IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE FORENSICS TEAM
CODE OF CONDUCT

Membership on the forensics team can be the highlight of your college career.  Skills are perfected that help with future careers and strong friendships can develop that will last a lifetime.  In order to maximize the values of forensics and increase the chance for fond memories, the following guidelines are presented to supplement district policy on conduct.  

1.       TREAT ALL OTHERS WITH RESPECT
This pertains to coaches, teammates, judges, competitors, and audiences.  There may be times when disappointment or hurt feelings may motivate rude behavior.  WE must strive to be mature enough to pick the right time, place, language and communication method to enhance interpersonal relationships or express dissatisfaction.  Always try to be part of the class act.  This means that we are also gracious winners and good losers.  

2.       STAY CURRENT IN ALL CLASSES
As a student/competitor, it is important to understand that classes and grades have priority over competition.  This means that if you want to do both, you must manage your time well.  Under no circumstances should any competitor allow their accumulative GPA to fall below 2.0 or receive a “F” grade.  Students must maintain at least six units at IVC.  

3.      ADHERE TO THE DISTRICT’S DRUG AND ALCOLHOL POLICY
This policy is an absolute!  No drug or alcohol usage will be tolerated at any practices, tournaments, or team activities.  While the usage may be legal in the eyes of the law (i.e., over the age of 21), it is still prohibited under this policy.  Medications prescribed by a physician are exempted.  

4.      DEMONSTRATE THE HIGHEST ETHICAL STANDARAD
This means never lie in competition.  The coaches and your teammates appreciate honesty in all dealings.  There are a variety of behaviors that pertain to this activity: no plagiarism, no distortion of research content or citation, and no fabrication or quibbling. Competitors should make every effort to adhere to the honor code in following all instructions of the coaches while traveling with the team and to following all rules established by the tournament or governing body.  

5.      NO DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT
District policy prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, disabled or Vietnam-era status, marital status, and sexual orientation.  

6.      KEEP COMMITMENTS
Students are expected to sign up for coaching sessions and tournaments.  When making the commitment, it is the student’s responsibility to make the time available to keep the commitment.  Be punctual for rehearsal, meetings, and tournament departures.  Do not stand up coaches.  It is also expected that students will be tournament ready when competing.  This means that the material presented has been practiced and a coach has heard the student and has approved the event as competitive.  

7.      PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
To compete at tournaments, competitors must wear tournament-dress attire.  Such professional standards will be disclosed.