Athletics

Want to attend a Spartan home game? We would love to have you! For the 2021-22 season, our courts, fields and stadium are open to all! 

• Adult tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door.
  • Sport-specific and all-sport season passes are available for purchase at the first few home games of every sport, or by contacting athletics@rpsmn.org. 
  • We highly recommend purchasing the Fall Season Sports Pass for $40 which gives you access to regular-season home games for fall sports (Football, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, and Volleyball).
  • There is also an All Sports Season Pass available for $75 and that allows you to attend all Fall and Winter regular-season home competitions.
  • You may also buy individual sport passes. More information can be found here under Athletic Season Passes.
  • Additionally, free passes are available to retirees, senior citizens, school board members, and staff! 
• Current RHS students can attend all home games for free! Just show a copy of your StudentVUE ID card on your phone, or bring a picture ID. 
• Students who do not attend RHS must pay $5.
• RMS students can attend home games for free with a paying adult chaperone. Students without a chaperone must pay the student rate of $5.

Please note the following: 

• If you leave the game, you cannot return.
• Passes are only valid for regular-season home games.

Definitions: Athletics and competitive activities include all sports teams, theater, one-act plays, fine art competitions and any other activity governed by the Minnesota State High School League. View a complete list on the MSHSL website. 

The Purpose of Athletics and Competitive Activities: Athletics and competitive activities provide students with personal growth opportunities and the chance to explore interests outside the classroom in athletics, leadership, the arts and more. We offer a variety of options for all RPS students in grades 6-12.

Team Spirit: Richfield Spartan athletes are expected to represent the school and community positively at all times. With a mindset of We Over Me, athletes should model kindness and respect to coaches, fellow athletes and competitors. Safe and responsible behavior is an expectation at all times during practices and competitions. Athletes who demonstrate what it means to be a Richfield Spartan will go far!

Fundamentals of Good Sportsmanship for Student Athletes:

• Show respect for the opponent at all times
• Show respect for the officials
• Know, understand, and uphold the rules of the contest
• Maintain self-control at all times
• Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation
• Show a positive attitude in cheering

Tri-Metro Conference: Richfield High School is a member of the Tri-Metro Conference. The Tri-Metro Conference was established to promote activities among member schools. The competition schedule can be found at trimetro.org. Other member schools include:

• Academy of Holy Angels
• Bloomington Kennedy High School
• Brooklyn Center High School
• Columbia Heights High School
• DeLaSalle High School
• Fridley High School
• Robbinsdale Cooper High School
• St. Anthony Village High School
• Visitation School

Student Supervision: All students must be supervised while participating in RPS-sponsored activities. This includes practice/rehearsal, events and competition, as well as in the halls, locker rooms, buses or any place on school property during the activity. Staff are expected to report any concerns to the Activities Director.

 

 

Richfield Public Schools Athletic Registration Information: All participants at Richfield Middle School and Richfield High School must be registered prior to their first practice or rehearsal. This includes a current sports qualifying physical on file in the Activities Office, MSHSL forms, and an activity specific emergency form. 

Sports Qualifying Physical Examination: A sports qualifying physical exam is required for all students participating in athletics and marching band the first year of participation and every three years thereafter. A sports qualifying physical is different from a wellness check. Most clinics will add the sports qualifying physical exam to a wellness check if requested. The form must be completed by a physician and submitted to the activities office prior to participation. The form will be kept on file in the activities office. 

MSHSL Eligibility Form and MSHSL Health Form: These electronic forms need to be completed each school year. They are part of the online registration process through SchoolPay.

Insurance: The school district does not carry insurance to cover student athletic injuries. Participants must carry their own insurance.

Registration Fees (the current fee schedule is located in the back of this handbook):

• We never want fees to prevent a student from participating in activities. If a family is unable to pay the fee in full, they should contact the Activities Office for information on payment plans and scholarships. 
• We encourage all families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits each year. If a family qualifies, activity fees are reduced. 
  • A family that qualifies for reduced-price lunch will receive a 25% discount on activity fees. 
  • A family that qualifies for free lunch will receive a 50% discount on activity fees. 
  • A family that is currently experiencing homelessness (as defined in Section 103(a) (1) (2) of P.L. 100-77) can have activity fees waived.
• Activity fees must be paid in full or a financial plan must be in place with the Activities Office before students can participate.
• Activity fees will be refunded in full to students who drop the activity in the first two weeks of the activity or before the first official contest in that sport. Refunds for students who drop the activity for medical reasons will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will not be given until an equipment clearance is issued by the coach or advisor in charge of the activity. Refunds will always be issued to the parent/guardian, not the student.
• Student athletes participating in all three athletic seasons will pay no fee to participate in the third season. 

 

 

 

Student Conduct: We believe that high standards of conduct and citizenship are important aspects of a quality activity program and we hold all of our students to a code of ethics. Any conduct that results in dishonor to the student, the program or the school will not be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to, hazing, theft, vandalism, harassment or illegal activity. These behaviors damage the reputation of everyone associated with the program.

MSHSL Eligibility:

• MSHSL Bylaw 101.00: Must be under 20 years of age (or 22 years of age for adapted sports).
• Seasons: No more than four seasons in a sport (grades 9-12).
• Students may participate for four consecutive years beginning in ninth grade. 
• Suspensions: No participation while a student is suspended from school.

MSHSL Bylaws 205.00 and 209.00: These policies, established by the Minnesota State High School League, govern chemical use, harassment and hazing. Any violation results in a loss of eligibility. 

• Violations
  • First Violation: The student shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive contests or two weeks, whichever is greater, of a season in which the student is a participant. 
  • Second Violation: The student shall lose eligibility for the next six consecutive contests or three weeks, whichever is greater, of a season in which the student is a participant.   
  • Third Violation: The student will lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive contests or four weeks, whichever is greater, of a season in which the student is a participant. 
• Penalties
  • While serving any penalty, the student must follow all program rules and expectations. If these rules are not followed the penalty will not be considered served.
  • No student is eligible for All-Conference honors or post-season awards after serving a suspension for a Minnesota State High School League violation that season.
  • In order for a penalty to be considered complete, the student must finish the entire season of the activity in which they participate. If a student fails to participate for the entire season, their penalty will not be considered served and must be served in any subsequent activity in which the student participates. 
  • Penalties are cumulative beginning with the student’s first participation in a Minnesota State High School League sponsored activity or any competitive activity and will continue throughout the student’s high school career, including when school is not in session.
  • Violations may be appealed through the Minnesota State High School League.

 

 

In order to participate on an athletic team, each athlete must maintain the minimum number of credits shown below. Credit totals shown are at the end of any given semester. Additionally, students must be making progress toward graduation. 

9th Grade		10th Grade		11th Grade		12th Grade
S1	S2	S1	S2	S1	S2	S1
5	10	16	22	29	36	43

Participation: Students can participate in only one sport per season. Exceptions require the agreement of both coaches and the Activities Director.

Quitting an Activity or Transferring Sports:

• Meet with your coach/advisor about your decision.
• Tell the Activities Office about the change. 
• Return all equipment. This may include, but is not limited to instruments, uniforms, warm-ups, practice shirts, costumes or props. 

Reporting Harassment: We work to maintain an environment that is free from harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any class protected under the law. If a student or employee experiences harassment, they should report it immediately. They can contact the Activities Director or complete the online form located on the District website: richfieldschools.org/bullying-form.

Transfer Students: All transfer students registering for activities should meet with the Activities Director to ensure they meet all the rules of the Minnesota State High School League for eligibility.

Equipment: School equipment checked out by the student is their responsibility. They are expected to keep it clean and in good condition. Loss of any equipment, or failure to return equipment, may result in an unmet obligation.

Missing Practice: A student should always consult their coach/advisor before missing practice or rehearsal. Unexcused absences may result in loss of playing time or participation.

Transportation: 

• Students are expected to ride the activities bus when provided, and school rules apply when on a bus. Under special circumstances, a student may ride home with their parent/guardian, if an RPS Activities Transportation Travel Release Form is completed and returned to the Activities Office before the competition.
• There may be times when the school will not provide an activity bus. Students should check with their coach/advisor to arrange transportation for these events.

College Recruitment Policy: 

• If a student is contacted personally by a college recruiter, they should notify their coach/advisor and the Activities Office, so they can help support you. 
• If a student is planning to play college athletics at a Division I or Division II school, they must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Eligibility requirements are based on a 2.0 GPA in 13 core classes and a 17 ACT score. Forms and additional NCAA information are available in the Student Support Services Office.

Extra-Curricular Attendance Expectations (RPS School Board Guideline 545.1):

• Students who wish to participate in activities must be in attendance for at least half of the school day (four of the seven class periods) and have an excused absence for the missed class periods.  School-sponsored activities are exempt from this rule.  
• The Activities Director has the authority to make exceptions to the four class period rule if a parent/guardian request is received by the Activities Director in advance.
• A student will maintain adequate progress toward graduation to participate in activities.
• Students absent from school on Friday with competition the following day (Saturday) will be eligible to participate provided the absence was excused.

Release From Class: On the rare occasion a student may need to miss class due to an activity, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their classroom teacher(s) prior to missing class. Students are still responsible for any lessons they miss in accordance with the RPS attendance policy.

Vacations: Vacations during an activity are discouraged. In the event an absence due to vacation is unavoidable, the student must contact their coach/advisor prior to the vacation and be willing to assume the consequences of the absence(s) from practice/rehearsal.

Team Selection: Our desire is to see as many students participate as possible. Time, space, facilities, equipment and other factors may limit participation for any team or program.

Cutting Policy for Varsity Sports: 

• Choosing athletes for varsity teams is the responsibility of the coaches. Prior to tryouts, the coach will provide the following information to all students interested in trying out for the team:
  • Length of tryout period
  • Criteria used to select student athletes for the team
  • Practice commitment for student athletes who make the team
  • Game commitments
• If a cut becomes necessary, each candidate will be personally informed of the cut by the coach, including the reason for the action. Coaches will discuss alternative possibilities for participation in the sport, or other areas in the activities program.

Reporting of Injury: Students should notify the coach/advisor of all injuries that happen while participating in any competitive activity. If the injury requires medical attention by a doctor or clinic, the student needs a doctor’s note before returning to the activity. 

Awards: Letter and Numeral awards are given for each competitive activity. The lettering criteria is determined by the coaching staff or advisor for each activity. Coaches/Advisors should give lettering criteria to the students at the beginning of the season. All-Conference Awards are presented based on team finish and/or voting by the conference coaches/advisors.

The amount of playing time for athletes is a concern for players, parents/guardians, coaches, the Activities Director and the school administration. The guidelines for playing time are: 

• Middle School: No cutting. The emphasis of middle school athletics is learning and exposure to the game. All participants will play in each contest if possible, but not necessarily on an equal basis with all other players.
• Ninth Grade/C-Squad Teams: Athletic teams at Richfield High School are competitive, not primarily recreational as in the middle school. The purpose of ninth grade/C-squad athletics is to continue to develop players for Varsity play. There are no guarantees of (equal) playing time at the ninth grade/C-Squad level. Players have different skill levels, attitudes, and levels of commitment, and these factors will be considered in earning playing time. 
• JV/B-Squad Teams: Same philosophy as ninth grade/C-squad.
• Varsity Teams: Varsity is a program for our most elite athletes. Cutting is permissible (see cutting policy). Playing time is given to those with the most athletic skill, the most determined attitude toward athletic endeavor, and the most consistent and demonstrable commitment to the sport. 

Participation of middle school athletes on high school teams is discouraged whenever possible. If a head coach feels that an athlete in grade 7 or 8 could participate on a Varsity team, they will discuss it with the Activities Director and each case will be handled individually.

A pre-season meeting will be held by all coaches and advisors to discuss rules and review the policies. Parents/guardians and students are expected to attend this meeting.

Communication is very important. Parents/guardians should discuss any issues with their child first, then contact the coach or advisor only if necessary.

• No player or family member should approach coaches before, during, or after a competition to discuss an issue.
• Parents/guardians should discuss any issue with their child before contacting a coach, advisor or the Activities Director.
• Parents/guardians may request to talk to a coach or advisor the following day. 
• If the issue has not been resolved, then the Activities Director may intervene. 
• If the issue is still not resolved, then the Principal will be consulted.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches/advisors:

• The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.
• Ways to help your child improve.

Concerns about your child’s behavior.

• Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches/advisors:
• Playing time
• Team strategy
• Play calling
• Other students/athletes

Students are:

• Committed, dedicated and determined
• Honest and cooperative
• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Academically eligible
• Communicating appropriately with teammates, coaches, officials, parents, fans, and opponents
• Respecting peers, coaches/advisor and equipment
• Willing to learn and develop skills necessary to excel in the program
• Demonstrating a positive attitude
• Healthy and chemically free
• Demonstrating good sportsmanship
• Team players
• Setting team and personal goals

Parents/Guardians:

• Support students through:
• Attending events and informational meetings
• Helping set priorities
• Encouraging and modeling a positive attitude
• Supporting their child’s commitment to the program
• Listening to their child’s comments and concerns
• Have realistic and reasonable expectations for athletes, coaches and programs
• Communicate personal concerns appropriately
• Model good sportsmanship and respect for rules, procedures, participants and officials
• Become familiar with athletic requirements and support rules and expectations for athletes and guests
• Keep sports in perspective
• Encourage and monitor academic performance
• Are a “team fan,” not just a “my child” fan
• Encourage their child to discuss any problems with the coach, while emphasizing how to improve their status on the team
• Encourage the attainment of team goals, rather than individual goals
• Understand that criticism and disrespect not only undermine the purpose of interscholastic sports, but also undermine the very behavior which we are trying to teach our students

Spectators and Fans: The following applies to any person physically present at an athletic event, or through the use of electronic mediums (e.g. social media, email, internet, etc.)

DO NOT:

• Ridicule or berate players, coaches, officials, or other spectators
• Engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with an official, coach, player or parent/guardian, such as booing, taunting, using profane language or gestures, etc.
• Encourage or condone any behavior or practice which would endanger the health or well-being of any participant
• Ridicule any participant for making a mistake
• Coach from the sidelines or bleachers
• Confront coaches in an inappropriate or antagonistic manner before, during, or after games/practices. 

DO:

• Understand that your attendance provides you with the opportunity and privilege to observe an athletic event
• Remember that interscholastic athletics is a part of the educational process—it is for the students, not adults
• Cheer for your team
• Be a positive role model and encourage sportsmanship by giving support to and showing respect for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators
• Promote behavior that treats players, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, religion, color, gender, or ability
• Support the decisions of coaches and officials.
• Teach our students that doing their best is of the utmost importance
• Emphasize that a healthy work ethic, a high level of effort, and cooperation with coaches are imperative for doing one’s best
• Learn and understand the rules of the game
• Appreciate the efforts of the players, coaches, and officials
• Be generous when you win, gracious when you lose
• Make arrangements to speak with coaches at an appropriate time and place when needed

Behavior that demeans a player, coach, referee, school official, or another parent or fan is subject to disciplinary action by school personnel. 

• Anyone who engages in misconduct as described above, or who is removed from an interscholastic contest at the request of a game official or school administrator will be subject to the following:
  • First Offense: Offender(s) will be prohibited from attending the team’s next home contest.
  • Second Offense: Offender(s) will be prohibited from attending ANY home district athletic events for the remainder of the season in question, or for a period of three months starting from the date of the second offense, whichever is longer.
  • Third Offense: Offender(s) will be prohibited from attending ANY home and away district athletic events for one full calendar year, starting from the date of the third offense.

Remember, we are all on the same team. We all represent our community, school, and families.

Richfield Public Schools encourages all students, parents/guardians and community members to attend games home and away. RHS students may gain free admission to any home game with a student ID. This can be an electronic ID through StudentVUE. If a student does not have an ID, they will be asked to purchase a ticket for admission.

Any RMS student may gain free admission to a home game if the following conditions are met:

• They are accompanied by an adult 
• They have an RMS student ID

Ticket prices for section and state play are determined by the section and state. Ticket prices for our regular season home competitions:

• Kindergarten and under: Free
• Students: $5
• Adults: $7
• Senior citizens (62+): $5

In addition to individual event ticket prices, we offer season passes. 

• All Season Sport Pass, $75 (Includes all fall and winter sports)
• Fall Season Sport Pass, $40 (Includes Football, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball)
• Winter Season Sport Pass, $60 (Includes Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling)
• Individual Sport Season Passes
  •  Basketball (Boys & Girls), $55
  •  Football, $15
  •  Soccer (Boys & Girls), $30
  •  Swim & Dive, $20
  • Volleyball, $30
  • Wrestling, $20

All team schedules can be found on the Tri-Metro Conference website.

• Download this handbook in English or Spanish (Google Doc).
• 2022-23 Athletics Fees