The benefits of students participating in extracurricular activities have been well documented in research for years (NCES 1995). Benefits include opportunities to extend learning, apply knowledge, higher grades, better connections to school, and aspirations to higher levels of education. Because of these benefits, District 103 is committed to providing a well-rounded extra curricular program for students.

Participation in team competitions with other schools is one aspect of the extra curricular experience at District 103. The District supports activities to encourage healthy competition, teamwork and excellence at all levels. Just as important, non-competitive activities provide opportunities for students to explore areas of interest to enhance a particular skill, try a new interest, or belong to a group, to name a few.

The District provides non-competitive activities for students in grades K-8. Most competitive activities are offered in grades 6-8. A few non-sport related activities (Spelling Bee, Geography Bee) are offered to students in fourth and fifth-grade.

The number of participants in each activity are determined depending on the activity. Some competitive teams are restricted by consortium, IESA, Regional, State, or National rules. Student/teacher ratios may restrict other activities. The number of students able to participate in each activity will be determined by administration.

Yearly schedules are determined by school, consortium, IESA, Regional, State, or National rules. Practices/meetings are determined by the coach/sponsor, with administrative approval.

• Coaches and activity sponsors will submit program budgets to the Athletic Director, principal and/or principal designee in April each year. Coaches/sponsors will manage the budgets for their activity. The budget for extra curricular activities is recommended by the Athletic Director, principal, and/or principal designee and determined by the Superintendent or Superintendent designee.
• Local, Regional, State and National Competitions are supported by the District. The District provides an annual budget that supports competition for regular season expenses, including registration, travel, supplies and coaching stipends. Fundraising is an option for teams through Board policy 7:325.
• Invitational/non-conference/optional competitions (2 allowed per year) are supported by the District. District employee coaches’ travel expenses and registration are paid. All student and parent coach/chaperone costs are the responsibility of the families. The District will pay registration fees if allowed in the budget. Fundraising is an option for teams through Board policy 7:325. Invitational/non-conference/optional competitions (beyond 2 per year). All fees related to the Invitational will be the responsibility of the families, including District employee coaches’ travel and team registration fees. All student and parent coach/chaperone costs are the responsibility of the families. Fundraising is an option for teams through Board policy 7:325.The approval process for extra curricular trips is covered in Board Policy 6:240. Trips may or may not be approved for reasons including educational value, student safety, parent concerns, heightened security alerts, and liability concerns. Additional information regarding Field Trips and Recreational Trips can be found in Board policy 7:325, Administrative Procedure 7:325 and Board memo: Spending Procedures for Team Competitions.

• Activity fees are set by the Board of Education.
• Additional material, equipment and transportation fees per activity are approved by administration and may be required to offset program costs. Fee information will be provided to families prior to tryouts.

• Travel is coordinated by the coach/sponsor, Athletic Director, principal and/or principal designee. The approval process for extra curricular travel for trips is covered in Board Policy 6:240. Trips may or may not be approved for reasons including educational value, student safety, parent concerns, heightened security alerts, and liability concerns. Additional information regarding Field Trips and Recreational Trips can be found in Board policy 7:325, Administrative Procedure 7:325 and Board memo: Spending Procedures for Team Competitions.
• Travel for invitational events beyond an 8-hour bus ride will not be allowed.

• Local competitions occur outside the school day and do not conflict with school attendance. Staff and student absences related to competing at the Regional, State, and National levels will be excused if the competitions require travel and participation during the school day.
• Invitational competitions are optional. Missing up to 2 days to attend invitational competitions is permitted for staff/students with administrative approval.

Room/area assignments will be determined by the Athletic Director, principal, or principal designee for each activity. Coaches/sponsors are responsible for ensuring the area is well maintained and left in the condition it was found. Any damage or disruption to the room must be reported to the Athletic Director, principal or principal designee immediately.

• Tryout procedures for each activity will be determined by the coach/sponsor and approved by the Athletic Director, principal or principal designee. Procedures will be posted publically at least 1 week before the tryouts occur.
• Feedback for students who do not make a team may be requested from the sponsor/coach.

Rules/procedures for each activity will be determined by either by local, IESA, Regional, State, or National rules. Rules will be posted publically at least 1 week before tryouts occur.

Consultants may be used by a team/club. Consultants must be approved by the principal, principal designee, or district administration and will be done on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider will include the level of expertise needed for the activity, duration of time needed, and budget.

• School Sponsored
  • School sponsored activities are supported through District funds, personnel, and resources. Such activities must be approved by the building principal and district administration.  
• School approved
  • Certain activities require school approval to participate in the activity. School approved activities do not provide funds, personnel, or other resources from the district. School approved activities often occur when a group of students wish to participate in an event that is not offered by the school, yet require a school affiliation in order to participate. Such activities must be approved by the building principal.