Athletics/ASB

Whatcom County Middle School League Season Dates 2024-2025

The Whatcom County Middle School League Includes Blaine MS, Lynden MS, Nooksack MS, Lynden Christian MS, Meridian MS, Vista MS, Horizon MS, Mt. Baker Jr. High, Lummi Nation, Franklin Academy and Assumption. 

Only 7^th and 8^th grade students are eligible for competing in in the Whatcom County Middle School League.  Note, we will be offering intramural basketball to our Vista and Horizon 6^th grade students.  

 

Season 1         Registration Deadline: August 23, 2024
8/26-10/18      Cross-Country, Boys Soccer, Girls Softball
8/26-10/31      Football
9/4-10/18        6th Grade Girls Basketball–Intramural (Vista/Horizon)

Season 2         Registration Deadline: October 18, 2024
10/21-12/6      Girls Basketball
12/2-1/31        Boys Basketball

 Season 3         Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025
2/3-3/21          Girls Volleyball, Wrestling

Season 4         Registration Deadline: Track: March 21, 2025
                         Girls Soccer, 6^th Grade Basketball: April 4, 2025
3/24-5/16        Track
4/14-5/30        Girls Soccer
4/14-5/29        6th Grade Boys Basketball–Intramural (Vista/Horizon)

Ferndale FinalForms Parent Playbook

Ferndale FinalForms Parent Playbook - Spanish

Registration

If your student is already registered on FinalForms and you have completed the annual eligibility requirements, please make sure you have gone into your account to have selected the sports your student plans to participate in for the 2024-2025 school year as well as updating any new information you have.   

To be eligible to participate in practice and competition, a parent/guardian must create a Final Forms account as well as provide information and consent  to meet  annual student eligibility requirements to participate. If you haven't started a Final Forms account yet,  Please see the attached FinalForms Parent Playbook to assist you with creating an account and read below to see specifics on what information is needed to meet annual eligibility requirements. To start or access your FinalForms account and register your student for athletics, click the link below.

Final Forms Registration Link:

https://ferndale-wa.finalforms.com/

Questions or Assistance with Final Forms Registration

Vista Middle School Athletic Administrative Assistant:

Eva Viveros-Hernandez:  360-383-9371 or  Eva.ViverosHernandez@ferndalesd.org

The Horizon and Vista main offices are open daily Monday-Friday from 7:30 am-4:00 pm.

Our middle school main offices will be closed for the Summer beginning Thursday, June 20, 2024, through August 16, 2024, and will reopen on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Registration Eligibility Requirements

 Physical Exam on File All students must have a current physical exam on file with their school’s main office to participate in practice and competition. It is important that you make an appointment with your primary medical provider far in advance, so it is complete before the season starts.  Another good option is to go to the PeaceHealth Same-Day Clinic at Cordata Main at 4545 Cordata Parkway in Bellingham, 360-788-8180; they offer sports physicals on a walk-in basis for $75.
The Ferndale School District is offering a Vaccination Clinic from 4:00-7:00 pm, and a Physical Exam Clinic from 6:00–8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Ferndale High School. 

Purchase an Annual Associated Student Body Card for $20 at your school’s main office. If your family's financial situation makes it difficult to pay for an ASB card, please see a staff in the main office.

Have current health insurance for your student.  Please contact your school’s office if you need to purchase school insurance. (FinalForms)

Read concussion and cardiac arrest information  (FinalForms)

Read and sign the co-curricular code. (Final Forms)

Sign-off on risk statement forms and sport-specific safety guidelines (FinalForms)

Complete Required Vaccinations, Immunizations, Medication Orders (School Main Office) 

To have your student prepared to start school on time and be eligible for athletics, school nurses recommend parents make an appointment with your student’s Health Care Provider NOW to complete and address the following:

• Any required Vaccinations – Per WA State law, students are required to be up to date with all required immunizations on or before the first day of school attendance.
• Sign up for MyIR (My Immunization Record) to access your and your family’s immunization records through the Washington State immunization system.
• Complete Life-Threatening Condition and/or Medication Order Requirements.
  • If your student has a life-threatening or serious health condition which requires them to have emergency medication at school, your student WILL NOT BE CLEARED to participate in school activities or sports until their emergency medication orders and current unexpired medication has been delivered to your school’s main office. 
  • Medication/Inhaler/EpiPen forms must be completed by parents and signed off by your medical provider to be taken or to have available at school. Note, new orders are required every school year.
  • Provide any emergency treatment plans your student requires for Asthma, Diabetes, Life Threatening Allergies, Seizures and other life-threatening conditions. 
  • If your student is followed by Seattle Children’s Hospital for their health condition (ex: diabetes) and you do not have a scheduled appointment between now and the start of school to update school orders, they have instructed schools to encourage families to contact Children’s as soon as possible - don’t wait until August.  By using  MyChart parents can request the required school orders for 2024-2025 school year.

Practice and Game Details  
Practice Schedule When school is in session, practices are four days a week, Monday through Thursday, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm as well as the first Friday of the season.  Typically, we do not hold practices on early release days or Fridays.

Games League schedules are typically published the beginning of the second week of each athletic season.  

Bus Transportation for Athletics
An activity bus is available to transport student-athletes home after practice Monday through at approximately 4:30 pm.  Students will be provided bus transportation to away games and transport them back to their home school. Note, parent/guardians are responsible for picking their students up after all games at the site of the contest or at their home school. Also note, the activity bus does not run on FSD Wednesday Early Release days and Fridays. 

 Co-Curricular Code—Key Highlights
Scholarship (WIAA 18.8.0.)  To maintain eligibility to participate in competitions, a student must be attending school full-time and maintain passing grades in at least 5 of their 6 classes.   Students with more than 1 failing grade may continue to participate in practice as long as they attend at least one weekly study session after school and make progress with raising grades.  Grade checks will be done at the beginning of the the season and approximately every 9 school days. 

 Suspensions
Student placed on suspension are not eligible to compete or attend practice while on suspension. Students who incur a drug and alcohol violation, will be placed on athletic suspension for a minimum of 15 days.

Absences 
Students who are unexcused absent or absent from school for more than the majority of the day, may not practice or participate in competition on that day.  Students who have a contagious illness or are injured may not participate in practice or competition. Students who have appointments that are less than half the day, may practice and participate in competition. 

Introduction 

The opportunity to participate in the co-curricular program of the Ferndale School District is a privilege available to all students of the district. Participants in these voluntary programs are expected to conform to Board Policy 3200 and specific conduct standards established by principals and coaches/advisors. As participants, students are faced with choices. If the choices they make interfere, impede, or hinder their personal or group performance, or render them unfit to serve as representatives of Ferndale School District, they may forfeit the privilege to participate. A participant found to be in violation of any rule is subject to corrective action as specified in the code. Provisions have been made for a participant to appeal a sanction and that process is explained in this document.  

Definition of Co-Curricular Activities  

The co-curricular program includes athletics, clubs, student government, leadership, cheerleading, and other activities sponsored by Ferndale School District that are outside of the regular curriculum.  

Eligibility for Participation 

1. Any participant in the co-curricular program must have an Associated Student Body Card.
2. Must pay the annual participation fee to play sports. 
3. A participant must be in regular school attendance the previous semester. And have met W.I.A.A. eligibility requirements pursuant to rule (18.0). Additionally, participants must maintain a passing grade in all subjects. In the event an individual is no longer passing all classes he/she will be required to attend school study table sessions until they are no longer failing. He/she will be allowed to continue taking part in competitions, performances, and club activities as long as he/she is attending study table sessions and adhering to all study table session rules and W.I.A.A. requirements. Individuals missing study table sessions are subject to competition/performance/activity suspensions. 
4.  Additional Athletic Requirements:
   • 4.1 Insurance Coverage must be obtained through the school or if a family furnishes proof of sufficient medical coverage, a waiver indicating adequate coverage will suffice.
   • 4.2 Results of a current physical exam must be on file in the main office. 

Specific Rules and Regulations 

1. No athlete may quit one sport and turn out for another after the season has begun without the consent of both affected coaches. A co-curricular activity season shall be that portion of a school and/or calendar year during which regularly scheduled practices, turnouts, rehearsals, meetings, games events, contests, or performances for the specific activity are conducted under the direct supervision of an approved Ferndale School District Employee. 
2. Participants must travel to and from contests/activities away from Ferndale in transportation provided by the school. The only exceptions permitted are: (a) injury to a participant which would require alternate transportation; (b) prior arrangement (request must be in writing) between the participant’s parent/guardian and the coach/advisor for the participant to ride with the parent/guardian; and (c) any alternate travel arrangements must be cleared through the administration. 
3. Completion of the activity season is required for the participant to be eligible for a letter or other team or individual awards (exception: injury which limits participation). No awards shall be given to any participant suspended for the remainder of the season for co-curricular code violations. Additional standards will be developed by each head coach/advisor and a copy filed with the Athletic/Activities Director prior to the season. 
4. A participant who has been injured and has had medical treatment cannot participate until a signed release from the doctor is presented to the advisor/coach. The doctor’s signed release will be kept on file in the school main office. 
5. Any violation of Board Policy 3200 by a participant that is deemed by the head coach, activity advisor, or school administration to be detrimental to the co-curricular program, school or school district, will result in counseling and/or corrective action. The sanction will be determined by the school administrator in consultation with the head coach/activity advisor and will depend on the type and severity of the violation. 
6. Participants shall conduct themselves in a manner that renders them fit to serve as representatives of Ferndale School District (misconduct includes, but is not limited to, criminal activity, cheating, etc.). Failure to do so shall result in corrective action. The sanction will be determined by the school administrator in consultation with the head coach/activity advisor and will depend on the type and severity of the misconduct. 
7. School-owned equipment used by a participant in any co-curricular activity is his/her responsibility. The loss of misuse of this equipment will be the financial obligation of the participant. Participants will not be allowed to participate in any activity until this obligation is fulfilled and all fines are cleared. 
8. A participant is expected to attend all scheduled practices, turnouts, rehearsals, meetings, games, events, contents, and performance, whether or not school is in session. If it is found necessary to miss such, prior arrangements must be made with the advisor/coach. No practices will be held on Sundays. Any exception to the Sunday practice provision must be approved by the building principal and superintendent. 
9. A participant shall not use, consume, possess, transmit, sell or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, drugs (including anabolic steroids), narcotics, or tobacco (including smokeless tobacco and products that are used with vaping). Neither shall a participant use or be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Receipt of a “Minor in Possession/SWI” citation from a law enforcement agency will automatically constitute a violation of the co-curricular code. Sanctions for violations are listed in this code under Corrective Action. 
10. Each sport season begins and ends according to the Whatcom County Middle School League. Whatcom County Middle School League Handbook and specific sport rules are in accordance with WIAA and NFHS guidelines. 
11. A participant must be in school for all class periods in order to participate in a practice or a co-curricular activity that day. If a participant misses any portion of the school day, his/her absence must be cleared in advance by a school administrator. Unexcused absence is subject to sanction determined by the school administrator. 

Corrective Actions

1. General 

1.1 Each violation of the code will be judged on its individual merits and the corrective action will be determined by the nature and circumstances of the violation and any extenuating or exceptional circumstances. 

1.2 Violations of this code will result in student support and accountability actions outlined in our middle school  in alignment with Board Policy 3200 and/or specific sanctions as outlined below. 

2. Specific Sanctions

2.1  Violation of Drug/Alcohol Rule  

2.1.1 First Violation - Suspension from co-curricular activity for fifteen (15) school days. If the suspension period does not include a major activity, the participant will be denied the right to participate in the next major performance, game, contest, competition or event. In addition, a drug/alcohol evaluation by an approved community agency or individual must be completed within five(5) school days from the date of the incident (at the student's expense). 

If the violation occurs at a school activity, the participant may not attend practice during suspensions. If the violation occurs away from school activities, the participant may attend practice. 

2.1.2 Second Violation - Suspension from co-curricular activities for one(1) calendar year and completion of a new evaluation by an approved community agency or individual within ten (10) days from the date of the incident    and compliance with the evaluation recommendations prior to returning to the sport/activity. Written verification of the completion of the drug/alcohol evaluation and compliance with evaluator’s recommendations must be provided to the principal/designee. The participant must be in compliance with all treatment recommendations before he/she will be reinstated.      
                 
2.1.3 Additional Violations - Any additional violations of the co-curricular code during the participant’s middle school career will be treated as second violations.

2.2 Violation of Tobacco Rule 

2.2.1 First Violation - Five (5) day suspension from the activity (and next major performance, game, contest, competition or event). 

If the violation occurs at a school activity, the participant may not attend practice during suspensions. If the violation occurs away from school activities, the participant may attend practice. 
     
2.2.2 Second Violation - Ten (10) day suspension from the activity and the next two (2) performances, games, contests, competitions, or events. 
     
2.2.3 Additional Violations - Any additional violations during the participant’s middle school career will be treated as second violations. 

Participants will attend practices during suspensions. 

3. Implementation Procedures  

3.1 Whenever the corrective action includes suspension, the advisor/coach will adhere to the following procedures.

• 3.1.1 Report the incident immediately to the building athletic director and assistant principal.
• 3.1.2 The assistant principal or the athletic director will then notify the parent/guardian.  

4. Grievances/Hearings/Appeals  

4.1 Procedures for grievances/hearings/appeals will be followed according to School Board Policy 3200, I - Corrective Action - General, F. A copy of the procedures will be given to the student and parent/guardian upon request. 
   
4.2 A participant who is appealing discipline under this code will be allowed to practice, rehearse, and attend meetings, but not compete perform or represent Ferndale School District in the co-curricular program until due process  is completed.  

Authorization for Emergency Medical Care by Parent/Guardian:  

This is to certify that I/we do authorize and direct any medical or surgical care including anesthesia, laboratory x-rays, and other procedures necessary in the emergency medical care of the my student during the school year and ensuing summer.  

Risk Statement authorization by Parent/Guardian and student:  

Every effort is made by the Ferndale School District to provide safe facilities and proper coaching/advising. But no withstanding these precautions, students may be injured. Playing or practicing to play or participate in any sport/activity can be dangerous activity involving many risks of injury. These risks may include, but are not limited to death, serious neck and spinal injury, paralysis, brain damage, etc. The result of these injuries could seriously impair one’s future activities to earn a living, participate in social and recreational activities, and generally to enjoy life. Playing or practicing to play/participate in any sport/activity can also involve injuries to the back, bones, ligaments, joints, eyes, teeth, etc. The result of these injuries could limit participation. Because of the potential for injury, all athletes/activity participants must follow the coach’s/advisor’s instructions regarding playing techniques, training, and activities. As an assumption of risk, by submitting the electronic eligibility form in family access, I understand the potential risk of injury in interscholastic sports and/or ASB clubs, activities, and performance groups directed by the Ferndale School District during the school year and ensuing summer.