2024-25 Family Handbook

Bettendorf High School

Activities Handbook

BHS Athletics Logo

Activities Office

3333 18th St. Bettendorf, IA
(563) 332-7001

Zach Shay, Activities Director

School Song

Hail to the bulldogs, hail to our team, Keep your colors flying,
We will cheer you all the time, RAH! RAH! RAH!
Hail to the bulldogs, Fight on for our fame!
Fight for the fame of your fair name. Hey, bulldogs, we will win this game!
B E T T E N D O R F BET-TEN DORF FIGHT!
Hail to the victors valiant! Hail to the conquering heroes!
Hail! Hail to Bettendorf, the leaders
And the best, SO LET’S GO!
Hail to the victors valiant! Hail to the conquering heroes! Hail! Hail to Bettendorf,
The leaders of the west!

Welcome to Bettendorf High School, proud home of the BETTENDORF BULLDOGS!  Bettendorf High School has a tradition that runs deep in the hearts of the alumni, current and past parents, faculty, and staff.  It is very important for all of our students to learn valued life lessons through participation in extracurricular activities. As students prepare for their future, the lessons they will learn through their successes and failures will assist in developing virtues that will lead them into their adult lives.  It is vital that we as an educational institution support our students in the participation of these activities. Sportsmanship is a high priority and we expect our students, staff, parents and visiting spectators to exhibit ethics and act with integrity at all times.

I would like to personally thank you for supporting athletics and activities and especially the events at Bettendorf High School.  I hope you continue to support the programs that have made Bettendorf High School Activities great and will continue to do so in the future.  It is my sincere hope that you catch the spirit that exemplifies the tradition of excellence that has become a part of Bettendorf High School.   

Thank you,

Zach Shay
Activities Director

Statement of Philosophy

The Bettendorf Community School Board of Education, the Bettendorf Community School Administration, the Bettendorf High School Administration, Bettendorf High School Activities Department, the Bettendorf School Parents & Boosters, members of the boys' and girls' athletic squads, cheerleaders and dance/drill team, and fine arts, believe that a competitive program is a part of the overall educational program of the school.

To be of maximum effectiveness, the activities programs must be closely coordinated with the general instructional programs of the school.  It must be such that the number of students accommodated and the educational aims achieved justify its inclusion in the overall educational program.  It must also be based on a spirit of amateur competition with participation a privilege available to all Bettendorf High School students.

Activities are for all students who are physically able to participate, who qualify under eligibility requirements, and who adhere to the rules set forth by the state and local school officials.  We believe that participation will contribute to the following:

  • Improve the health, fitness and general welfare of all individuals taking part in the program.

  • Engage a maximum number of students in administrative as well as active areas of the program.

  • Stimulate all participants to achieve credible academic progress and to make a contribution to the general educational program of Bettendorf High School.

Our coaching staff and directors are well aware of their obligation and responsibilities as highly visible representatives of the Bettendorf High School educational community.  They recognize the tremendous influence the position yields and will continually strive to instill the highest desirable ideas and character traits in our students.

Activities Program Objectives 

  • To provide an opportunity to enjoy one of America's greatest traditions, the privilege of competition.

  • To emphasize the value of winning and losing properly and the “maximization of effort” as a desirable outcome of competition.

  • To develop good citizenship and respect for rules and authority.

  • To provide opportunities for the development of good sportsmanship.

  • To encourage students to achieve their best in all aspects of their high school education, including academics and activities.

  • To teach the fundamentals of each activity for achieving individual and team success.

  • To provide opportunities to develop lasting friendships with teammates and opponents.

Activities - Clubs, Organizations and Sponsors

All students are encouraged to join with other students and staff in the positive experience of membership in a school-based club and organization.

Art Club

Hilary Puglisi & Tim Solbrig

Aviation Club

Elizabeth Richards 

Best Buddies

Katherine Meyer & Carrie Toppert

Black Voices Matter/ Cultural Diversity Club

Anna Roeder

Bett Book Club

Molly Mitola

D&D

Jake Kopenick & Brad Bannerman

Drama/Thespians

Katie Howard

Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Amanda Thibodeaux

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Angela Farmer

French Club

Jessica Blaum & Michele Nolen

Future Business Leaders Of America (FBLA)

Sarah Roeder & Angie Mojeiko

German Club

Carrie Heiting

Growl/Beacon

John Staber

GSA Club

Emily Henneman

HOSA

Roxanne Schmertman

Key Club

Jennifer Schneckloth

National Honor Society

Haleigh Hoyt

Robotics

Eric McCoy

Skills USA

TBD

SAVE

Spencer Mesick

Scholastic Bowl

Moira Trusdell

Science Club

Angela Farmer

Spanish Club

Emily Henneman

Speech and Debate

Joe Rankin & Kathleen VanTieghem

Student Council

Katy Mahoney, Cristina Zimmerman & Anna Fank

Athletics - Interscholastic Sports 

The following interscholastic sports are offered at Bettendorf High School for all grades. For further information, phone the Activities Office at (563) 332-4516.

Girls

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

Cross Country

Basketball

Golf

Softball

Swimming

Bowling

Tennis

Volleyball

Cheerleading

Track

Cheerleading

Dance/Drill

Soccer

Dance/Drill

Wrestling

Boys

Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

Cross Country

Basketball

Tennis

Baseball

Football

Bowling

Track

Golf

Swimming

Soccer

Cheerleading

Wrestling

Activities

Jazz Band (1&2)

Surround Sound/Show Choir

Mississippi Athletic Conference

The Mississippi Athletic Conference includes the Bulldogs, the four Davenport schools, Clinton, DeWitt Central, Muscatine,North Scott, and Pleasant Valley. It is tradition at BHS to be a good sport and worthy hosts! Keep up the tradition.

BHS Activities Policy/Rules

Eligibility Rules

(The Scholarship Rule (No Pass No Play Rule) enacted by the Iowa State Legislature in 2006)

  • To be eligible to compete in extracurricular activities a student must pass all courses in which they are enrolled. The building policy regarding administrative withdrawals from courses (10 days) will apply.

  • All students in grades 9 - 11 must pass all courses per grading period. If a student is administratively withdrawn from any course within the first ten days of the term, a student may be eligible by satisfactorily completing three courses.

  • All students in grade 12, must pass three classes per term or a total of six classes per semester (18 weeks). If a student is administratively withdrawn from any course within the first ten days of the term (9 weeks), a student may be eligible by satisfactorily completing two courses, however, a twelfth grade student must pass six courses per semester (18 weeks) to be eligible to compete.

  • Any student who fails to meet the above requirements is ineligible for thirty calendar days beginning the day grades are reported to the registrar for report card purposes. If a student's grade remains an F at the conclusion of the thirty day ineligibility period, the student's ineligibility status will continue to the end of the term. If the student then fails the course their thirty-day ineligibility period will extend into the following term.

  • Should a student fail a course during a term in which they are not participating in a sport, the period of ineligibility will be deferred until the student's next bona fide athletic season.  Questions regarding academic eligibility should be directed to the Activities Director.

Eligibility Requirements

 (As set forth by the IHSAA & IHSGAU) YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE IF:

  • If you do not have a physician's certificate of fitness issued this school year or if you are 20 years of age or over.

  • If you fail any course.

  • If you have attended high school for more than eight (8) semesters. (20 days of attendance or playing in one contest, constitutes a semester).

  • If you were out of school last semester or if you entered school this semester later than the second week of school.

  • If you have changed schools this semester. (Except upon HELP change of residence by your parents).

  • If you have ever accepted an award for your high school participation from an outside group other than an inexpensive, unframed, unmounted paper certificate of recognition, or, if you have ever received any money for expenses or otherwise, for your participation in an athletic contest.

  • If you have competed on an outside school team as a team member or as an individual while out for a sport and during that sport season without the previous written consent of your superintendent or designee.  Example:  While you were out for wrestling and during wrestling season you want to participate on an outside school wrestling team or tournament, you would have to have permission from the school superintendent or designee or you would be declared ineligible. Once wrestling season is over, you may participate without written permission.

  • If you have ever trained with a college squad or have participated in a college event.

  • If your habits and conduct both in and out of school are such as to make you unworthy to represent the ideals, principles and standards of your school.

  • Student declared ineligible under the prior school district's Good Conduct Rule and then without having completed the full period ineligibility at that school transfers to Bettendorf High School, will not be eligible for interscholastic competition at Bettendorf High School, until the full period of ineligibility has been completed.  Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible for inter-scholastic competition at Bettendorf High School as far as any Good Conduct Rule is concerned.

Due Process

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY STUDENTS GOVERNED BY IGHSAU/IHSAA RULES

A student athlete, cheerleader, dance/drill, drama and/or debate team member or parent contesting the declared ineligibility of a student based on these rules, shall be required to state the basis of their objections in writing and also their request for oral hearing, addressed to the Executive Office of the Iowa High School Athletic Association or Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union. The executive officer shall then schedule a meeting of the executive board within 20 days of receipt of such objections, giving at least five days written notice of said hearing, unless a shorter time is mutually agreeable.

The executive board shall consider the evidence presented including statements by the appellant's legal counsel and make written findings of its decision within five days of the hearing, mailing a copy forthwith to said appellant.

Appeals - IGHSAU & IHSAA Rules 

If the claimant is still dissatisfied, an appeal may be made in writing to the State Board of Education by giving written notice of the appeal to the Executive Officer of the IHSAA or IGHSAU with a copy by registered mail, to the State Director of the Department of Education. Such appeal shall be taken within ten days after the date of mailing of the decision of the governing organization.  The State Director of the Department of Education shall establish a date for hearing within 20 days of receipt of said written notice of appeal by giving five days written notice to appellant unless a shorter time is mutually agreeable.  The procedures for hearing followed by the State Board of Education shall be applicable.

Good Conduct Rule

503.4 Good Conduct Role

Extracurricular Behavior Expectations

School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes. Participation in school activities is an opportunity and not an absolute right.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year whether at or away from school. Students who wish to have the opportunity of participating in school extracurricular activities and other school-sponsored activities, must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy, "Student Behavior and Discipline" throughout the calendar year and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral, or highly inappropriate.

Students who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. Students disciplined under rules outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook, shall receive appropriate due process in concert with the nature of the misconduct. It shall be the responsibility of the principal to maintain a record of violations.

Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

Athletic and Co-Curricular Rules and Regulations 

Activities and organizations subject to the Good Conduct policies include all athletic programs, non-curricular band and choral activities,* speech, cheerleading, dance/drill team, step team, debate, drama and elected or honorary positions, including class officers, student council officers, Homecoming (and other formal dance) Kings and Queens and all other school activities and organizations wherein students participate on a voluntary basis.

*A curricular band or choral activity is any performance that is required of all band and choir students as part of their grade.

Advisors and coaches for athletics and co-curricular activities will provide students information on code of conduct. Students will adhere to the Athletic and Co-Curricular Code of Conduct during the school day and out of school, 365 days a year.

To retain eligibility for participation in Bettendorf Athletics, and Co-Curricular activities, students must conduct themselves as good citizens both in and out of school at all times. Students who represent the school in an activity are expected to serve as good role models to other students and to the members of the community. There are added responsibilities as role models because you are representing Bettendorf Schools.

Any student who, after a hearing at which the student shall be confronted with the allegation, the basis of the allegation, and given an opportunity to tell the student's side, is found to have violated the school's Good Conduct Rule, will be deemed ineligible for a period of time as described below. A student may lose eligibility under the Good Conduct Rule for any of the following behaviors:

  • Possession, use, sale or purchase of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs under Iowa law or unauthorized possession, use, sale or purchase of otherwise lawful drugs as defined in section 124.101 subsection 5 of the Code of Iowa. The good conduct policies are upheld anywhere in the United States or foreign countries, even where the above actions may be legal.

  • Engaging in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenile court system, regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, convicted or adjudicated for the act.

  • Highly inappropriate or offensive conduct for a student such as assaulting staff or students (fighting), gross insubordination (talking back or refusing to cooperate with authorities), hazing, bullying or harassment of others.

  • Committing repeated minor violations or any one serious violation of any written policy, rule or regulation approved by the Board of Education.

The Bettendorf CSD Code of Conduct is in effect 365 days a year.  Violations accumulate throughout a student’s high school years, grades 9-12.

Local school rules may be more restrictive than those of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) or the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU). The coach and/or sponsor of each individual activity may issue additional eligibility requirements and regulations.

The school principal may declare a student ineligible for extra-curricular activities if that student displays conduct that is highly inappropriate as a student and/or citizen of the school and the community.

If a student transfers in from another school district and the student had not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of a Good Conduct Rule in the previous school, the student shall be declared ineligible.

Extra Curricular and Co- Curricular Student Behavior and Discipline Guidance

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year whether at school or away from school. If a student is in violation of the student expectations that are in accordance with board policy, "Student Behavior and Discipline" the behavior matrix guidance will be used which may result in loss of participation time in extra curricular events during the time of discipline.  When the academic calendar and the athletic calendar do not run parallel to one another the discipline outcome will not result in any more consequence or loss of privilege as it would have related to the academic calendar.  

      

Penalties

Any student who, after a hearing before the administration, is found to have violated the Good Conduct Rule, during the school year or summer, is subject to a loss of eligibility as follows: 

  • First Offense (Of high school career) - Suspended for 25% of contests in the first sport or activity in which they participate. The activities participant will not represent the school in interscholastic competition, but must attend all scheduled practice sessions. 

  • Second Offense (Within high school career) – Suspended from competition for 50% of contests. Suspension will begin with the first contest or event in which the student would be eligible to participate.  

  • Third Offense (Within high school career)  – Suspended for one calendar year. The Appeal Panel will decide suspension following a hearing.

The period of ineligibility attaches immediately upon a finding of a violation if the student is eligible for and currently engaged in an extracurricular activity and, if not, or if not competed during the current activity, is begun or carried over to the time the student seeks to go out for the next activity or contest. However, if the period of time between a violation and an activity is twelve calendar months or more, the student shall not serve an ineligibility period for the violation.

Violations Occurring During Ineligibility

If a student violates the Good Conduct Rule while ineligible due to an earlier violation, the penalty for the subsequent offense will attach at the completion of the earlier penalty.

To Regain Eligibility

  • An ineligible student (applies to first and second offense) shall attend all practices or rehearsals but may not “suit up” or perform/participate. If a student drops out of an activity prior to completion of the ineligibility period, the full penalty or the remainder of the penalty, at the administration’s discretion, will attach when the student next seeks to go out for an activity in which they would typically be a participant subject to the twelve month limitation above (this determination is made solely by the activities director).

  • Upon conviction, confirmation by school officials or admission of a drug-related or alcohol-related incident, the student must enroll in screening by C.A.D.S (Center for Alcohol and Drug Services) or other approved agency and complete the evaluation as stipulated by coach and Athletic Director. Any cost of screening and rehabilitation is the responsibility of students and /or their parents.

  • The student must establish and then perform community service with activities director approval.

    • First Offense: 10 hours of service.

    • Second Offense: 20 hours of service

Appeals

Any student who is found by the administration to have violated the Good Conduct Rule may obtain review of this determination by the Appeal Panel by contacting the principal within three (3) school days of being advised of the violation. The penalty will be in effect until and unless it is reversed by the appeal panel or building principal.

A three-member panel shall review the case. The review panel shall be appointed by the principal within three (3) school days of the appeal and shall consist of three (3) school staff members not involved with the case. One of these three (3) staff members may be chosen by the student and/or parent/guardian, if desired. Students and parent/guardian shall be notified when and where the review panel will meet, and they shall be allowed to appear before the review panel.

The panel shall meet within a period of three (3) school days of their appointment by the principal.  The review panel shall consider the circumstances and evidence and make its findings and recommendation in writing to the student and parent/guardian and to the school principal within three (3) school days. After hearing the facts of the case, the review panel may reduce the period of suspension, retain the period of suspension or raise the period of suspension. Responsibility for the building-level appeal rests solely and finally with the principal of the school.

Suspension Length for All Sports

Sport

Total Contests

# Offense

Alcohol/Drugs

Suspension

Football                 

9 games 

1st Offense

25%

2 games

2nd Offense

50%

5 games

Cross-Country

10 meets

1st Offense

25%

2 meets

2nd Offense

50%

5 meets

Volleyball

28 matches

1st Offense

25%

7 matches

2nd Offense

50%

14 matches

B/G Golf

12 meets

1st Offense

25%

3 meets

2nd Offense

50%

6 meets

B/G. Swimming

12 meets

1st Offense

25%

3 meets

2nd Offense

50%

6 meets

B/G Wrestling

15 dates

1st Offense

25%

4 dates

2nd Offense

50%

8 dates

B/G Basketball

21 games

1st Offense

25%

5 games

2nd Offense

50%

11 games

B/G Bowling

12 dates

1st Offense

25%

3 Meets

2nd Offense

50%

6 Meets

B/G Soccer

16 matches

1st Offense

25%

4 matches

2nd Offense

50%

8 matches

B/G Track

12 meets

1st Offense

25%

3 meets

2nd Offense

50%

6 meets

B/G Tennis

12 meets

1st Offense

25%

3 meets

2nd Offense

50%

6 meets

Baseball/Softball

40 games

1st Offense

25%

10 games

2nd Offense

50%

20 games

Cheerleading, Drama, and Debate (Length of ineligibility will be determined by the Coach, Sponsor and Administrator based on the number of events.)
*Number of contest(s) dates is based on the final season schedule.  

Academic Consequences

There will be no academic consequences for the violation (e.g., detention, suspension, expulsion from school, or grade reduction/withholding) unless the violation of the Code of Conduct occurred (a) on school grounds, (b) at a school event regardless of location, or (c) the violation has a direct and immediate negative impact on the efficient operation of the school despite occurring off school grounds/time.

Mississippi Athletic Conference & Iowa State Association Sportsmanship Rules

If you are ejected from a game:

1st Offense - must sit out of next contest.

2nd Offense - must sit out of next 4 contests.

3rd Offense - ineligible for the remainder of that sports season.

The offense and penalty is specific to that sport; it will carry over to the next season if the time period requires such a penalty.

Conflicts in Extracurricular Activities 

An individual student who attempts to participate in too many extra-curricular activities will undoubtedly be in a position of conflict of obligation. The Activities Department recognizes that each student should have the opportunity for a broad range of experiences in the area of extra-curricular activities and consequently will attempt to schedule events in a manner so as to minimize conflict.

When conflicts do arise, the sponsors will get together and work out a solution on behalf of the student. If a solution cannot be found, then the student will have to make a decision based on the following:

  • State competition takes priority over regular scheduled contests or practices.

  • The relative importance of each event.

  • The importance of each event to the group involved.

  • The relative contribution the student can make.

  • How long each event has been scheduled.

  • Make a decision in cooperation with the parents.

Students who have conflicts with school activities will not be punished by the sponsor of the activity the student chose not to participate in due to the obligations of another activity.

Unauthorized Possession of School-Owned Equipment 

No BHS student involved in extracurricular activities shall have in their possession any school-owned equipment, from this school or any other school, athletic department, other than school equipment approved to be worn in public, such as for practice, games or meets. Indefinite suspension until said equipment is returned in reasonable condition; or the school is reimbursed for replacement value. If equipment is returned in unsatisfactory condition, the equipment will be turned in and the student will be charged.

  • First offense - up to six weeks maximum suspension-BHS Administrative decision.

  • Second offense - up to permanent suspension and/or prosecution- BHS Administrative decision.

General Rules

Attendance in School 

  • Students in extracurricular activities will be allowed to practice, rehearse or participate in contests or school related activities (including awards ceremonies) on any given day only if they are in school all periods of that day.  Exceptions may be made through the principal's office by making arrangements in advance.

  • Unexcused single period absences (including PRIDE/Advisory time) during a given day will cause a student involved in activities or athletics to be withheld from practice, rehearsal or contest on that day.  Students need to be punctual to class.  Excessive tardies (3=unexcused absence) can result in a student being declared ineligible for practice, rehearsal or contest/event.

  • Students, involved in extracurricular activities, administratively suspended from school will not be allowed to practice, rehearse, or compete or attend events during the suspension.

Athletic, Cheerleaders, Dance/Drill Team, Debate, and Drama Awards

Awards, Numerals, Junior Varsity Letters, Major Letters and Hardware are considered school property until such time as the student athlete, cheerleaders, dance/drill team member either drops, transfers or graduates from school.

Should an athlete, cheerleaders, dance/drill team member be suspended from a SQUAD for disciplinary reasons, the Administration has the option to ask him/her to turn in the awards until such time as the student athlete, cheerleader, dance/drill team member has been reinstated in good standing.

Should this action be necessary, the student athlete, cheerleader, dance/drill team member will have until the end of the next sports season to reinstate himself/herself at which time the awards will be returned. 

Bus Behavior

  • Students involved in extracurricular activities will be expected to behave with P.R.I.D.E. at all times on buses.

  • When sack lunches are taken on trips, students will:

    • Place all waste and refuse in a sack.

    • Take the sack off the bus upon returning to school.

    • Deposit the sack in a wastebasket in their locker room.

  • Damage to buses caused by students involved in extracurricular activities will be paid for by the involved students. Said students involved in extracurricular activities, by this kind of behavior, will be risking dismissal or suspension from the activity.

Changing Sports

Students involved in extracurricular activities will be allowed to transfer from one sport to another during a given season only upon the mutual agreement of both coaches and with approval of the athletic director. Should a student quit a sport during the season, he/she will not be allowed to join another sport squad during their preseason practice.  It will be necessary to wait until the end of one sport season ends before joining the next sport team, etc.

Conduct on Trips

It is up to the coach's/activity sponsor's discretion to establish reasonable guidelines at the beginning of each season to the effect that:  Students who have conflicts with school activities will not be punished by the sponsor of the activity the student chose not to participate in due to the obligations of another activity.

Equipment

  • In most activities, equipment will be issued to participants. Participants will be responsible for said equipment.

  • All equipment will be returned when a student finishes the activity, either at the end of the season or upon quitting the activity. This is to be done immediately!

  • It is the responsibility of the student to pay for lost or damaged equipment. The cost will be determined by the activities director and will be based on the replacement cost of equipment. New equipment will be issued only upon receipt of payment for lost articles.

  • School-owned equipment is to be worn only by the student and only at scheduled events, not during the school day.

  • Schools are prohibited by law from selling used equipment to students.  Please do not ask to buy used school-owned items.

  • Students found wearing school-owned equipment in public, other than designated events, will subject themselves to disciplinary action.

  • Attire should be comparable for practices/rehearsals/performances/competitions.  All student-athletes are expected to adhere to the Appropriate Student Attire for School and School Sponsored Activities.

Equipment Room

All equipment will be stored in, and issued from, an equipment room. At no time is there to be any unauthorized personnel in this room. Authorized personnel defined as school employees, (adult or student); certain specified student managers and members of the adult staff.

Injury Report

  • Students injured during contests, practices or performances should make sure the athletic trainer has filled out an injury report and submitted it to the Activities Office. Students and parents have the responsibility to initiate the insurance claim if injury resulted in ambulance service, doctor's care or hospital expenses. Remember--insurance companies have no way of knowing about an injury unless you inform them through a claim sheet.

  • Injury report forms should be picked up at the nurse's office.

Leaving a Squad Procedures

When dropping, or upon being dropped from a squad, students will:

  • Notify the coach, director or sponsor.

  • Turn in all school gear the same day you drop.

Locker Room Behavior 

When reporting to and leaving the locker rooms via the upper level, students should always go through the west lobby and down the steps. Traffic through the lobby gymnasium is neither necessary nor wanted as it causes problems both during P.E. classes and athletic practices.

Locker Room Procedures

Lockers will be issued to student athletes by the PE Department

  • Keep lockers locked at all times except while actually at your locker.  Even while taking a shower, lock your locker!

  • Keep your combination to yourself.

  • DO NOT bring large sums of money or valuables to the locker room.

NCAA Eligibility Regulations - Proposition 48

In order to practice and play as a freshman at an NCAA Division I or Division II college, the student- athlete must satisfy the requirements of NCAA Bylaw 14.3, commonly known as the NCAA Clearinghouse. Students interested in additional information regarding the NCAA Clearinghouse should contact their school counselor.

NAIA Eligibility Center

Every student interested in playing NAIA sports MUST register with the NAIA Eligibility Center.

Personal Appearance

It is a coach's discretion to establish reasonable guidelines at the beginning of each sports season to protect the health and safety of the student athlete, cheerleader, dance/drill team member.

Physicals, Insurance, Acknowledgements, and Consent Forms

Any student wanting to participate in athletics, cheerleading or dance/drill team must complete the following requirements before joining one of the athletic teams.

Physical Examinations

The Iowa State Athletic Association/Union's and the Bettendorf School Board requires that all athletes, cheerleaders and dance/drill team members have physical exams before they are eligible to participate.

These exams may occur any time after May 1, proceeding the next school year. Should you want the exam to be completed by your family physician, please secure the examination form from the Activities Office. (Your physician must use this form.) Every year, each student shall present to the student's Superintendent or Superintendent's designee, a certificate signed by a licensed physician and surgeon, osteopathic physician and surgeon, osteopath or qualified doctor of chiropractic, to the effect that the student has been examined and may safely engage in athletic competition. The certificate of physical examination is valid for the purpose of this rule for one (1) calendar year. A grace period not to exceed thirty (30) days is allowed for an expired physical.

(Each doctor of chiropractic licensed as of July 1, 1974, shall affirm on each certificate of physical examination completed that the affidavit required by Iowa Code section 151.8 is on file with the Iowa Board of Chiropractic Examiners.)

All freshmen are required to get a complete physical from their own physician and pay the cost of the examination.

School Sports Physicals

Sophomore, Junior and Senior Students

The Official School Physician will examine, (for a fee of $10 dollars) which is donated to the Bettendorf Athletic Boosters Club), all student athletes, cheerleaders and dance/drill team in the sophomore, junior and senior years. This examination will be given in early May.

At the Physicians’ request, sports physicals may not be copied or duplicated for camps, college, etc.

Doctors Note Policy

I understand as a parent/guardian of a Bettendorf High School student athlete participating in extracurricular activities (Sports) as part of the Bettendorf Community School District (BCSD that…

  1. After a student athlete is seen by a medical professional, medical documentation in the form of a written or typed note, fax, or e-mail from the attending medical professional or their office is required.  

    1. This medical documentation should include but is not limited to the following:

      1. The condition/injury/illness for which the student athlete was seen and specific terms for medical release to return to activity.    

      2. Any and all restrictions placed on the student-athlete for practice and/or competition.

      3. A time frame for how long the medical professional wants the restrictions placed on the student-athlete.

      4. Any treatment that the medical professional feels will benefit the student-athlete.

      5. Any alternative forms of conditioning that may be acceptable during practice (i.e. riding a bike instead of running.)

      6. Directives for treatment that the school Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) may carry out or plan for Physical Therapy elsewhere.

  2. All medical documentation should be turned into the ATC mailbox in the activities office or be given to the ATCs of Bettendorf High School employed by BCSD.  

    1. No medical documentation should be given to any coach. The student athlete or the parents/guardians may choose to inform or communicate verbally to coaches about the note or medical findings.  

  3. Failure to provide medical documentation after being seen by a medical professional will result in the student athlete being required to sit out of all activity, including practices and games, until proper medical documentation is provided.   

    1. The BCSD does not accept parent notes for return to activity.  

    2. If you feel your child needs to be held out of practice/games and you and your student athlete have not seen a medical professional you may simply communicate that to the ATC or the supervising coach.   

  4. All medical information including contents of notes, faxes, or email will be confidential once received by the Bettendorf Sports Medicine staff.  

    1. All medical documentation will be kept in the student athlete’s personal medical file locked in the athletic training room or kept electronically in a secure online system

  5. Any student-athlete and the parents/guardians may seek a second opinion at their discretion and own cost. In order for any new medical documentation to be accepted and overturn any existing medical document received by BCSD, the medical documentation must come from a medical professional with the same/equal or higher medical speciality.  

    1. Any medical documentation other than stated above will not be accepted. 

  6. All medical documentation from other medical professionals outside the BCSD medical staff are subject to review by ATCs and Team Physicians. Team Physicians employed by the BCSD will have the final determining say if there is a dispute in the diagnosis, medical release, participation levels, and treatment protocols of any student athlete participating in extracurricular activities (Sports) in the BCSD.  

  7. The Bettendorf High School Nurse’s office may need a copy of any medical documentation if the student athlete is in a physical education class, or another extra curricular activity other than sports.  

    1. Parents/Guardians should make duplicate copies of medical documentation and or ask for the school to make duplicate copies when needed.  

Insurance

The Bettendorf High School policy requires all student athletes, cheerleaders and dance/drill team to be covered by insurance (Health and Accident). You are required to have an famil;y insurance acknowledgment sheet filled out by parent/guardian and then return it to the Activities Office.

Consent Forms - Family I.D.

Family I.D. Is an online registration platform for the following forms.  

Consent form - Parents must consent to their student’s participation in sports, knowing on some occasions that serious, perhaps crippling, injuries may occur.

Head’s Up Concessions - Parents and students must sign before participation.

Physicals - Will need to be uploaded into the Family ID platform.

Reporting for Practice

  • Students involved in extracurricular activities will report to the locker room not more than ten minutes before practice is scheduled to start.

  • On days of contests, report no earlier than the time determined by the coach.

  • For after school practice, be dressed and ready to practice 20 minutes after dismissal.

  • Training Room - (First-aid) The purpose of this room is to care for and to prevent athletic injuries.

    • All school first-aid materials are to remain in the training room or in first-aid kits (under the direction of the trainer or student trainers at practices or games/meets).

    • At no time should there be any first-aid materials in student lockers.  This includes adhesive tape.

    • Telephones may be used only when a head trainer or a coach consents to such use and the coach/trainer is in the room.

  • Attire:  Students are expected to practice, rehearse and compete in attire no less expected in competition (shirtless, jogging barefoot, bras, undergarments not permitted)

Returning from Out-of-Town Contests

Students in extracurricular activities will return from all out-of-town contests with their groups or squads and by school transportation. EXCEPTIONS can be made by a parent by filling out the transportation policy form 48 hours prior to the scheduled event. Students may ride home only with their parents.  Permission will not be given to students who request to ride with friends or parents other than their own.  Please do not make spontaneous requests to simply ride home with parents rather than on the bus or van.

Student Involved in Extracurricular Activities Driving to Practices or Contests in the Local Area 

Whenever possible and practical, it is our practice to furnish school transportation to practices and contests.  However, occasionally it is necessary for us to have students report to the site rather than furnish school transportation.  In cases where students are asked to drive, we expect and encourage them to observe the following:

  • Observe all traffic regulations.

  • Practice safety.

  • Take the shortest, safest route to and from the site.

  • Have a valid driver's license on your person or in the car.

  • Have proper insurance to cover passengers in the car.

  • Owner is the primary insurance carrier.  Bettendorf Community School District insurance is the secondary carrier for liability insurance.

Supervision

  • At no time is it permissible for individuals or groups to be anywhere in BHS without authorized supervision.

  • At no time will individuals be present during an official activity, practice or rehearsal.

  • Students will refrain from using equipment not specifically for their activity.

  • Students are not to be in the fitness center without authorized, adult supervision.