Sanctioning of Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
NEPN/NSBA Code: JJ-E

“Sanctioning” refers to the process whereby the School Committee adopts an athletic program or co-curricular activity and accepts responsibility for coordinating and supporting the activity. There are three levels of sanctioning:

Level One: 

The School Committee delegates initial decision making responsibility to the Finance Committee. After reviewing the question/criteria listed below, the Finance Committee will consider the appropriate level of sanctioning for each request brought to its attention

If the sanctioning of the program will have major impact (football, wrestling, etc.) on the school budget, facilities or other programs, the Finance Committee will recommend the program review process outlined in Level Two.

If the program will have little impact (photography, outdoor club) on the school budget, facilities, or other programs, the Finance Committee will recommend Level One status.

Level One usually lasts at least two years. The school district arranges scheduling (practice and interscholastic games), rooms for meetings, events transportation, fields and liability insurance coverage. The school district also hires and evaluates coaches or advisors. The club itself or an affiliated booster organization is responsible for all costs of the program except the cost of the school’s liability insurance.

Level Two: 

The School Committee must conduct a program review and approve the budget. The school district arranges scheduling (practice and interscholastic games), rooms for meetings, events transportation, fields and liability insurance coverage. The school district also hires and evaluates coaches or advisors. The club itself or an affiliated booster organization is responsible for all costs of the program except the cost of the school’s liability insurance, coach’s or advisor’s salary, and transportation at the discretion of the Finance Committee

Level Three: 

This requires School Committee program review and budget approval. The school district assumes all the responsibilities listed above for the club or school sport as well as uniforms, equipment and officials and needed supplies.

Agreements with affiliated booster organizations or clubs will be summarized by the Superintendent of Schools in writing specifying the respective responsibilities of the booster group or club and the School Committee.

Decisions about sanctioning are case-by-case decisions. The Finance Committee shall consider factors such as the following before making recommendations about the level of sanctioning.

1.     Is there a gender equity issue that would be addressed by the addition of a new activity?

2.     Is there a feeder system at lower grade levels indicative of community, family, and student support of the activity?

3.     Is the activity sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association?

4.     Is there enough student interest to sustain the sport or club for five or more years?

5.     Are there qualified coaches or advisors readily available?

6.     Are there facilities for meetings, practice and other events and that can be used without hardship to existing teams or clubs?

7.     What is the present and future level of logistical and financial support expected from the school?

8.     What is the total cost per student projected to participate in the program?

9.     Are there other co-curricular activities that are awaiting sanctioning?

10.  What will be the impact on existing programs? 

The sanctioning of all athletic and co-curricular activities is subject to reconsideration by the School Committee at any time and nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to limit or preclude the School Committee, at its sole discretion, from withdrawing sanctioning or changing the level of sanctioning of an athletic or co-curricular activity.

Adopted:  May 11, 2006

Revised:   November 8, 2018