Handbook & Code of Conduct

Purpose of this Handbook

• Explain how City League is organized and conducted
• Define expectations of coaches, parents, players, and officials
• Collaborate to create community, healthy competition and build a common culture across participating schools in St. Louis City
• Ensure a positive experience for all involved

Mission Statement

The mission of City League is to develop youth through school sports and extracurriculars.



Core Values

• Equity
• Health
• Connection
• Movement

Board of Directors & Staff

City League is a 501(c)3 organization. City League’s Board of Directors include:

Board Chair: Erin Borrini

Board Secretary: Gus Kempa

Board Treasurer: Riley Foster

City League’s team of staff include:

Commissioner: Allison Cousins 

Website

City League’s website is located at www.stlcityleague.com.

Eligibility for City League

All schools serving grades 5-8 in the city of St. Louis are eligible to participate in the City League. Member schools collaborate to establish governing

policies and processes for violation of policies.

A member school of City League must have the following in place:

• Release of Liability
• Appropriate Liability Insurance
• Add City League as “Additional Insured” and provide City League a copy
• Return to Play Protocol (after concussion and injuries)
• Background Screening Assurance Statements
• Completion of School Membership Agreement

Non-Discrimination Policy

City League reaffirms its belief that every student regardless of race, creed, color, sex, culture, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or

perceived sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disabling condition be given equal opportunity for athletic participation. City League is

committed to providing an environment free from unlawful harassment. Specifically, no school, employee, coach or participant shall participate in any

harassment based on gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation or other basis impermissible under the law. Further, no student athlete shall be

allowed to participate in any harassment based on gender, race, nationality or other basis impermissible under the law.

Violations of this policy will be considered by the Commissioner and Board of Directors, which will determine the consequences if such a violation is

found to have taken place.

Organization of the City League

City League began with a soft launch in SY21, operating within Lafayette Preparatory Academy. In SY22, City League transitioned to a 501(c3) non-profit.

City League partners with middle schools in St. Louis City to reduce barriers for schools to sustainably develop and implement school sport programs.

Roles of City League Commissioner

The City League Commissioner manages the following:

• Facilitating the management of the City League, overall
• Communicating with individual school Athletic Directors
• League policies
• League expectations
• Each sport’s rules
• Contest schedules
• Officiating assignments
• Field/Gym locations for contests
• League standings
• News & announcements via Crossbar and website
• Establishing relationships with and scheduling officials for all contests and tournaments
• Establishing league schedules for all contests and tournaments
• Developing and monitoring adherence to league policies, receiving and investigating reports of violations of league policies
• Developing and implementing community events & fundraisers

Roles of Participating Schools Athletic Directors

Participating schools’ Athletic Directors (or designees) are responsible for the following:

• Maintaining communication with their individual school’s administration
• Identifying, training, and managing eligible coaches for each participating team
• Scheduling facilities for practices
• Developing a process for and maintaining records of student eligibility to be provided to the City League Commissioner, upon request
• Maintaining their teams’ information in Crossbar; engaging their teams in consistent communication

Member Schools

Gateway Science Academy

Kairos Academies

KIPP Inspire

St. Louis Language Immersion School

North Side Community School

Momentum Academies

City Garden Montessori School

South City Community School

Center Cross Academy

Atlas Public Schools

Release of Liability

Each participating school (“Releasor'') must provide evidence of liability insurance, as described above. Each participating school and anyone claiming on each participating

school’s behalf releases and forever discharges St. Louis City League (“Releasees'') and its affiliates, successors, officers, employees, representatives, partners, agents and

anyone claiming through them (collectively, the “Released Parties”), in their individual and/or corporate capacities from any and all claims, liabilities, obligations, promises,

agreements, disputes, demands, damages, causes of action of any nature and kind, known or unknown, which Releasor has or ever had or may in the future have against

Releasees or any of the Released Parties arising out of or relating to participation in activities related to the St. Louis City League.

Fees

Member schools pay an annual fee to the City League to cover costs of facilitation of the league. This fee covers the cost of facilitating league operations, including

officiating fees and Crossbar, facility rentals, and more.

In order to be eligible, participating schools must pay league fees in full according to their chosen pay schedule. Payment options are as follows:

• One full payment of $6,000 (September)
• Two payments of $3,000 (September & January)
• 8 monthly payments of $750 (September-April)

Refund Policy: City League does not guarantee refunds for any situation, however, a written refund request may be submitted to the City League Commissioner and Board of

Directors for consideration under unique circumstances.

Participating schools may also generate revenue to offset league fees. Participating schools may choose whether or not to charge student participation fees, sell merchandise or generate other sources of revenue.

Student Participation Fees 

May be charged by the participating school to their student athletes for participating in the sport.

The amount of these fees is determined and collected by the participating school.

Concessions

Host schools can choose to offer concessions. Proceeds from concessions will go to the host school.

Please consider the Healthy School Policy when selecting concession items.

Spectator Fees 

A league wide admission fee will be charged when hosting a home contest. The cost is $3 for adults and $1 for students.

The host school will keep the proceeds.

Individuals shall be permitted to enter without paying admission fees; no person will be denied admission because of their inability to pay admission.

Each student athlete participating in the St. Louis City League must meet the “Athlete Eligibility Guidelines” in order to participate. The Athletic Director for each participating school is responsible for building and monitoring the process by which athletic eligibility is confirmed at their school.

General Requirements

• Student athletes in grades 6, 7 and 8 are eligible to participate in the St. Louis City League.
• A 5th grader may “play up” at the discretion of the participating school’s Athletic Director. 
• Only student athletes who are actively enrolled in and attend a participating school are eligible to play for their team.
• A student athlete must play a minimum of four (4) games with their team in order to qualify for postseason play (applies to mid-season transfers).
• Each participating school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority and responsibility to judge its student athletes under
• those standards.
• Each participating school shall diligently and completely investigate any issue that could affect student athlete eligibility.
• The City League Commissioner reserves the right to verify eligibility at any point throughout the season; a participating school must provide verification upon request.
• Failure to do so will result in the team being disqualified from contests until verification is provided.

Academic Requirements

• A student athlete must have passed all four core subjects in the immediately preceding grading period, as determined by the relevant participating school’s calendar.
• For fall seasons (Cross Country & Volleyball), a student athlete must have been promoted (from the grade level of the last school year to next grade level).
• In the event a student athlete was not promoted to the next grade level, the student athlete may participate in a sport after passing all four core classes in the first grading period, as determined by the relevant participating school’s calendar.

Attendance Requirements

• A student athlete is not eligible to play in contests while serving an out-of-school suspension.
• If a student athlete has an unexcused absence, as outlined by the relevant participating school’s policy, the student athlete is not eligible to play in contests on that date. 
• This is to be managed by the AD and coaches of the relevant participating school.
• A student athlete must attend a minimum of a half day of school on the date of the contest in order to compete. This is to be managed by the AD and coaches.

Discipline Eligibility

• A student athlete who violates a local school policy is ineligible until local consequences for the violation are complete, to be managed by and at the discretion of
• individual school leaders and Athletic Directors.
• The eligibility of a student athlete who has served in-school suspension shall be determined by local school authorities.

Each school is responsible for the conduct of its teams, coaches, student athletes and fans at contests both at home and away. Violations of the City League Code of Conduct are to be addressed as described in the “Corrective Actions”

Student Athlete Code of Conduct

Every student athlete is expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

Level I

• Know the rules of the game and abide by them.
• Be supportive of all athletes, coaches, and officials before, during, and after all contests.
• Recognize and show appreciation for the fine play of your opponent.

Level II

• Accept decisions of officials without dispute.
• Cheer for your team, not against the opponent; taunting is prohibited.
• The use of vulgar or profane language is unacceptable anywhere and at any time.
• Misuse, theft, or vandalism of facilities and equipment is prohibited.

Level III

• Any action that the official deems one for which the student athlete is ejected from a contest is prohibited.
• Intentional physical aggression against another student athlete is prohibited.
• Use, possession or sale of tobacco, alcohol or drug substances is prohibited.
• Violation of non-discrimination policy is prohibited.
• Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are prohibited.
• Bullying is prohibited.

Corrective Actions

Level I:

• A student athlete violating Level I of the Code of Conduct may receive one to three verbal warnings from a coach, official or administrator.
• If the student athlete violating Level I of the Code of Conduct receives a verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own; the coach, official, or administrator shall notify the coach of the student athlete.
• If a student athlete persistently violates Level I Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level II violation.

Level II

• A student athlete violating Level II of the Code of Conduct may receive one verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator if the violation is considered minor and does not cause significant harm or disruption.
• If the student athlete violating Level II of the Code of Conduct receives a verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own; the coach, official, or administrator shall notify the coach of the student athlete.
• A student athlete violating Level II of the Code of Conduct a 2nd time will be asked to leave the contest.
• If a student athlete persistently violates Level II Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level III violation.

Level III

• Student athletes who are ejected from a contest will serve a one game penalty.
• The second and any subsequent ejections will be considered by the Commissioner, with a minimum suspension from two contests.
• Level III violations must be communicated to the League Coordinator within 24 hours of the violation via an Incident Report form.
• Any physical or verbal altercation will not be tolerated, with offending parties being immediately ejected from the facilities and being banned from attending any City League sanctioned event for the remainder of the school year.
• Any Safe Schools Violations will also be reported to the St. Louis Police Department.
• Level III violations will be reviewed and decided upon by the Commissioner and City League team; penalties may include suspension from upcoming contests and/or expulsion from the league.
• All suspensions carryover from one season to the next season played by the student athlete.
• All expulsions from the league are for the remainder of the school year, at minimum. At the discretion of City League, expulsions may carry over into the next school year or be permanent.

Coach Code of Conduct

Each coach is required to to abide by the following code of conduct:

Level I

• Master the contest rules and teach them to his or her team members.
• Exert their influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs, and
• administrators.
• Meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach to set the correct tone for the event before and after the contest.
• Act at all times to protect the principles of fun, safety and development of all athletes.
• Teach participants the importance of developing a competitive spirit and an understanding of sportsmanship.
• Set an example in personal conduct at all times.

Level II

• Respect and support contest officials, accept the decisions of officials, and do not indulge in conduct that would incite players or spectators against the officials.
• Public criticism of officials, student athletes, opposing coaches, fans or parents, through language or gestures is prohibited.
• The use of vulgar or profane language is unacceptable anywhere and at any time.
• Encourage open communication with all participants, parents and fans.
• Follow all league, competition, and program rules.
• Follow the player eligibility policy, only allowing players to participate if they meet all minimum requirements.

Level III

• Protect the health and safety of his/her participants by insisting that all of the activities under his/her control be conducted for their psychological and physiological
• welfare, rather than the interests of adults.
• Use, possession or sale of tobacco, alcohol or drug substances is prohibited.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, including opponents, other coaches, officials, administrators, parents, athletes, and spectators.
• Violation of non-discrimination policy is prohibited.
• Misuse, theft, or vandalism of facilities and equipment is prohibited.
• Any action that the official deems one for which the coach is ejected from a contest is prohibited.
• Intentional physical aggression against another participant is prohibited.
• Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are prohibited.
• Bullying is prohibited.
• Chronic noncompliance with player eligibility policy.

Corrective Actions

Level I:

• A coach violating Level I of the Code of Conduct may receive one to three verbal warnings from the Commissioner.
• If the coach is seen by another coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own violating Level I of the Code of Conduct, such a violation shall be reported to the Commissioner.
• If a coach persistently violates Level I Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level II violation.

Level II

• A coach violating Level II of the Code of Conduct may receive one verbal warning from the Commissioner if the violation is considered minor and does not cause significant harm or disruption.
• If the coach is seen by another coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own violating Level I of the Code of Conduct, such a violation shall be reported to the Commissioner.
• A coach violating Level II of the Code of Conduct a 2nd time will be asked to leave the contest.
• If a coach persistently violates Level II Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level III violation.

Level III

• Coaches who are ejected from a contest will serve a two game penalty, unless the violation warrants an investigation by City League.
• The second and any subsequent ejections will be considered by the Commissioner, with a minimum suspension from five contests.
• Level III violations must be communicated to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the violation via an Incident Report form.
• Any physical or verbal altercation will not be tolerated, with offending parties being immediately ejected from the facilities and being banned from attending any City League sanctioned event for the remainder of the school year.
• Any Safe Schools Violations will also be reported to the St. Louis Police Department.
• Level III violations will be reviewed and decided upon by the Advisory Council; penalties may include suspension from upcoming contests and/or expulsion from the league.
• All suspensions carryover from one season to the next season coached by the coach.
• All expulsions from the league are for the remainder of the school year, at minimum. At the discretion of the Advisory Council, expulsions may carry over into the next school year or be permanent.

Guardians and Spectators Code of Conduct

Guardians and spectators are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

Level I

• Be supportive of all student athletes, coaches, and officials before, during, and after all contests.
• Recognize and show appreciation for the play of your student athletes and their opponents.
• Encourage sportsmanship; encourage student athletes to play according to the game rules; encourage student athletes to accept the decisions of the officials.

Level II

• Accept decisions of officials without dispute.
• Cheer for your team, not against the opponent; taunting is prohibited.
• The use of vulgar or profane language is unacceptable anywhere and at any time.
• Misuse, theft, or vandalism of facilities and equipment is prohibited.

Level III

• Any action that the official deems one for which the guardian or spectator is ejected from a contest is prohibited.
• Intentional physical aggression is prohibited.
• Use, possession or sale of tobacco, alcohol or drug substances is prohibited.
• Violation of non-discrimination policy is prohibited.
• Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are prohibited.
• Bullying is prohibited.

Corrective Actions

Level I:

• A guardian or spectator violating Level I of the Code of Conduct may receive one to three verbal warnings from a coach, official or administrator.
• If the guardian or spectator violating Level I of the Code of Conduct receives a verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own; the coach, official, or administrator shall notify the coach of the student athlete associated with the guardian or spectator.
• If a guardian or spectator persistently violates Level I Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level II violation.

Level II

• A guardian or spectator violating Level II of the Code of Conduct may receive one verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator if the violation is considered minor and does not cause significant harm or disruption.
• If the guardian or spectator violating Level II of the Code of Conduct receives a verbal warning from a coach, official or administrator from a school other than their own; the coach, official, or administrator shall notify the coach of the student athlete associated with the guardian or spectator.
• A guardian or spectator violating Level II of the Code of Conduct a 2nd time will be asked to leave the contest.
• If a guardian or spectator persistently violates Level II Code of Conduct, it is considered a Level III violation.

Level III

• Guardians or spectators who are ejected from a contest will serve a one game penalty.
• The second and any subsequent ejections will go to a hearing by the Commissioner, with a minimum suspension from five contests.
• Level III violations must be communicated to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the violation via an Incident Report form.
• Any physical or verbal altercation will not be tolerated, with offending parties being immediately ejected from the facilities and being banned from attending any City League sanctioned event for the remainder of the school year.
• Any Safe Schools Violations will also be reported to the St. Louis Police Department.
• Level III violations will be reviewed and decided upon by the Advisory Council; penalties may include suspension from upcoming contests and/or expulsion from the league.
• All suspensions carryover from one season to the next season attended by the guardian or spectator.
• All expulsions from the league are for the remainder of the school year, at minimum. At the discretion of City League, expulsions may carry over into the next school year or be permanent.

Code of Conduct Violation Process

If, as defined in the “Corrective Actions” section, a Code of Conduct violation Hearing is necessary, the following process will be employed:

• A participant awaiting a Code of Conduct Violation Hearing is suspended from participation until a hearing has taken place and a determination has been made.
• An Incident Report Form will be completed by the person reporting the violation by submitting a Code of Conduct Violation Report Form.
• Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner will conduct an investigation into the matter, gathering information from the following, at minimum:
• The person who was reported to have violated the Code of Conduct.
• A representative or representatives from both participating teams (with direct knowledge of the incident).
• The official on duty, if relevant.
• Security footage, if available.
• Once the Commissioner has collected information, they will do the following:
• Create a report to summarize findings and the determination of consequences.
• Provide the report to the person reported to have violated the Code of Conduct and the administrators from the involved schools
• Report any violations of Safe Schools Conduct, as necessary

A concussion is caused by a blow or motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. The risk of catastrophic injuries or death are significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed.

Concussions are a type of mild brain injury that can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Concussions can result from a fall or from players colliding with each other, the ground, or obstacles. Concussions occur with or without loss of consciousness, but the vast majority occur without loss of consciousness. When managed properly, the majority of concussions resolve without direct medical intervention in 10 to 14 days.

Continuing to play with a concussion or symptoms of head injury leaves the student athlete especially vulnerable to greater injury and even death.

• Each Athletic Director and coach is required to receive training in Concussion Management on an annual basis. This course is free found at www.nfhslearn.com/courses
• Any student athlete who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion:
• Must be removed from the contest and see an appropriate health care professional to get approval for return to play.
• May not return to play on the same day.
• Shall not return until completing their school’s respective Return To Play Protocol that requires the athlete to complete a progression of exercises at increasing intensities each day while remaining symptom free.
• The student athlete must be cleared to play by an appropriate health care professional as determined by the relevant school administrator.
• If a student athlete shows signs or symptoms while completing return to play protocol, they must stop immediately and return to the treating health care professional before resuming return to play.
• Written clearance must be obtained from the appropriate health care professional prior to student participation in any:
• Practice
• Scrimmage
• Athletic Contest
• A report of all concussions will be made to the Commissioner.

School Districts: Limitation of Liability

An employee of St. Louis City League, or a school volunteer, pupil, parent, legal guardian, or employee of a company under contract to St. Louis City League shall be immune from civil liability for good faith conduct arising from or pertaining to the injury or death of a student athlete provided the action or inaction was in compliance with this subdivision and local school board policies relative to the management of concussions and head injuries. This limitation of liability shall extend to school-sponsored athletic activities. St. Louis City League may provide concussion guidelines to other organizations sponsoring athletic activities on school property, however St. Louis City League is not responsible for enforcing compliance with such guidelines.

Postponement of outdoor games due to bad weather is permissible when agreed upon by the administrators of the respective schools and the City League Commissioner. If administrators are not available, then a brief statement signed by both coaches will be allowed. A game will be rescheduled at the earliest possible date agreed upon by both schools.

Lightning

• If lightning is imminent, the contest shall be temporarily suspended and postponed if necessary.
• When thunder is heard or cloud to ground lightning is observed, the storm is close enough to strike your location with lightning, suspend play and take shelter immediately.
• Safe shelter does not include dug-outs, out-houses, or sheds.
• Shelter must be a habitable structure or vehicle.
• Thirty Minute Rule:
• Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.
• After beginning application of the 30 minute rule, any subsequent thunder or flash of lightning shall reset the clock and teams shall wait an additional 30 minutes from that point prior to resuming play.
• A school following the above guidelines shall not be required to forfeit contests.

Temperature

• In the event the outside temperature or heat index reaches 100 degrees, as determined by the home team or event host, contests shall not be played without the mutual consent of all teams involved in the contest.
• In the event that the temperature is greater than 101, outdoor contests or practices must be canceled or moved indoors.
• In the event the outside temperature or chill factor reaches 32 degrees or below as determined by the home team or event host, contests shall not be played without the mutual consent of all teams involved in the contest.
• Travel:
• In the event of snow, ice or other weather conditions affecting travel, consideration should be given to the travel involved before and after a contest.
• A school that does not participate in a scheduled contest because the coach and/or school administration have determined travel conditions to be unsafe shall not forfeit contests.
• School Closures:
• In the event of a school closure due to inclement weather, the AD of the closed school shall contact the Commissioner by 10am of the date of the closure.
• If one or both schools has closed school due to inclement weather, games will be automatically postponed and rescheduled at the earliest possible date agreed upon by both schools in coordination with the Commissioner.

• An administrator or representative from each school must be present for any contest or league-sanctioned event.
• It is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that all participants are following the Codes of Conduct.
• Minimum playing time for a student athlete is not required. Playing time is determined by the individual programs and coaches.
• No contests will start before their scheduled time unless agreed upon by both participating schools.
• A forfeited contest shall be considered a loss by the responsible team.
• Contests in which an ineligible student athlete participates shall be forfeited.
• In a tournament, all contests in which the ineligible student athlete has participated shall be forfeited.
• In situations involving ineligibility, the Commissioner will review a school’s compliance. In cases of chronic noncompliance, the Commissioner may suspend a school from the league.
• The host school is responsible for providing approved game equipment.

Background Screening

All coaches and team support staff must complete the participating school’s background screening process, as required in state statute. Prior to each season, each coach will submit an assurance statement to the St. Louis City League Commissioner stating that all coaches and team support staff have cleared the required background checks.

Concussion in Sports Training

All Athletic Directors and coaches are required to obtain the completion certificate of the course “Concussion In Sports” and provide the certificate to the City League Commissioner upon request. This course can be taken for free at: https://nfhslearn.com/courses

The Athletic Director of each participating school must provide the following to the St. Louis City League Commissioner prior to the due date of each season.

• Roster with each student athlete's name, number, grade level, guardian name and contact phone and email address
• Participant waiver and photo release form
• Proof of school registration upon request
• Proof of eligibility (report card from previous grading cycle) for each student athlete, upon request
• The coach or Athletic Director shall bring a copy of their roster (including each student athlete's name and number) to each contest.