Student Handbook - Student Activities

Oakmont athletics is governed by rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. 

The M.I.A.A. has certain rules which extend to all student-athletes such as: (a) Students cannot be older than nineteen (19) years of age (Rule 60); (b) Students can compete for only four (4) years after entering the ninth grade. Junior High athletes may not compete with High School athletes unless the two schools are under the same Principal (Rule 54); (c) Students must be living with a legal guardian and have legal residence within the community (Rule 61); (d) Students cannot practice or be scheduled for more than one activity per day (Rule 56); (e) Students must adhere to Oakmont’s Chemical Health Policy (see page 25). 

Athlete/Activity Participant Chemical Health Policy

Any athlete or co-curricular activity participant in the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School system is a highly visible representative of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District. Because our school system has a 100% zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, we expect that our athletes and activity participants will maintain behavior that upholds this policy at all times. Remember, students choose to become student-athletes and/or activity participants. That choice also includes the responsibility of living up to Oakmont’s values. If students choose to participate in co-curricular activities or athletics, we ask that they commit to a healthy lifestyle and agree not to engage in risk behaviors that include tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substance abuse. 

The following Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Provision (rule 62.1, page 56, MIAA Handbook) that is mandatory for all Oakmont athletes, is also binding for all student-athletes and co-curricular activity participants in the District: 

“From the first allowable day of fall practice through the end of the academic year or final competition of the year, whichever is later, a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as NA or near beer. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of 57

a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for a student’s own use by their doctor. This rule represents only a minimum standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.” 

The above policy is in effect at all times, whether in school or outside of school. 

The administration will investigate alleged Chemical Health Policy violations that occur off-campus when credible evidence is presented that a violation has taken place or when the administration is notified by police authorities that a violation has taken place. 

In addition, student-athletes and co-curricular activity participants who attend student gatherings where they find that alcohol is present, the illegal use of controlled substances are prevalent, and/or tobacco products are in use, are expected to exercise their better judgment and remove themselves from this situation as soon as they become aware that these actions are taking place. If the Principal is notified by police authorities, or credible evidence is presented by a legitimate source, that student-athletes and/or co-curricular activity participants have been present at an event where illegal activities have taken place, the Principal will conduct an investigation to determine whether or not the student-athletes and/or co-curricular activity participants were involved in the illegal activity. If the Principal determines that the student-athletes and/or co-curricular activity participants were directly involved in illegal activities, student will impose sanctions in accordance with the MIAA Chemical Health Policy. If the Principal determines that the student was present during illegal activities, but not actively participating in those activities, the student will receive a written warning and parents will be notified. Subsequent violations may be sanctioned. 

Students who do not choose to participate in co-curricular activities or athletics are strongly encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle by not engaging in risk behaviors that involve tobacco, alcohol, or illegal substances. If the school administration becomes aware that students who are not co-curricular participants or student-athletes are involved in risk behaviors during non-school hours off campus, parents will be contacted. Restrictions involving student parking or attendance at after school events may be considered. 

FIRST VIOLATION MINIMUM PENALTIES: 

• Have fun by demonstrating positive enthusiasm without causing harm, danger, or embarrassment.  Cheer on our players!!
• Follow all school rules that are in effect during the regular school day.
• Demonstrate respect toward fellow students, opponents, players, coaches, other spectators, and officials.
• Show respect and pride for our school.
• Be appropriately attired, including wearing shirts.

• NO calling by name or taunting players on either the home or visiting teams.
• NO BOOING! - Despite what you see from some professional, college, and other high school contests...it’s just rude.  We don’t do that here because we are BETTER THAN THAT!  
• NO using vulgar language/gestures towards other fans, players, other fans, or the game officials.
• NO wearing costumes, masks, or obscuring face paint that prevents them from being recognized unless approved by an administrator in advance.
• NO participating in dangerous or boisterous behavior, such as pushing, shoving, crowd surfing, standing on railings, banging on the glass, or fighting.           
• NO throwing objects either in the stands or onto the playing surface.
• NO turning your back while the other team is introduced, or holding up signs or newspapers. Again..it’s just disrespectful.  We are better than that!
• NO displaying signs that are meant to degrade the other school, team, or individual players.  
• Win or lose, as you leave tell the other team/fans, GREAT GAME!
   
  See the MIAA Taunting Rule for a basic summary pertaining to fans click here.
   
  Students or other spectators who engage in prohibited fan behavior may face consequences as determined by the administration or Athletic director. Any spectator engaging in these activities may be removed from the premises or prohibited from attending future events.

School dances may be sponsored by any school group. Groups desiring dances must work through their advisors and the administration, who will see that the necessary forms are filled out and dates cleared. Forms are available in the main office. Do not make contract commitments before you have administrative approval. 

The Principal must approve all contracts. 

The following rules are observed at all school dances: 

1. Students will conform to all school rules. 
2. Non-Oakmont guests are not allowed without a signed guest pass, authorized by the Oakmont administration and the guest’s school administration prior to the event. Guests are required to follow all Oakmont rules. The administration reserves the right to disapprove of any guest. 
3. Any student leaving before the end of the dance is required to sign out. 
4. Having signed out, the student must leave the dance, and school property. Students who have left the dance are not allowed to return. 
5. Middle School students are prohibited from attending High School Dances and the reverse applies as well. 6. Guest passes will not be granted for guests over the age of twenty (20). (Exceptions may be granted by the administration for enrolled students who are over twenty years of age.)

• No movements or gestures that simulate sexual activities. (No grinding.) 
• Partners’ hands must remain above the waist and avoid sensitive areas. 
• No movements that could cause injury are permitted. 
• No excessive public displays of affection.