Frequently Asked Questions for High School Athletes
1. Can my child attend an OSD Alternative School and play sports at either CHS or OHS?
Students who attend an alternative school are eligible to participate at the high school in their home attendance area. They must meet and maintain all WIAA and OSD eligibility and conduct standards.
2. My child is currently being home schooled. Can they also play sports at either CHS or OHS?
Home school students may be eligible to participate at the school in their home attendance area. In order to meet and maintain academic eligibility standards, a grade report must be submitted at the time of their first sports clearance of the year and at both the 8th and 12th week of the semester of participation. All other WIAA and OSD eligibility and conduct regulations must be met.
3. My child is currently enrolled, full-time, in an "on-line education program" offered by another school district. Can they play sports at either CHS or OHS?
Students enrolled in approved "on-line education programs are eligible to participate at the school in their home attendance area. They must meet and maintain all academic eligibility standards and submit enrollment certification and grade reports at the time of their first sports clearance. All other WIAA and OSD eligibility and conduct regulations must be met and maintained. Students may be considered "transfer students" who are only eligible for sub-varsity participation during their first year.
4. If my child transfers from one district high school to another, are they eligible to participate?
If the family moves into the service area of another high school, the student will be eligibile to participate at all levels. If the family does not move and the students has attended the other school, they are eligible at the sub-varsity level for one year. After the first year, they are eligible to participate at all levels.
5. Can my middle school child participate in open gym or work out in the weight room of the high school they will be attending?
No. Only currently enrolled students are allowed to participate in open gym/weight room activities.
6. Does the OSD provide accident insurance for my child while participating in extracurricular activities?
The OSD does not carry accident insurance policies to cover injuries sustained in interscholastic programs. Accident insurance is the responsibility of the parents or guardian. Student insurance can be purchased for a nominal fee and forms are available in all school offices.
7. Can my child participate in extracurricular activities if they are absent?
No, extracurricular activity participation requires that students attend classes daily in order to maintain eligibility.
- Classroom attendance on the day of a game is required except in the case of a valid excuse and with the approval of the site athletic director. This will be interpreted to mean a student will attend all classes unless excused by the site athletic director. Staying home to rest or "sleeping in" are examples of unexcused absences.
- Students not attending class on a Friday prior to a Saturday game are ineligible to participate. If not attending classes on a Friday prior to a holiday period, the student will be ineligible to participate in the next game.
8. How do I voice a concern regarding my child's participation?
If you have a concern to discuss with the coach, please call that coach to set up an appointment.
- Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:
-- Ways to help your child's improve
-- Concerns about your child's behavior or attitude
-- Ways you can help support the team
-- Treatment of your child, mentally and physically
- Communication that coaches expect from parents:
-- Notification of any personal schedule conflicts well in advance
-- Concerns expressed directly to the coach
-- Information that will help the coach work with your child
- Issues that are not appropriate to discuss with coaches:
-- Playing time
-- Team or game strategy
-- Play calling
-- Other students or athletes
Participation in athletics offers some of the most rewarding moments of students' lives. However, it is important to remember that there may be times when things will not go the way that you and your child wish. Coaches are professionals. They make judgement decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved and the school/district.
9. What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach does not provide a satisfactory resolution or other issues arise?
Call and set up an appointment with the site athletic director to discuss the situation. At this meeting, the next appropriate step can be determined. Contact the Capital High School Athletic Office at 596-8070 or the Olympia High School Athletic Office at 596-7028. If concerns remain, parents are welcome to call the District Coordinator for Health, Fitness and Athletic Progam Office at 596-8544.