EXTRACURRICULAR AND COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

BOARD POLICY - 6145

Instruction

The Board of Education recognizes that extracurricular and cocurricular activities enrich the educational and social development of students and enhance students' feelings of connectedness with the schools. The district shall encourage and support student participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities without compromising the integrity and purpose of the educational program.

Prerequisites for student participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities shall be limited to those that have been demonstrated to be essential to the success of the activity. No extracurricular or cocurricular program or activity shall be provided or conducted separately on the basis of any actual or perceived characteristic listed as a prohibited category of discrimination in state or federal law, nor shall any student's participation in an extracurricular or cocurricular activity be required or refused on those bases.  (5 CCR 4925)

Any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination in the district's extracurricular or cocurricular programs or activities shall be filed in accordance with BP/AR 1312.2 - Uniform Complaint Procedures.

Unless specifically authorized by law, no student shall be charged a fee for his/her participation in educational activities, including extracurricular and cocurricular activities and materials or equipment related to such activities. (Education Code 49010, 49011)

Eligibility Requirements

Students participating in any school sponsored activity which requires extensive time outside the regular school day, shall comply with eligibility requirements of the Irvine Unified School District. These eligibility requirements shall meet or exceed the California Interscholastic Eligibility policies which govern the participation of all students in athletic programs in the Irvine Unified School District.

Eligibility requirements for participation in all extracurricular activities are:

  • previous quarter GPA 2.0
  • pass four classes previous quarter
  • enrollment in at least 25 units; enrollment in at least 20 units for second semester seniors
  • official status as an Irvine Unified student meeting residency requirements
  • no known conviction of a felony, or known adjudication as a Ward of the Court, based on the commission of a felony, unless the sentence has been served and any court-prescribed formal probation completed

Participants who do not maintain the required GPA are placed on academic probation for the subsequent quarter. Students on academic probation may continue for one quarter to participate in the activity while working with school staff who will monitor progress and provide guidance and support. A second quarter of failure to meet the GPA requirement any time during the four high school years will result in immediate ineligibility. The student will remain ineligible until requirements are met. Academic probation may be utilized only once during a student’s four high school years.

The school principal may utilize discretion in eligibility determinations for students with Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans, or other serious extenuating circumstances for non-CIF school sponsored activities.  Any decision regarding the eligibility of a homeless student, foster youth, or child of an active duty military family for extracurricular or cocurricular activities shall be made by the Superintendent or designee in accordance with Education Code 48850 and 49701.

The Superintendent or designee may revoke a student's eligibility for participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities when the student's poor citizenship is serious enough to warrant loss of this privilege.

Student Conduct at Extracurricular/Cocurricular Events

When attending or participating in extracurricular and cocurricular activities on or off campus, district students are subject to district policies and regulations relating to student conduct. Students who violate district policies and regulations may be subject to discipline including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, transfer to alternative programs, or denial of participation in extracurricular or cocurricular activities in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Regulation. When appropriate, the Superintendent or designee shall notify local law enforcement.

Annual Policy Review

The Board shall annually review this policy and implementing regulations. (Education Code 35160.5)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE

35145  Public meetings

35160.5  District policy rules and regulations; requirements; matters subject to regulation

35179  Interscholastic athletics; associations or consortia

35181  Students' responsibilities

48850  Participation of homeless students and foster youth in extracurricular activities and interscholastic sports

48930-48938  Student organizations

49010-49013  Student fees

49024  Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate

49700-49704  Education of children of military families

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION

Article 9, Section 5 Common school system

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5

350  Fees not permitted

4900-4965  Nondiscrimination in elementary and secondary education programs receiving state financial assistance

5531  Supervision of extracurricular activities of pupils

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42

2000h-2-2000h-6  Title IX, 1972 Education Act Amendments

COURT DECISIONS

Hartzell v. Connell, (1984) 35 Cal. 3d 899

(11/09  3/12)  5/17

 

Policy Adopted: April 9, 1973
Policy Revised: September 12, 2017

Administrative Regulation 6145: Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities 
Administrative Regulation 6145.8: Athletic Team Approval