compete in any athletic activity either. No practices, no games,” Townsend said.

KHS and the athletic department have strong rules and guidelines, but the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has a tighter grip on athletes who break the state’s law code.

“There is something called the Citizenship Requirements and Rules. It says that students should abide by all school rules, school board policies and MSHSAA rules. If a student violates one of MSHSAA laws they will be punished for it. For an example, if an athlete receives a Minor in Possession (M.I.P), which is reported by a credible source, then they will be ineligible. If they get convicted and sent to court, no athletic activity will be offered,” Townsend said.

The suspension of the athlete can be long, and there is an extensive process to complete in order to regain eligibility.

“If the court pushes back the court date, the longer the student has to wait to play their sport. When they get sentenced, for an example of 50 hours of community service, then they can’t play until that 50 hours is complete,” Townsend said.

Lucy Randall, senior and varsity girls’ tennis player, feels Kirkwood and MSHSAA’s codes are unfair.

“I think it’s completely unfair for the school to take action by suspending students. I can understand if a student receives an M.I.P or is caught by a police officer. However, if a teacher or a principal suspects a student of using a drug, then there should be some type of drug test involved for proof. That student may not have been using a drug, but around someone who was,” Randall said.

However, Chris Steinmetz boys’ varsity soccer coach, feels the codes should be more strict.

“In my opinion, I feel our Codes of Conduct are weak as it pertains to what our student athletes do outside of school. I think the first violation should be severe so student-athletes can be aware of what they are getting themselves into off school grounds. It can serve as a scare factor for them. It makes them think twice about the decisions they make,” Steinmetz said

These rules apply to anyone and everyone who sets foot on a court, field or rink. Townsend feels that some of these rules are extreme.

“I think some parts are extreme. I know kids make mistakes and sometimes get in trouble with the law. People make decisions, some are good and some are bad. But when a student gets in trouble with the law, they must face the legal proceedings. You just have to make sure you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Townsend said.