By Dixon Bledsoe
The rules have been changed for students participating on athletic teams at Silverton High School.
“These are different times for kids. Times have changed, and there are so many more challenges, distractions and things for kids to do, right or wrong, so basically, our athletic department policies have to keep up with the times in representing the kids’ best interest,” said Greg Kaatz, assistant vice principal and athletic director for Silverton High School.
Copies of the new policy are available for parents and community members by either stopping in at the Pine Street Campus or visiting the Silverton High School Web site at www.silvertonhigh.silverfalls.orvsd.org.
Kaatz said the old system of dealing with behavior and conduct through consequences was updated because, “suspensions can be set aside during the appeals process and kids can be somewhat manipulative.
“It used to be that if a student-athlete was suspended and subsequently appealed, he might be eligible to play during the appeals process because the suspension was set aside. Kids were taking advantage of that because they knew the rules.”
For example, under the old policy a student-athlete might be suspended for 30 percent of the total season’s contests for a first offense violating the policy on drinking alcohol. But if the student appealed, he might be allowed to play during the appeals process.
Kaatz said the new policy removes the loophole, clearly stating, “During the appeals process the student-athlete will be suspended from the sport.”
“We have a lot of leeway since every situation can be unique, but we have verified our policy with legal council and we clearly retain our rights to suspend,” he said.
“The neat thing about this policy is that not only did the athletic department and coaches agree it made sense, but we had several student athletes in focus groups, talked with parents, staff and the school board, and they agreed with it as well. When times and behaviors change, so must our policies.”
Kaatz suggests parents and coaches discuss the new policy with students now. “Ask students about the changes,” he said. “Many will hear about them for the first time at school on Sept. 8, even though the changes have been in the works since last September and we have gone through seven drafts.
“The community could best help the high school by simply talking about the new policy with students.”
The new policies also give direction to student-athletes who find themselves at parties where alcohol, drugs, and/or inappropriate behavior are present.
“Students are now given a timeline for when to leave a gathering (five minutes), and they must self-report within 24 hours,” Kaatz said.
“Also, the 30 percent contest suspension for a first offense was created because the old two-week suspension meant different things to different sports – only two football games would be missed, versus perhaps as many as eight games for other sports at specific times in the schedule (such as tournaments). “Another new policy involves the second offense, which was developed directly from student-athlete input – a second violation for drugs, alcohol, or tobacco now results in a one-year suspension instead of just 60 days.
“The new honesty and integrity clause is good, because it gives students the opportunity to tell the truth up front.”
Those with questions about the new policies, schedules or the endowment game can reach Kaatz at the athletic department at Silverton High School, 503-873-6331, ext. 3823.
