Highland will continue its tradition of allocating time equally among team participants. During the postseason, playing time will be at the coach's discretion. Extra time may be awarded based on coach’s criteria.  While win/loss records will be maintained for the Lakeside Conference rankings, our primary goal will remain education, skill enhancement, and enjoyment of the sport.

Highland Middle School is committed to an athletic program that will provide all athletes an opportunity to compete at a level equal to their abilities.  The cornerstone of our commitment is embroidered in high standards of ethics and sportsmanship, while developing physical and social skills, emotional maturity, and responsible behavior.  Participation in athletics is a privilege, which carries varying degrees of honor, responsibility and sacrifice. Since athletics is a privilege, those who choose to participate will be expected to follow the athletic code of conduct.

CARING
I will demonstrate concern for others.
I will not engage in behavior that may cause harm to myself.
I will not intentionally injure my opponents.
I will support the wellbeing of my teammates.

CITIZENSHIP
I will abide by all rules and regulations.
I will follow my coaches’ directions.
I will respectfully and politely obey game officials.

FAIRNESS
I will only engage in conduct that upholds the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.

RESPECT
I will be gracious in victory in and defeat.
I will demonstrate respect for my opponent at all times.
I will not engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, or other actions that demean athletes or the sport.

RESPONSIBILITY
I will put my responsibilities as a student first.
I will represent Highland middle school with honor, on and off the field.
I will demonstrate an appropriate attitude that reflects self-control.
I will not use any illegal or unhealthy substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
I will uphold the integrity of the sport by not engaging in any form of gambling.

TRUSTWORTHINESS
I will compete honorably.
I will not lie, cheat, steal, or engage in any other dishonest conduct.
I will put the success of the team before personal glory.
I will be a reliable member of the team.
 

Highland students are expected to maintain a high standard of academics and behavior while participating on an athletic team.  In order to remain an eligible participant on a team, a student may not be receiving a grade lower than a 70% in more than one class.

If a student is reported ineligible by a teacher in more than one subject, the students will receive a letter, which will need to be signed by a parent, that details in which subjects he/she is deficient. At that point, the student will meet with administration, a member his/her academic team, and the Athletic Director to develop a written contract/plan detailing the student’s responsibilities in bringing up his/her grades. The student-athlete will only be able to continue if the plan is approved and followed by the student-athlete. 

If the contract is not followed as designed, the student will be considered ineligible to participate. Ineligible players are not allowed to participate in any home meets/games, nor attend any away games for one week when they are ineligible.  They will be required to attend after school study hall every day of that week. A modified contract will be given at that point.  If the contract is not followed the week they are ineligible, they will be removed from the team.  If the modified contract is followed, they will be allowed to participate the following week.

Highland Wrestling, Cross Country, and Track and Field eligibility requirements are stipulated by the IESA. The requirements for eligibility under their standards exceed those of Highland.  According to IESA, no athlete can be failing ANY of his/her classes on the date of the grade check each week.  It will take place on the same day each week, by rule.   If they are failing one class, they are ineligible for the following Monday through Saturday. They must be passing by the next week's grade check in order to be reinstated. The student will attend after school study hall until 4:30- joining the team at practice afterward.  If there is a home meet, they will join the team on the bench but not be able to participate in the meet.  If it is an away meet, the student may not attend.  This will continue until the student is eligible or they have been removed from the team for prolonged lack of participation.

From the IESA handbook:

2.042 A student shall be doing passing work as determined by the local school district in all school subjects and the school shall certify compliance with this By-Law. Use of a player, contestant, or participant shall be deemed such certification.

2.043 For all IESA activities, athletic as well as non-athletic, passing work shall be checked weekly. Eligibility will be applied to the Monday through Saturday following the week that was checked. Students must be passing each subject each week to be eligible. Grades shall be cumulative for the school's grading period.

2.044 The eligibility check shall be the same day each week unless school is not in session; then it must be taken on the last day of student attendance that week.

2.045 For fall sports, the first eligibility check shall be made following the first full week of attendance at the beginning of the school year. During the succeeding weeks of the school year, the eligibility check shall begin the week prior to the first contest in an activity.
 

Students must attend school for at least three academic periods in order to participate in activities after school on any day.  Students are expected to attend all practices and games if they have attended school for the entire day.  All practices are until the time designated by the coaches at the beginning of the season.  Students will be required to stay for the entire practice, or an unexcused absence will be recorded.  Students will be allowed only two unexcused absences from practice or games with a play time reduction after the second absence.  If a third unexcused absence should occur, the player will be removed from the team. Excused absences are given for religious education classes, absences from school, and medical appointments (with documentation from the doctor).