CORONA-NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Board Policy 5321 

EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, GRADES 7-12 

Student participation in extracurricular activities, grades 7-12, will meet existing State and local eligibility standards relating to the specific organization, such as California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.), organization or club bylaws, and School District administrative guidelines. These standards will not apply to scheduled classes which include, as a part of their curriculum, student participation in activities and performances outside of the regular classroom schedule required for grading purposes. Minimum scholarship requirements for participation in all extracurricular activities in grades 7-12 will be as follows: 

A. Students must have achieved a 2.0 grade point average in enrolled classes during the previous regular grading period, (i.e., first and third quarters; first and second semesters; and first, second and third trimester). In addition, a student must pass a minimum of four classes during the previous grading period. 

B. Students must not have received more than one “U” (unsatisfactory) in citizenship in the previous regular grading period. 

C. Students shall be enrolled for a minimum of four (4) periods in the school for which eligibility is to be granted, and must attend at least four (4) periods or its equivalent on the day of the interscholastic activity. 

D. Students shall maintain satisfactory progress toward meeting graduation requirements, which is defined as earning an average of twenty-five (25) credits per semester or twenty-five (25) credits in the prior semester. Summer School credits shall apply to the second semester or third trimester of the prior year. 

Students who are not eligible academically according to the rules stated above may obtain a one-time waiver of the academic requirement during their years in the Corona-Norco Unified School District if: 

1. The student has achieved a passing grade in a minimum of four (4) classes; and/or, 

2. If the student has no more than two (2) unsatisfactory citizenship marks in the previous grading period. 

Consistency of standards and requirements will be maintained among district schools having the same grade levels, and between grade levels within a single school. For eligibility purposes only, Summer School grades may substitute for required courses, in the same department, taken the previous semester. Any elective course taken during Summer School may substitute for an elective taken the previous semester. 

Students applying for participation or participating in any extracurricular activity who do not meet the eligibility requirements will meet with the school principal or designee to determine proper remediation and assistance to promote eligibility and participation in extracurricular activities. 

Each student shall be entitled to a one-time waiver of eligibility requirements. All requests for waivers shall be made in advance of the time when the activity of interest begins or within five (5) days of notification of ineligibility for extracurricular activities in which a student is currently participating. No student shall receive more than one (1) waiver during his/her high school career. 

Students in grades 7-12 will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities if during the previous regular grading period they maintained a 2.0 GPA, and earned no more than one (1) “U” in citizenship. Students with a verified truancy from class(es) become ineligible for the next extracurricular, interschool activity. 

A. Notification of Eligibility 

Students in grades 7-12 will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities when they meet the requirements of Board Policy 5320. Eligibility/ineligibility shall occur on the first school day following the school-wide distribution of grades. 

To assist in identifying students’ eligibility status, the following steps shall be taken: 

1. Management Information Services shall provide each school with a list of all students who are ineligible following each grading period, including their GPA and citizenship status. 

2. Site staff shall immediately notify students' parents of student ineligibility. 

                Ineligible students are not permitted to wear the uniform/attire of the team/club/squad at extracurricular activities. 

B. Waiver (One time only) 

Students who are not eligible, but wish to participate in an extracurricular activity, may request that their eligibility status be reviewed by the school principal or designee. The principal or designee shall make recommendations to the student and parent regarding remediation and support to assist the student's becoming eligible or may grant a one-time only waiver upon the request of the parent and student. No future waivers may be granted under any circumstances. 

C. Extracurricular Activities 

Extracurricular activities shall include, but not be limited to: 

1. Athletics 

2. Cheerleading 

3. Pep Squad 

4. Dance Team 

5. Associated Student Body (ASB) 

6. Drill Team 

D. Summer School Grading Policy 

Students who are not eligible but wish to enroll in a Summer School class or classes to regain their eligibility must follow the strict guidelines established by the California Interscholastic Federation – Southern Section (CIF-SS) as noted below: 

To replace a grade obtained in a class during the previous (fourth quarter) grading period, the student must take the same class in Summer School (i.e., classes only a grade in algebra 2B taken in Summer School may replace an algebra 2B grade obtained in the previous grading period). 

Classes taken in Summer School that are not “new work” (i.e., classes that have been taken in semesters prior to the previous grading period) will not count either for or against the student (i.e., repeating a language arts class taken two or more semesters ago, will have no effect on eligibility). 

A class taken that constitutes new work will be considered an additional class and averaged with the classes taken during the previous grading period when determining the student’s grade point average (GPA). 

In no case will a Summer School class make a student ineligible who was previously eligible. 

E. Intermediate School Student Eligibility 

Students entering the high school from the intermediate school level who wish to participate in extracurricular activities must adhere to the same standards as do high school students (i.e., intermediate school students must have passed four (4) classes with a 2.0 grade point average and have received no more that one (1) “U” unsatisfactory citizenship mark. 

Revised: February 21, 2006 (10/6/98; re-numbered from 5320 on 2/2/99) 

CORONA-NORCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Board Policy 5320 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

The Board recognizes the value of extra-curricular activities in developing student responsibility and providing for the interests and needs of a diverse population. School organizations whose purposes are to conduct activities on behalf of the students will function under the authority and responsibility of the principal and pursuant to the regulations of applicable Education Code and school regulations. 

Student clubs and organizations may be recognized as authorized school organizations if they are organized at the school, supervised by a school employee designated for such supervision, composed completely of current student body members, hold the majority of their meetings at school, and have a democratic plan for the election of officers and the selection of members. As a condition of continual approval, student clubs, their members, and agents shall comply with all District and school rules and regulations. 

A club sport may be recognized as an authorized school organization if it is a group that competes as a school team with other school teams, and does not have a parallel CIF team at the school. A club sport must meet all the terms and conditions annually as specified in Administrative Regulations prior to the beginning of the season. 

Students may meet on campus outside of class time for a limited-open forum as defined in Title VIII of Public Law 98-377, consistent with the provisions of the Equal Access Act of 1984. 

All students participating in extracurricular activities must meet the eligibility requirements as specified in Board Policy 5321, Extracurricular Eligibility Requirements, Grades 7-12. 

Legal references: Education Codes 48930-48938, 35179 

Adopted: February 2, 1999 

The principal shall be responsible for the general supervision of Student Body activities within the schools. These activities include, but are not limited to, the Student Body government, formation of clubs and social and athletic events, student publications, and participation in special activities outside the District by student performing groups. 

A. The following policies regarding Student Body activities shall apply in the School District. The principal shall approve and authorize: 

1. The Establishment of Student Body Associations and the Development of a Constitution for each Association 

The purpose of the Student Body government shall be: 

a. To provide a variety of opportunities for the practice of democratic procedures and good citizenship. 

b. To develop student government in the best traditions of our democratic society. 

c. To engender a feeling of mutual cooperation, respect, and understanding among students, teachers, and administrators in the school. 

d. To promote a high degree of good sportsmanship, school loyalty and high standards of conduct and safety. 

e. To develop rules and regulations relating to all Student Body organizations. 

2. The Establishment of Student Body Accounts 

a. Student Body Accounts must be approved by the Governing Board according to the Education Code. 

b All monies collected by school sponsored or approved organizations are part of the Student Body Accounts. 

c. Student Account records for each school shall be kept by the District Accounting Office and the school site. 

d. All monies collected by approved organizations shall be deposited in the proper Student Body Account in a local bank approved by the Governing Board and credited to the organization involved. 

e. The Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, shall be the custodian of all Student Body Accounts. These funds shall be audited at least once a year by a Certified Public Accountant. 

f. No checks shall be drawn against the Student Body accounts unless monies are available. 

g. Student Body monies may be spent without the approval of the Governing Board, as permitted by the Education Code. 

h. Disbursement shall not be made from cash collections. 

i. Checks shall not be drawn to "cash," but shall be drawn in favor of the responsible person or organization. 

j. All procedures for the expenditure of Student Body monies must be approved by the Governing Board. 

3. The Referral of All Gifts Offered to the Student Body for Governing Board approval Before Acceptance 

4. The Publication of a Yearbook 

5. The Establishment of On-Campus Organizations 

a. On-campus organizations must be approved annually by the Student Council and principal. 

b. All Student Body organizations shall be governed by a written constitution which has been approved by the Student Council and principal. 

c. The principal or superintendent has the authority to suspend any on-campus student organization at any time. The Governing Board may dissolve any on-campus student organization upon recommendation of the Superintendent. 

d. Club charters shall be issued by the Student Council to clubs whose contributions have been approved. 

e. Each club shall have a faculty sponsor who has been approved by the principal. 

f. Pins and insignia which have been approved by the principal may be worn. 

g. The Governing Board recognizes and subscribes to the following extract from the California Education Code, pertaining to school fraternities: 

"It is unlawful for any pupil, enrolled in any elementary or secondary school of this State, to join or become a member of any secret fraternity, sorority, or club, wholly or partly formed from the membership of pupils attending the public schools, or to take part in the organization or formation of any fraternity, sorority, or secret club. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any pupil from joining the order of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Native Daughters of the Golden West, Foresters of America, or other kindred organizations not directly associated with the public schools of the State. 

“The Governing Board of any school district may make and enforce all rules and regulations needful for the government and discipline of the school under its charge. Any governing board shall enforce the provisions of this section by suspending, or, if necessary, expelling a pupil in an elementary or secondary school who refuses or neglects to obey any such rules or regulations." 

B. Club Sports 

Non-school sponsored, non-CIF athletic activities organized, administered and supervised by non-profit organizations or other similar entities may be eligible for designation as a Club Sport at a given high school. In order to obtain Club Sport designation, the organization or entity must submit sufficient information, documents, etc., to enable the District to determine whether its organizational structure, administration, and supervision meet certain minimum standards. Such organization must, as a condition of operation, enter into a Club Sport License Agreement that meets the requirements of this regulation. Failure to abide by the Agreement, this regulation, or Club policies, or District rules and regulations shall constitute grounds for revocation of any license granted, and the authority to operate as a club sport. 

An organization which meets the designated minimum standards will be granted a "license" authorizing them to award a Club Letter representative of the school. 

1. Recognition of a Club Sport will be considered only if both the following conditions are met: 

a. Participants in the Club Sport compete as a team against other Club Sport teams; and 

b. There is not a parallel CIF team at the school. 

2. The minimum standards the organization or entity shall meet include the following: 

a. The organizational structure (charter) must provide for a governing board or panel of directors who are ultimately responsible for the administration of the rules and regulations of the Club Sport and overall management of its activities. Organizational documents shall include detailed descriptions of the following Club Sport policies and/or procedures: 

(1) timing, frequency and notification of board or panel meetings and methods for receiving input from parents and/or community members 

(2) organizational chart, including the title, duties and itemized responsibilities of each board or panel member 

(3) procedures for processing of complaints 

(4) methods of dispute resolution 

(5) policies regarding hiring practices 

(6) non discrimination policies 

(7) availability of financial aid or assistance for participants 

(8) health and safety procedures including procedures used in cases of emergencies 

(9) procedures for certification that all paid, stipend, volunteer, or assistant coaches have met the requirements of this regulation and the licensing agreement 

b. Written official rules of the sport. 

c. A competition schedule, which includes a reasonable number of competitions during the season of the sport, and which shall not conflict with practices or competition for District students in CIF approved interscholastic sporting events. 

d. A written policy setting forth the requirements for the position of coach of the Club Sport. The minimum requirements must include those set out in Title V, California Code of Regulations 5590-5596, and written certification shall be provided to the District prior to allowing any practice, competition, or other sporting activity. 

e. Written rules for the administration of the Club Sport which is distributed to all participants and which includes the following information: 

(1) a description of the type and level of supervision of Club Sport members at practices and events during the declared season of sport 

(2) identity of the person designated with the responsibility of planning and scheduling events and competitions 

(3) identity of a least one person responsible for coordination and general information including contact phone numbers, e-mail addresses or postal addresses 

f. The Club Sport shall purchase and maintain a policy of comprehensive public-liability insurance and a policy of employment practices insurance covering all personnel, volunteers, and participants, and activities on an occurrence basis with a combined single limit for bodily injury, death or property damage of not less than five million dollars. In addition, the Club Sport will maintain policies of worker's compensation insurance, disability insurance, and any other types of insurance required by law. Each insurance policy must contain a provision that the policy cannot be canceled without thirty days written notice to the District, it must be issued by an insurance company of recognized responsibility, and designate the District, its board members, agents, and employees as additional named insureds. 

g. A written participation agreement for signature by all participants and their parents as a precondition to participate in the Club Sport shall contain at a minimum the following notices and provisions: 

(1) the Club Sport is neither a school sponsored activity nor a school sport 

(2) the participant will not receive physical education credit for participation 

(3) there will be no school or district supervision or school or district transportation 

(4) the District will assume no responsibility or liability for any claims, injuries, damages, or death caused by the acts or omissions of the Club Sport, its members, participants, officers or agents 

(5) provisions whereby a participant's parents may be reached in case of an emergency, plus alternative emergency contact numbers 

(6) a specific waiver, release and indemnity agreement releasing the school and/or district from any and all liability for injury or damage claims by any participant 

(7) an agreement signed by each parent and participant 18 years old or above that they will indemnify, defend, and hold the District harmless from any liability for claims, damages, injuries, deaths, or other costs caused by the acts or omissions of the participant 

(8) written authorization of the participants and parents for the District to release to the Board of Directors or its designated representative the academic, discipline, and citizenship records of the participant for purposes of determining initial and continuing eligibility 

h. Written eligibility requirements which at a minimum require satisfying District eligibility requirements for athletic participation. 

i. Written policies including, but not limited to, enforcement of eligibility standards, maintenance of standards during the season, consequences for violation, and policies or procedures for involuntary withdrawal from participation. 

j. A written Athlete's Code of Conduct which should include behavioral expectations, policies for enforcement of the Code, ramifications for violation of the Code and procedures for discipline, which is required to be agreed to in writing by all participants. 

k. The publication of the conditions which must be met for award of the Club Letter, including but not limited to, the amount of playing time which must be achieved to become eligible for award of the Club Letter. 

l. A written policy that Club is a legal entity independent of the District and that it shall specifically so state in all written and verbal dealings on behalf of the Club. Club shall not expressly or impliedly represent that the District is a partner, sponsor, joint venturer, or principal of the Club, nor shall Club expressly or impliedly represent that it has the power to bind the District or to incur any liability on behalf of the District. 

m. District shall have the right during normal working hours to inspect its books and records, including participant eligibility files with respect to the Club's award of the Club Letter. If such inspection discloses that the Club is not operating in accordance with District rules or policies, the Licensing Agreement, or Club policies, rules and/or regulations, or the representations provided to the District in writing, the District shall terminate any licensing agreement immediately and discontinue recognition of the Club. 

n. The term of any licensing agreement shall not exceed one year. Licensing agreements may be extended by mutual consent for an additional year at a time. 

o. During the term of any licensing agreement and recognition, the Club shall agree to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining directly or indirectly to the sports activities conducted and/or administered by it. Club shall keep all licenses, permits, bonds, insurance 

and deposits made to or required by any governmental agency in connection with the continued operation of its sports program. Club shall pay promptly when due all taxes, debts, salaries, etc., that Club incurs in the conduct of its activities. District shall not be responsible for the debts, liabilities, contracts or obligations incurred by the Club. 

p. As a condition of recognition of licensing, Club shall defend, indemnify and hold the District harmless from all damages, expenses, and liabilities of any kind arising from or connected to any activity conducted or administered by it, including, but not limited to any liability of misconduct of student participants. 

q. No Club shall allow any student not regularly enrolled in a named district high school that participates in any Club activity conducted by the team named for that high school. 

r. Club meetings that take place at school inside District facilities shall require the presence of a District staff member, and shall be conducted during meeting times available for other school clubs. All such meetings shall meet the requirements of the Equal Access Act, (20 U.S.C. 4071-74), e.g., the meeting must be voluntary and student-initiated, there is no sponsorship of the meeting by the District, the meeting may not materially or substantially interfere with the orderly contract or educational activities, and non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the Club meetings held at school. 

s. The District will provide no supervision for any Club activity other than Club meetings held in District facilities during regular school Club meeting hours. Club shall be responsible for all supervision, coaching, and instruction of all other Club activities. 

t. No physical education credit shall be given for participation in Club activities or meetings. 

u. No school or District transportation to Club events shall be provided. 

v. No school or District funds shall be utilized for any Club purpose. District financial support shall be limited to provision of a District employee during Club meetings held in District facilities during regular school Club meeting hours. 

w. Access to the public address system by student members of the Club shall be consistent with the level and manner of access allowed other school clubs. 

x. The students participating in the Club may have their Club photo appear in the yearbook in the same manner as other student clubs. 

y. Use of the school logo or mascot is permitted upon approval of the Club. 

z. The Club may hold fundraisers on campus. An ASB account may be established for the handling of these funds. 

aa. Eligibility for school recognition of Club sport participants shall be at the same level set forth in Board Policy 5321 for participation in athletic and other extracurricular activities. 

ab. Students eligible for school recognition will be permitted to purchase and wear the school's letterman jacket. 

ac. Students eligible for school recognition will be awarded a letter. The letter shall fall within the following design criteria: 

(1) Size: Same 

(2) Colors: Reversed 

(3) Feature: "CLUB SPORT" embedded in each letter 

(4) Sport Symbol Add-on: Similar to other sports 

C. Miscellaneous 

Assuming the organization presents sufficient documentary proof of its programs, organization, and other internal memoranda, such that the District may determine it meets the minimum criteria for recognition, the District would offer to enter into a written License Agreement, a copy of which is attached. The License Agreement would grant the organization authority to award a specially designed "club letter" to participants who meet the Club's eligibility and participation requirements. The Club's use of School Facilities, if requested, shall be based upon the District's standard Use of Facilities Policy. 

In addition, each high school that has a "recognized" Club Sport pursuant to a duly executed License Agreement with the District, will be permitted to allow the Club Sport to place a group photo in their school year book and may allow use of the public address system on the game or similar basis as other extracurricular groups at the school. 

Each high school with a recognized Club Sport pursuant to this Regulation may allow the Club to post their events, schedules, tryout announcements, tournament or trophy wins and end-of-season activities. No high school may allow the participants in the Club Sport to be considered eligible for other school-based athletic awards based on their Club Sport participation. 

D. Limited Open Forum 

1. The District has established a "limited open forum," which allows for the establishment of non-curriculum related student organizations; 

2. Schools are required to provide a "fair opportunity" to students who wish to conduct a non-curriculum related student organization meeting (including religious clubs). The "fair opportunity" criteria are met if: 

a. The meeting is voluntary and student initiated. Student initiated means that the students themselves seek permission to meet and take upon themselves the responsibility of leading the meeting. 

b. There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school or staff. Sponsorship would include promoting, leading or participating in a meeting and is prohibited for school staff. 

c. Staff are present at the meeting only in a non-participatory capacity. Non-participatory capacity of a staff member means that the teacher or other staff member may be present only for custodial purposes (i.e., to insure the protection of the school's property and the students' well-being). 

d. The meeting does not interfere with the orderly conduct of the school's educational activities. 

e. Non-school persons do not direct, conduct, control or regularly attend the meetings. Non-school persons would include any individual, outside the school district operations, and they would be prohibited from regularly attending the meetings, as well as directing, conducting, or controlling the meetings. The meeting must remain in the control of the students. A single occurrence guest speaker would not violate this provision, but the same person returning on a regular or periodic basis would. 

3. The club must have equal access to school newspapers, bulletin boards, public address systems and club fairs to the degree that they are offered to other clubs on campus, and this does not constitute school sponsorship. 

4. Religious clubs must be allowed the opportunity to conduct fund raisers and have funds deposited by school staff in the same way as other clubs are allowed, and this service by the school would not constitute sponsorship or violate the non-participatory requirement. 

Legal References: Education Codes 35020, 35160, 48930, 48933, 48934, 48936, 48937, 48938 

Adopted: February 2, 1999 (position title corrected 2/03)