Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for the Lake City High School Bowling Team

Governed by the Lake City Junior Bowling Association

Introduction

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all participants in the Lake City High School Bowling Team, including players, coaches, parents, and spectators. As a team sponsored by the Lake City Junior Bowling Association and participating in activities aligned with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), all members must adhere to high standards of sportsmanship, academic performance, and personal responsibility. By signing this document, players affirm their commitment to these rules, which are designed to promote a positive, safe, and competitive environment. Violations may result in penalties as outlined below, including suspensions, expulsions, or permanent bans. This code incorporates guidelines from Minnesota High School Bowling (MHSB), MSHSL bylaws, and local school district policies.

All bowlers, parents, and coaches are required to be aware of, agree to, and abide by this Code of Conduct. Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, harassment, or any behavior that disrespects teammates, opponents, coaches, staff, or others will not be tolerated. 

Academic Eligibility

To participate in the Lake City High School Bowling Team, students must maintain academic eligibility in accordance with MSHSL Bylaw 108 (Scholastic Eligibility) and Lake City Public Schools (District #813) requirements. Students must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation, as defined by the local Board of Education. This typically includes being fully enrolled, attending school regularly, and meeting district standards such as earning a minimum number of credits per grading period and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or higher (or equivalent passing grades in all classes). Eligibility is determined by the building Assistant Principal, and students must be in school all day to participate in practices or events unless excused in writing by the principal. Students suspended from school are ineligible for participation during the suspension period.

In addition to grades, students must comply with MSHSL general eligibility requirements, including full enrollment and attendance as defined by the Minnesota Department of Education. 

Student Code of Responsibilities

As per MSHSL guidelines, all participants must follow the Student Code of Responsibilities:

• Respect the rights and beliefs of others.
• Be fully responsible for your own actions and the consequences of those actions.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• Respect and obey the rules of the school and the laws of the community, state, and country.
• Show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules.

Violations of this code may result in loss of good standing and ineligibility, as determined by the school principal. 

Conduct and Behavior Expectations

Team members must always exhibit sportsmanlike conduct during practices, competitions, and related events. This includes:

• No abusive language, harassment, bullying, taunting, or unsportsmanlike actions (e.g., throwing equipment, apparel, or accessories; kicking or hitting equipment; verbal or physical disrespect).
• No engagement in sexual, racial, religious harassment, violence, or hazing, as defined by MSHSL Bylaw 209. Harassment includes unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics; violence includes threats or physical harm; hazing involves humiliating or endangering others for initiation.
• Compliance with chemical eligibility rules (see below).
• No participation in events where cash prizes are awarded, except as allowed under amateur status rules (see below).

Infractions will be addressed by coaches, conference coordinators, or league administrators, with input from the MSHSL where applicable. 

Penalties for Misconduct

Penalties apply to players, coaches, parents, and spectators. Infractions are career-based and cumulative. Conference coordinators and coaches will report incidents to the league administrator. For postseason play, there are no verbal warnings.

Offense Level	Player/Coach Penalty	Parent/Spectator Penalty
1st Career Offense	Verbal warning	Verbal warning
2nd Career Offense	Suspension for current match + next 20 games (regular/postseason)	Disallowed from next 10 games
3rd Career Offense	Suspension for current match + next 30 games; Ineligible for All-Conference honors, tournament, or All-State team	Disallowed from next 20 games
4th Career Offense	Permanent ban from team/league, no appeal	Permanent ban from attending events

Notes:

• Parents/spectators violating suspensions cause team forfeits.
• Suspensions carry over seasons, including co-ed to girls-only for females.
• Especially heinous acts may lead to immediate season expulsion or permanent ban, decided by team administrators.

 Penalties for Severe Misconduct (Taunting or Bullying)

Taunting involves deriding, mocking, or criticizing others. Bullying includes repeated harmful actions. Guilty parties earn their team a zero in the 10th frame of the current (or next) game.

Offense Level	Penalty for Player/Coach/Spectator
1st Career Offense	Suspension for current match + next 20 games; Ineligible for All-Conference/All-State honors
2nd Career Offense	Expulsion for remainder of season/postseason or next 30 games (whichever longer); Ineligible for honors
3rd Career Offense	Permanent ban, no appeal

Notes: Same as above for suspensions and forfeits.

This aligns with MSHSL Bylaw 209 penalties for harassment/violence, which include loss of eligibility for 2-12 contests or up to 12 months for severe cases.

Penalties for Severe Misconduct (Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping, and Violent Behavior)

Students shall not use, possess, buy, sell, or give away alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or controlled substances at any time, regardless of age or location. No possession of vaping devices. No causing physical harm to persons or property.

Offense Level	Penalty for Player/Coach
1st Career Offense	Suspension for current match + next 20 games; Ineligible for All-Conference/All-State honors
2nd Career Offense	Expulsion for remainder of season/postseason or next 30 games (whichever longer); Ineligible for honors
3rd Career Offense	Permanent ban, no appeal

Notes: Suspensions carry over seasons.

This incorporates MSHSL Bylaw 205 (Chemical Eligibility), with penalties of 2-12 contests per violation, progressive, and options for treatment on third offenses.

Penalties for Severe Misconduct (Bowling for Rewards/Amateur Status)

From joining the team until no longer participating, bowlers may not compete in any league, tournament, or event where cash prizes are awarded (including cosmic bowling). Exceptions: USBC youth certified events or adult singles tournaments with scholarships via USBC Prize Waiver (not for team events).

Violation results in indefinite expulsion from the team.

This aligns with MSHSL Bylaw 201 (Amateur Status), where accepting cash or prizes leads to loss of amateur status and ineligibility.

Malicious Behavior

Any especially heinous act (e.g., extreme violence or harm) may result in immediate season expulsion or permanent ban, decided by team administrators and in consultation with MSHSL guidelines. 

Acknowledgment and Digital Signatures

My child and I have read and understand this Code of Conduct and agree to abide by all rules. I acknowledge that violations may result in the penalties described.