Athletics

• Buckhorn High School (9-12)
• Hazel Green High School (9-12)
• Madison County High School (9-12)
• New Hope High School (7-12)
• Sparkman High School (9-12)

 

• Buckhorn Middle School (7-8)
• Central School (7-8)
• Madison County Elementary School (7-8)
• Meridianville Middle School (7-8)
• Monrovia Middle School (7-8)
• Sparkman Middle School (7-8)

 

MCSS Athletics Mission Statement

MCSS Athletics aims to empower student-athletes to strive for excellence, fostering pride, confidence, and resilience through competitive sports. Participation in athletics equips our students with essential skills to thrive as well-rounded individuals, engaged community members, and valuable contributors in a global workforce.

 

Meet

• The challenges we face and the goals we set—both on and off the field.

Compete

• In everything we do—as athletes, students, and future leaders.

Support

• A positive school culture, community pride, and the well-being of every student-athlete.

Strive

• For excellence by building character, sportsmanship, and the skills to thrive and contribute to our communities.

 

Believing that athletic activities are an integral part of the total educational program, secondary schools in the Madison County School System offer students the opportunity to participate in sports on various teams within a program designed to provide positive learning opportunities for each student who participates. Carefully selected and well-trained certified members of the school system staff oversee the selection, instruction, and supervision of student-athletes. To participate in the athletic program, students must follow specific guidelines.

Expectations for Student-Athletes

Participation in athletics is a privilege that carries varying degrees of honor, responsibility, and sacrifice. Since competition is a privilege and not a right, those who choose to participate are expected to follow the rules established by the Madison County School System, the Alabama High School Athletic Association, and the rules set forth and communicated by the coach for each sport. Local schools and athletic programs may establish additional terms and conditions for participation in such programs above the established Board and AHSAA minimum requirements as long as school eligibility criteria are not inconsistent with system-wide eligibility or participation criteria, rules, regulations, or standards established by any athletic association or organization of which the Board is a member, or any rule, principle, or provision of applicable law. These additional terms and conditions should be written and communicated to team members and their guardians.

Each student-athlete represents their school and student body. The student-athlete must conduct themself in a manner that reflects positively on the student-athlete, their family, Madison County Schools, and the community. Failing to meet these expectations may result in the loss of this privilege.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association Constitution states:

Any pupil who is under temporary suspension or whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon the school is not eligible. A student’s attendance, attitude, and classroom effort must be acceptable to the school in which the student is enrolled. Rule 1, Section 15, AHSAA By-Law

Each school’s administration has the authority to remove a student-athlete from a team due to academic or behavioral issues. Coaches also reserve the right to discipline and/or suspend athletes for inappropriate actions or behaviors that are necessary to maintain proper team order.

With administrative approval, coaches have the authority to immediately dismiss a student-athlete from a team for egregious violations of school and/or team rules.

Tryouts

Many athletic programs require students to try out for a position on the team.

Announcements and notices will be posted for tryout date(s) and location(s). Students are responsible for learning when and where tryouts will be held for each sport. Written performance criteria, as approved by school and district administrators, will be established for all tryouts to determine team members. A team’s head coach will determine these criteria.

Other athletic teams require students to register with the team's coach in order to participate. Students should contact the faculty member who coaches a particular sport to determine the selection process for becoming a team member.

All roster decisions made by the coaching staff are final and at the head coach’s discretion. No candidate, including a senior, is guaranteed a spot on a team.

Parent Participation (Practice/Tryouts)

Parents may attend practice and/or tryouts at the coach's discretion. The coach may close practice at any time without notice. Parents must seek permission from the coach to video/record any practice. No video of tryouts is allowed.

Off-Season Workouts

Many sports hold off-season workouts to ensure competitiveness at the regional and state levels. Students who desire to be team members are expected to attend these workouts. The head coach of each sport will communicate the expectations for off-season workouts and conditioning.

Athletic Physical Education Courses

Students desiring to be placed in an athletic/conditioning physical education class must be approved by the coach before registering for athletic/conditioning P.E. If, during the school year, a student is removed from and/or ends participation on an athletic team, the athlete will likely be transferred from athletic/conditioning P.E. to another course as determined by the school administration.

Athletic Fees and Fundraising

Every attempt is made to keep fees and fundraising to a minimum; however, students are often expected to pay fees and/or fundraise as they participate on a team. The head coach of each sport coordinates fundraising activities, and all team members are expected to be actively involved in the fundraising efforts. Fees and fundraising efforts should be justified based on past budgets, expenditures, and future program goals. All fundraising activities should conform to system guidelines and meet the school administration's approval.

Equipment

Equipment checked out by the athlete is their responsibility. It is to be kept clean and in good condition. Loss of issued equipment will be the athlete’s/parent’s financial obligation. The athlete will not be allowed to participate in other athletic programs or receive awards until this obligation is met. Equipment includes any supplies issued by the training room. Multi-sport athletes must turn in all equipment from the previous sport before beginning their next sport. For example, a football player must return all equipment before he starts the basketball season.

All Madison County School System Athletics programs aim to provide the best possible opportunities for student-athletes to excel. In addition to developing necessary skills, the purpose of the athletic program is to provide each participant with experiences that will be positive and memorable and will help build a capacity for commitment to a cause, acceptance of responsibility, and loyalty toward a chosen endeavor. Through participation in athletics, students will benefit from the development of physical fitness, leadership, teamwork, social skills,

self-discipline, and character. Decision-making skills, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and individual maturity should also result from athletic participation. These characteristics assist in the development of individual and team attitudes that are beneficial for a successful season, as well as for future life.

AHSAA Athlete Requirements

Before any tryouts, practices, or interscholastic athletic competitions, all student-athletes must have all forms as required by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. AHSAA forms include but are not limited to:

• Pre-Participation and Physical Exam Form
• Birth Certificate of Student-Athlete
• NFHS Sportsmanship Certificate
• Concussion Information Form
• AHSAA Participation and Release Form
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Form

 

All student-athletes are also required to complete an MCSS Extracurricular and Participation Form. Additional information, which is updated regularly, can be found on the AHSAA publications and forms page.

AHSAA Coaching Requirements

Before working with any student-athlete (practice or competition), coaches in the AHSAA must meet all requirements of the Coaches Education Program. (Page 61, AHSAA Handbook)

• Fundamentals of Coaching
• NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Course
• NFHS Concussion Course
• NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• Sports First Aid Health & Safety for Coaches (ASEP or PREPARE)
• CPR Certification
• NFHS Sportsmanship (or STAR Sportsmanship)

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) 

Every school is required to have an Emergency Action Plan for each venue for athletic contests. A copy of each EAP must be placed in the eligibility file for audit review, and a copy should be at each venue 

Athletics, by its very nature, demands that a coach make numerous judgment calls during

the course of a season. Athletics also dictates that a coach has effective discipline so athletes can compete in a safe, organized, and goal-oriented activity. In the case that parent concerns arise, the following procedure should be followed to treat all parties involved responsibly and fairly:

1. If a parent has concerns, they must first discuss them with the coach. Meetings between a coach and parent(s) should be scheduled at least 24 hours after a practice or competition. In most circumstances, it is recommended that student-athletes be present at meetings between parents and coaches.
2. If the concern is not resolved in Step 1, the parent should contact the school’s athletic administrator, who may schedule a conference to meet with the parent, student-athlete, and/or coach.
3. If the concern is not resolved in Step 2, the parent should contact the school’s principal, who may schedule a conference to meet with the parent, student-athlete, coach, and/or athletic administrator.
4. If the concern is not resolved in Step 3, the parent should contact the system’s athletic administrator, who may schedule a conference to meet with the parent, student-athlete, coach, athletic administrator, and/or principal.
5. If the concern is not resolved in Step 4, the parent should contact the superintendent, who may schedule a conference to meet with the parent, student-athlete, coach, athletic administrator, principal, and/or system administrator. If the complaint has not been resolved, the superintendent may schedule a time for the complainant to address the school board members.

“One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than fifty others preaching it.”  -Knute Rockne 

Good sportsmanship is essential in athletics. Administrators, coaches, student-athletes, cheerleaders, bands, spectators, officials, and contest workers must always demonstrate good sportsmanship. Student-athletes must not only hear about the importance of good sportsmanship but also see it in the actions of others. In the Madison County School System, adults are expected to model appropriate behavior for our student-athletes. Administrators, coaches, and parents should help students understand the importance of their behavior as it reflects on their character and values. 

Good Sportsmanship is both the coaches’ and athletes’ commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as generosity and genuine concern for others. Coaches in Madison County Schools are expected to hold athletes to a high level of sportsmanship. Coaches should: 

● Always set a good example for participants and fans to follow. 

● Instruct participants in proper sportsmanship and make sportsmanship and ethics the top priorities. 

● Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of events, and display no behavior that could incite others. 

● Treat opposing teams’ administrators/directors, coaches, participants, and spectators with respect. 

● Develop and enforce penalties for participants who do not abide by sportsmanship standards. 

When instructing student-athletes in sportsmanship, coaches should encourage them to behave in the following manner: 

● Treat teammates and opponents with respect. 

● Respect the judgment of contest officials, abide by the rules of events, and display no behavior that could incite others. 

● Cooperate with officials, administrators/directors, coaches, and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest. 

● Take seriously and accept the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community. 

● Live up to a high standard of sportsmanship established by the coach and administrator. 

Section 13A-11-144 Harassment, Etc., of Sports Official. 

Ejections 

The AHSAA has implemented procedures to deal with athletes and/or coaches who demonstrate poor sportsmanship. Coaches and athletes who are ejected from contests in all sports will be subject to the following penalties as set forth by the AHSAA: 

● First Ejection: A $300 fine imposed by the AHSAA. ○ For student-athletes, the fine can be reduced to $100 by completing the online NFHS Captain’s Course (AHSAA Sportsmanship) and submitting payment within 10 days of the ejection. This is a one-time reduction. Any future fines cannot be reduced by taking the NFHS Captain's Course. 

● Second Ejection: A minimum one-game suspension and a $500 fine. 

● Third Ejection: A minimum penalty of a suspension for the remainder of the season and a $750 fine. ○ An athlete who is ejected three times will be barred from participation in MCSS Athletics for the remainder of the school year. Reinstatement will be evaluated before the beginning of the following school year. 

The individual ejected will be responsible for paying any fine and will not be eligible to participate in future athletic events until the fine has been paid. MCSS reserves the right to impose additional disciplinary actions based on the severity of the offense. 

Spectator Sportsmanship 

Creating and maintaining a positive environment and keeping athletic events free from disruptive behavior is a priority. Spectators should conduct themselves positively at all MCSS Athletics events. This includes treating game officials, coaches, student-athletes, and school officials with respect. Local school and district administration reserves the right to remove unruly spectators from events. Depending on the severity of the actions of unruly spectators, school and district administration may also choose to bar individuals from future MCSS events. 

Behavior 

Student-athletes must display qualities of good citizenship if they wish to participate in athletic programs. Failure to be a positive representation of a school athletic program at all times may result in probation and/or suspension from extracurricular activities. This includes appropriate Internet usage, off-campus activity, and activities that violate team or school rules. Participating in athletic programs in Madison County Schools is a privilege and should be treated as such. 

If any student-athlete is found to be in violation of the Madison County School System Student Code of Conduct, they will be disciplined accordingly. If the consequence is suspension, the student-athlete cannot participate in extracurricular activities until the suspension has been completed. Attendance at athletic events and practice is prohibited during the suspension period. 

If a school or MCSS rule is broken, the student-athlete will also be subject to penalties associated with the coaches’ guidelines; however, athletic rules will not circumvent or replace school/system rules. 

In the event an athlete is selected for a team but later has to be removed from the program, the following procedures will be followed: 

1. The head coach will speak with the school administration about the dismissal before it takes place. 
2. After meeting with the school administration, the head coach and pertinent coaching staff will directly speak with the parent via phone or conference to explain why the dismissal will take place. 
3. The head coach will directly discuss the dismissal procedures with the student-athlete and parent, either present or in private, after the parent has been notified. 
4. All merchandise that was “furnished” (purchased with school funds) by the athletic program or not paid in full from the spirit pack fee will be returned within 24 hours. 
5. The student-athlete will be removed from the team roster and athletic PE (if applicable). 

Attendance 

School attendance should be a priority for student-athletes. Unless excused by the principal, students must be present at school on the day of the activity to participate in that activity. Student-athletes are also expected to be in attendance on the day following an athletic event when school is in session. 

Students who are absent due to out-of-school suspension or alternative placement are ineligible for the duration of the suspension. Attendance at athletic events, whether as a participant or spectator, and practice is prohibited during suspension. 

Students are sometimes involved in concurrent activities, and schedules may conflict. Communication between coaches and sponsors of conflicting activities is vital. Consideration must be given to the event's importance and the student-athlete's role in it. 

Social Media 

Social media can assist in communicating with teammates, fans, friends, and coaches. Social media can also be dangerous if used irresponsibly. Every picture, link, quote, tweet, status, or post that a student-athlete puts online is forever part of their digital footprint. Many employers, college admissions officers, and athletic recruiters review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you allow them to misinterpret your information, including pictures, videos, comments, and posters. 

Similar to comments made in person, the Madison County School System will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as: 

• Derogatory language or remarks that may harm teammates, coaches, classmates, or teachers. 
• Derogatory language aimed at student-athletes, coaches, or representatives from other schools, including comments that may be disrespectful to opposing teams. 
• Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence, hazing, sexual harassment, full or partial nudity, inappropriate gestures, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, selling, possessing, or using controlled substances, or any other unacceptable behavior (including the use of profanity). 
• Creating serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person. 
• Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation, regardless of whether the violation was unintentional or intentional. 

Media Requests for Interviews 

All media requests for interviews with MCSS coaches or athletes should be directed to the MCSS Atheltic Administrator and Director of Public Relations. The local school athletic director and specific coach should also be copied on written requests. 

Media Access to MCSS Athletic Events 

Media requests for access to MCSS Athletic events should be sent to the following individuals: 

1. School Athletic Director 
2. Head Coach 
3. MCSS Athletic Administrator 
4. MCSS Director of Public Relations 

Students must be enrolled in the Madison County School System to try out or participate in extracurricular activities. The rules for athletic eligibility are detailed in their entirety in the AHSAA Bylaws, which can be found on the AHSAA website (AHSAA Eligibility). 

AHSAA Academic Eligibility Requirements 

• 7th Grade
  • Students entering the seventh grade for the first time are eligible where they enroll. 
• 8th/9th Grade Academic Requirements
  • 5 New Subjects Passed 
  • 70% Overall Average 
  • Promoted To Next Grade Level 
• High School Academic Requirements
  • 4 Core + 2 Electives 
  • 70% Overall Average 

*AHSAA Eligibility does not guarantee NCAA Eligibility* 

Transfers 

If a student-athlete transfers into an MCSS school, the following procedure should be followed: 

1. Inform the local school administration that the student intends to participate in athletics. 
2. Complete the MCSS Transfer Athlete Form and submit it to the local school athletic director. 
3. Refer to the AHSAA Handbook to determine eligibility. a. In some cases, determining a bona fide move will require a home visit by school personnel. 

 

Middle school athletes shall NOT participate in high school athletics unless the following conditions are present:

• The sport is not offered at the middle school level.
• The athlete has tried out for their middle school program.
  • High School coaches will not engage with middle school athletes or parents about participating at the varsity level before middle school tryouts.
• The athlete has the potential to contribute at the varsity level in the current season.
  • Once elevated, an athlete will not return to play at the middle school level for the remainder of the season.
• The middle school principal, high school principal, coaches, and parents are aware of the elevation.
• The MCSS Athletic Director will have final approval of the elevation of middle school athletes.
  • Middle school athletes who have yet to reach the maximum allowable competitions under AHSAA bylaws may participate at the high school level after completing their middle school schedule.
  • NOTE: The administration, coaching staff, and custodial parents must understand the following:
    • Transportation to and from the middle school campus is not guaranteed for middle school student-athletes playing at the high school level.
    • Participating in high school athletics cannot directly interfere with the student-athlete’s daily instructional time or middle school coursework.
    • The Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Madison County Board Policy dictate any loss of instructional time for competition.
    • If middle school athletes report to an athletic PE offered through the high school, the varsity coaching staff is responsible for communicating daily attendance and grades to the middle school teacher of record.

VIII - Non-Traditional Student-Athletes

Non-traditional students are those who participate in a homeschool program or Madison County Virtual Academy (MCVA). The AHSAA has created bylaws that allow non-traditional students to participate in interscholastic athletics through their member public schools. These guidelines are listed below, and further information can be found on the AHSAA website (AHSAA: Non-Traditional Student-Athletes)

Homeschool Student-Athlete Guidelines

Enrollment

• Students must enroll in a member public school to participate in an interscholastic contest or practice.
  • Athletes must be enrolled prior to participating in any tryout or practice.
• Must be enrolled at the member public school that serves the area in which the student’s parents reside.
• Must be enrolled at the beginning of the semester to be athletically eligible.
• Non-traditional students will adhere to all AHSAA rules applicable to academic accountability (Rule I, Section 9: Academic Rule, Requirements).
  • Home School Students must submit four core course grades from their home school program to the school at the end of the school year for academic eligibility, beginning with grade 7 through the end of the first semester in grade 12.
  • ALL electives must be taken through the school.
    • High school athletes must be enrolled in two elective courses through the school, while middle school athletes must enroll in one elective.

Academic Accountability

• Non-traditional students will adhere to all AHSAA rules applicable to academic accountability (Rule 1, Section 9: Academic Rule, Requirements). Homeschool students must submit four core course grades from their homeschool program to the school at the end of the school year for academic eligibility, beginning with grade 7 through the end of the first semester in grade 12.
• All electives must be taken through the school. Only core courses may be accepted from the homeschool program.
  • The AHSAA and MCSS recommend taking physical education class or athletic PE on campus for safety reasons. If a school requires an athlete to take PE to participate in athletics, the homeschool athlete will also be required.

Transfers

• A homeschooled student who decides to enroll in a traditional school full-time is eligible to participate if all other eligibility requirements are met.
• A traditional student who decides to be homeschooled because of failing grades is deemed ineligible to participate in athletics for a period of one year. (If in good standing academically at the time of withdrawal, the student remains eligible).

Practice Time

• A homeschooled student’s practice time during a school day must be equivalent to but not exceed that of a traditional student.

NOTE: The Alabama Connections Academy is an online public school, not a homeschool program. Students who enroll with ACA are not eligible to compete in athletics at their zoned school.

Virtual Student-Athlete Guidelines

Enrollment

• Students enrolled at MCVA may participate in athletics through their zoned school.
• Virtual school students must follow all ALSDE policies. Local Board policy must be in accordance with all AHSAA bylaws.

Academic Accountability

• The AHSAA recommends taking a PE class or athletic PE on campus for safety reasons.
  • If the school requires an athlete to take PE to participate, the virtual school student will also be required.

Transfers

• A virtual school student who elects to transfer schools must comply with all AHSAA bylaws pertaining to transfers.

Practice Time

• An MCVA student’s practice time during a school day must be equivalent to but not exceed that of a traditional student.

Student-athlete safety is the top priority of the athletic programs in Madison County Schools. Although there are always risks associated with sports participation, the goal is to minimize those risks to the greatest degree possible. The school system is fortunate to have athletic trainers who work with our schools, monitoring athletes during many practices and competitions and working with administrators, coaches, parents, and students to prevent medical/health issues.

All accidents or injuries should be reported to the trainer and coach. Medical expenses are the responsibility of the athlete/family. Written verification from the doctor is required when a physician removes an athlete from practice/games, and written verification from the doctor is required to return to athletic competition. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school administration and school nurse of any health issues that arise with the student, as well as any doctor’s instructions regarding those health issues that could need attention during the school day, even if the problem(s) arose as a result of their participation in a school’s athletic program.

Information on various medical/health topics can be found under “Sports Medicine and Safety” on the AHSAA website (AHSAA Sports Medicine & Safety).

Insurance Coverage

To participate in MCSS athletics, all athletes must have insurance on file in DragonFly and a physical. The AHSAA obtains Catastrophic Insurance for each rostered athlete. However, this insurance is not meant to replace regular insurance coverage.

X - Appendix Documents

• Athletic Ticket/Parking Prices for Madison County Schools
• Athletic Pass Agreement for Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County
• Extracurricular Participation/Out-of-County/Overnight Medical Release Form
• MCBOE Policy 6.19: Extracurricular Activities
• MCBOE Booster & Support Organization Guidelines
• Alabama Code Section 13A-11-144: Harassment, Etc., of Sports Official
• MCSS Standard Athletics Procedures

Athletic Ticket Pricing

High Schools

Sport	Full Price	Student Price
Varsity Football	$10	$5(Presale)
All Other Sports	$8	$5
Tournaments	Up to $12 (With Director Approval)	---

 

Middle Schools

Sport	Full Price	Student Price
Football	$8	$4
All Other Sports	$6	$4
Tournaments	Up to $10 (With Director Approval)	---

Revised 8/9/2024

• Cash and S2Pass are accepted at the gate. GoFan is used for all AHSAA postseason events.

Madison County Schools Pass Gate Agreement

• • With a valid school ID or badge, the Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County School Systems employees will receive free admission for the cardholder.
    • This agreement will also be extended to local private schools that have agreed to honor this agreement.
    • This agreement does not include a “Plus 1”.
    • This agreement does not include any AHSAA playoff games.

 

Extracurricular Participation/Out-of-County/Overnight Medical Release Form

Extracurricular/Out-of-County

6.19.1 General – Students may be offered an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and organizations. Extracurricular activities must meet the following criteria: 

A. The organization or activity must be approved by the school principal and must have an assigned faculty supervisor or sponsor. All school-sponsored activities shall be adequately supervised by a member or members of the school's professional staff. Any organization or activity new to the school system must be approved by the Superintendent. 

B. The organization or activity must promote or serve the intellectual, cultural, personal, or physical development of the student in a manner that is consistent with the purposes of public education, the Board’s legal mandate, mission statement, policies, and regulations, and with applicable requirements of state and federal law; 

C. The organization or activity must operate under and subject to general supervision of school officials; and 

D. The nature of the organization and its activities are not inconsistent with and do not interfere with instructional activities or requirements. 

E. Student participation or membership in such organization activities may be governed by the specific policies of the organization and is subject to review and approval by the principal. 

6.19.2 Academic Eligibility – The Board adopts the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) minimum regulations and standards for eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities within this school system. 

6.19.3 Athletics – Participation in Board-sanctioned athletic programs will be on such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Board and AHSAA. Local schools may establish additional terms and conditions for participation in such programs above the established Board and AHSAA minimum requirements as long as school eligibility criteria are not inconsistent with system-wide eligibility or participation criteria, rules, regulations, or standards established by any athletic association or organization of which the Board is a member, or any rule, principle, or provision of applicable law. An Interscholastic Athletics Program is conducted as a supplementary part of the instructional program in Madison County. This program is normally conducted after regular school hours and includes sports in which a sufficient number of students are interested. 

Schools and individuals participating in interscholastic athletics shall follow the rules and policies as established by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Madison County Board of Education as follows: 

a. The principal of each school is responsible for enforcing the athletic policy at his/her school. 

b. All home athletic activities/events must be supervised by a school administrator. 

c. All off-campus athletic activities/events must be supervised by a certified Board employee. 

d. All participants prior to any tryouts, practices or interscholastic athletic programs are required to have: 

1. All forms as required by the AHSAA 

2. All required MCSS Forms, to include: 

- MCSS Extracurricular Participation Form 

e. A student who is a member of one sport will not be eligible to tryout or practice for another sport that overlaps the former sport's season if he/she quits prior to the completion of the sport season. Coaches are encouraged to allow members of one sport to participate in another sport. 

f. Outside of tournament games scheduled by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, games or tournaments played during instructional time must adhere to the guidelines outlined by the activity’s AHSAA Sportsbook. As allowed under AHSAA policy, a program may miss no more than three (3) days of instruction. Any additional days require approval from the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. 

g. The cost of the athletic program is the responsibility of each school. 

h. All coaches must be approved by the Madison County Board of Education and meet all requirements set forth by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. 

i. To earn supplements, a coach or sponsor must have an active team and meet all AHSAA standards related to practice time, number of contests, etc. 

Madison County Schools Booster and Support Organization Guidelines 

MCSS Booster and Support Organization Guidelines 

Section 13A-11-144 Harassment, Etc., of Sports Official. 

(a) For purposes of this section, a “sports official” is a person at a sports event who enforces the rules of the event, such as an umpire or referee, or a person who supervises the participants, such as a coach. A “sports event” includes any interscholastic or intramural athletic activity in a primary, middle, junior high, or high school, college, or university, any organized athletic activity sponsored by a community, business, or nonprofit organization, any athletic activity that is a professional or semiprofessional event, and any other organized athletic activity in the state. 

(b) A person commits the crime of harassment of a sports official if he or she commits the crime of harassment as provided for by Section 13A-11-8, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the harassment is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Harassment of a sports official is a Class B misdemeanor. 

(c) A person commits the crime of menacing a sports official if he or she commits the crime of menacing as provided for by Section 13A-6-23, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the menacing is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Menacing a sports official is a Class A misdemeanor. 

(d) A person commits the crime of assault of a sports official in the third degree if he or she commits the crime of assault in the third degree as provided for by Section 13A-6-22, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the assault is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Assault of a sports official in the third degree is a Class C felony. 

(e) A person commits the crime of assault of a sports official in the second degree if he or she commits the crime of assault in the second degree as provided for by Section 13A-6-21, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the assault is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Assault of a sports official in the second degree is a Class B felony. 

(f) A person commits the crime of assault of a sports official in the first degree if he or she commits the crime of assault in the first degree as provided for by Section 13A-6-20, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the assault is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Assault of a sports official in the first degree is a Class A felony. (Act 2001-1099, 4th Sp. Sess., p. 1158, §§ 1, 2.) 

• Elementary and Middle School Students Must Be Accompanied By An Adult To Be Granted Entry
  • The adult must remain in attendance in order for the child to remain at the game
  • Unaccompanied students who are unable to present a driver's license will be denied entry
• Spectators May Not Be In Possession Of Large Bags or Backpacks Unless There Is A Parental Or Medical Need
• Spectators Must Keep Walkways Clear For Fans, Teams, And Game Officials
• Loitering Is Not Permitted
• Ticket Sales will be capped:
  • Football at 80% of the venue's capacity
  • All other Sports 90% of the venue's capacity