Pickerington Local Schools (PLSD) is a special place where students, staff, and the community take great pride in our school district and its rich traditions. We have a long tradition of community support for our school district. The families of our community are active and highly engaged, as evidenced by healthy spectator support at all of our student events. Being a PLSD athlete is second to being a PLSD student. When students put on a PLSD uniform, they agree to represent the entire community, families, staff, and the Board of Education. The uniform is a symbol of honor, pride, and responsibility. Not everyone can wear the uniform; before you and your child make any athletic decisions, review the handbook to understand the guidelines by which all PLSD student athletes are governed. After you have reviewed the handbook and feel you can commit to being a PLSD student athlete, please sign the handbook and welcome to PLSD athletics. 

Have a great season, 

Chris M. Briggs, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

This handbook is made available to you because your student has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics, and you have expressed your willingness to permit them to compete. We are pleased with your interest in the athletic program. We believe that a comprehensive program of student activities is vital to the educational development of our students.

Participating in an athletic program is a privilege. As an athlete, you are held to higher standards in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. You are representing many people, including past athletes, your family, the community, the school, your coaches, and fellow athletes. Your involvement in athletics can be very rewarding. 

As an athlete, you have to carry yourself with tremendous pride. You must wear the uniform proudly. Your actions constantly reflect on others. You must realize that you are a role model for the younger members of the community. As an athlete, you have an opportunity to set a good example for those who follow you. 

As students elect to participate, there are many questions that both you and your student may have regarding the athletic program. The purpose of this handbook is to answer as many questions about the policies of the program as possible (i.e., keep students and parent/guardian(s) as informed as possible in order to assist in making the athletic experience a positive one for our student athletes). We are hopeful that this handbook will be of assistance to you as your child participates in the athletic program.

Sincerely,

Colin Beemiller, Athletic Administrator Pickerington High School North

Lisa Morelli, Athletic Administrator Pickerington High School Central

TBA, Assistant Athletic Administrator Lakeview Junior High

Evan Doughty, Assistant Athletic Administrator Ridgeview STEM Junior High

The Athletic Department and coaching staff of Pickerington Central and North High Schools are dedicated to the development of the complete student athlete. The planning and implementation of the Pickerington Athletic Programs involve the conscientious consideration of the physical, mental, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of each young person.

As professionals, the Central and North athletic staff are keenly aware of the developmental needs of individual student athletes, as well as the social implications and importance of creating an environment in which individuals learn to become contributing members of a team. Along with the privilege of participation in athletics, Central and North provides committed students with an opportunity, through extensive training and quality instruction, to set attainable, individual and team goals while striving to maximize their own athletic growth.

Both athletic staff, as part of the District’s total educational experience, are committed to the goal of developing hard-working young men and women who are proud to have been participants in both the Tiger and Panther athletic programs and have the capacity to become successful, contributing citizens in a highly competitive society.

Our athletic programs are founded on the following principles:  

● Athletic participation provides an ideal environment in which to educate the whole student in that it provides a unique opportunity to integrate mind and body in the pursuit of excellence.

● That a sound program of athletics makes an important contribution to the sense of community that exists within the schools and among its various stakeholders.

● Participation in athletics enhances the personal and social development of the student.

● Participation in athletics often provides student athletes with opportunities to experience the world beyond the school boundaries, which contributes to their total growth and development.

● While respecting individual achievement, there is an inherent value in the pursuit of team accomplishments.

● Our coaches can, and often do, serve as primary counselors or adult mentors to our students. 

1. Academic Focus
2. Being on time
3. Work Ethic
4. Body Language
5. Energy
6. Attitude 
7. Passion 
8. Being Coachable 
9. Doing Extra 
10. Being Prepared  

A. Parent/guardian(s) will communicate openly and freely with coaches and administrators.

• Parent/guardian(s) will communicate with respect.
• Parent/guardian(s) will be honest.
• Parent/guardian(s) will communicate issues and concerns in a timely manner, including those of a student’s physical and emotional well-being.
• Parent/guardian(s) will follow an appropriate chain of command:
  • Parent/guardian – Position Coach or Head Coach of the level of play (7th, 8th, Freshman, Junior Varsity, Varsity)
  • Parent/guardian – Head Coach of the program (Varsity Head Coach)
  • Parent/guardian – Athletic Administrator (JH: Assistant AA / HS: AA)
  • Parent/guardian – Building Administrator / Assistant Building Administrator of the specific school (JH or HS)
  • Parent/guardian - Superintendent
• Parent/guardian(s) will be expected to complete their preseason meeting online and acknowledge necessary forms through Final Forms.  
• Playing time is not guaranteed by paying the participation fee and may only be discussed with the coaches.

B. Parent/guardian(s) will display good sportsmanship and behavior by doing the following:

• Understanding the game is for students, not adults
• Recognizing that student participation is a privilege
• Displaying good sportsmanship as a spectator, and conducting yourself in a manner that reflects positively on both the team and school.
• Promoting the team by being supportive and positive when helping the program.
• Respecting the officials, opponents, coaches, and players
• Refraining from coaching from the stands
• Understanding that the student has an obligation to attend all practice and games.

C. Parent/guardian(s) will create a positive and supportive environment to promote your student-athlete’s well-being by:

• Supporting good conditioning and a healthy lifestyle 
• Placing the emotional and physical well-being of your student ahead of any personal desire to win 
• Expecting your student to play in a healthy and safe environment 
• Supporting your student to be successful in the classroom given the demands of training and practices 
• Being a role model for other parent/guardian(s) by remaining positive at sporting events 
• Getting involved and staying involved in a positive manner as you support your student is critical to the success of the team (i.e., concessions, game support, fundraisers, banquets).

D. Failure to follow the standards and expectations of Pickerington Local School District and the Athletic Department may cause you to forfeit your right to support your student and the team.

E. Parent/Guardian Consequences for Unsporting Conduct See next section.

First Offense  

Any fan ejected or disqualified from an interscholastic contest for unsporting conduct shall be suspended from all contests for the remainder of that day. In addition, the fan shall be suspended from attending contests at all levels in that sport until two regular season/tournament contests (one in football) are played at the same level as the ejection. In addition, the fan shall take the National Federation of State High School Association’s “Sportsmanship” course, which must be completed before returning to athletic contests and can be taken at www.nfhslearn.com. A letter will be sent by the Athletic Administrator of the respective school to the spectator in question notifying them of the ejection and the dates of their suspension.

If the ejection or disqualification occurs in the last contest of the season, the fan shall be ineligible for the same period of time as stated above in the same sport during the following season in the next school year.  

On the day of the ejection, a fan who has been disqualified shall be ejected from the vicinity of the playing area and is prohibited from further contact, direct or indirect, with team members, managers, coaches, and contest officials during the remainder of the contest. No refund will be given. 

Second Offense

A fan who is ejected or disqualified a second time shall be suspended for the remainder of the season in that sport. A fan who has been ejected or disqualified for unsporting conduct for the second time in the season during the last contest shall be ineligible for a period of time/number of contests subject to the discretion of the Athletic Administrator. In addition, the fan shall take the National Federation of State High School Association’s “Positive Sport Parenting” course, which must be completed before returning to athletic contests and can be taken at www.nfhslearn.com. A letter will be sent by the Superintendent / Designee to the spectator in question notifying them of the ejection and the dates of their suspension. 

Third Offense

A fan who is ejected or disqualified a third time shall be suspended from all athletic contests for one calendar year from the date of the ejection. A letter will be sent by the Superintendent / Designee notifying the spectator of the ejection.

You are not eligible to participate in any sport until the following are completed:  

1. Prospective athletes must meet with the Athletic Administrator and/or designee prior to the first day of participation to cover rules and regulations found in the athletic handbook.  
2. Athletic Responsibility Acknowledgment Form/Student Data Sheet (can be found on your respective schools’ Athletic website) must be on file and signed by a parent/guardian and the athlete verifying that both have fulfilled the OHSAA rules meeting requirement.  
3. A current physical must be on file in the athletic office prior to tryouts.  
4. Emergency Medical Form needs to be completed and can be found on your respective school’s athletic website.  
5. Academic eligibility requirements must be satisfied.  
6. A pre-season drug test must be completed and on file in the athletic office (7-12 only). This initial drug test costs $16  and the payment is the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s).  
7. All uniform and other fees, including “Pay to Participate” fees need to be paid (if applicable). Participation Fee Regulation Policy 2432.04 AG can be found on your respective schools’ athletics website via online registration.
8. A student with outstanding Pay to Participate fees from a previous season or a previous year cannot try out for a team until all past due fees are paid in full.  
9. You must be officially enrolled with the Welcome Center or Fairfield County Educational Service Center for home-educated, private school, and charter school athletes and have the proper paperwork on file. Once that process has been completed, you should contact your school’s Athletic Administrator.
10. Managers/Mascots will be required to complete all paperwork in order to participate but will not be required to pay the participation fee.

At the beginning of each school year, the Athletic Handbook and all necessary forms and Information for participating athletes can be found on your respective schools’ Athletic website via online registration. 

OHSAA physical examination forms for all participants shall be signed by a physician, the participant, and by a parent/guardian(s), and must be on file in the Athletic Administrator’s office before any candidate for a team may participate in any way. These forms necessitate the physician’s certification of the individual’s physical fitness. In accordance with Bylaw 3-5-1, the pre-participation evaluation is required to be completed once every 13 months. However, there is one exception and it reads: if the pre-participation evaluation is conducted between May 1 and June 1, the pre-participation evaluation, signed by the medical examiner, is valid for one calendar year plus the remainder of that current school year’s spring sports season (i.e. through mid-June). Students are encouraged to get their physicals during the summer months (the physical form can be found on your respective schools’ Athletic website via online registration). 

To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, grades 7-12, all students will be required to meet certain standards established by the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the Pickerington Local School District Board of Education. These standards are as follows: 

A. Maintain a 1.75 GPA per Grading Period: 

1. Eligibility for each grading period is determined by the grades received the preceding grading period.  
   1. A student regaining their eligibility becomes eligible no sooner than five (5) calendar days after the conclusion of the preceding grading period, as long as the grades can be verified. If the verification is not possible, the students’ ineligibility status continues until such time as grades can be verified.  
   2. The ineligibility of a student begins on the fifth school day of the next grading period.  A school day includes faculty in service days, professional development day, calamity days and regular attendance days, but not holiday or school break.
2. A student who fails to earn a 1.75 grade point average per grading period, shall be granted one period of probation during their junior high career, provided they are passing five (5) credits, and one period of probation during their high school career, provided they are passing the five (5) credits set by OHSAA at the high school level. A period of probation is defined as one grading period. Example: A student who fails to meet the 1.75 GPA, will receive one grading period of probation, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.  
3. Students for whom an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan is on file, at the time they would be declared ineligible under the above standards (minimum GPA) shall automatically be afforded a review of their case. The review shall be conducted by the Building Administrator or designee, Athletic Administrator, the student’s guidance counselor, and the student’s special education/regular education teacher. This review committee shall have the right to waive the eligibility requirement if, in their professional judgment, the student has made a reasonable effort to meet the standard. 

B. Pickerington Local School District Eligibility - Interims 

All student athletes, 7-12, shall have their grades checked at interim and at the end of the grading period. 

1. Student athletes must be passing 5 credits (grades 9-12) and 5 classes or equivalent credits (grades 7-8). Athletes in grades 9-12 need to schedule 1 additional class if they choose a Physical Education class, which is 0.25 credits.
2. For the purpose of determining a student athlete’s grades, teachers shall use grades from the current grading period only (i.e., grades are not accumulative from one grading period to the next). 
3. A student athlete who is ineligible under the interim standard cannot be in uniform but may practice, travel and sit on the bench with the team by mutual consent of the parent/guardian(s) and coach.
4. Eligibility can be restored once the student athlete is passing five (5) credits at high school or five (5) classes or equivalent credits at junior high. 
5. The due date of interims and the conclusion of each nine weeks will be established on a yearly basis as determined by the school calendar.
6. The teacher’s grades not posted on time will not be used to calculate eligibility or ineligibility for interim grades.
7. There is no probationary period permitted for this standard. 
8. Those students taking post-secondary courses, College Credit Plus Courses, attending a career center or who are home educated, attending private schools or those attending a community school are responsible for submitting their grades to the Guidance Office and the Athletic Administrator in a timely manner, to determine eligibility at the time interim grades are checked. 
9. Students enrolled in courses through College Credit Plus must enroll for a minimum of five (5) high school credits as determined by Rule 3333-1-65.2 of the Ohio Administrative Code per school year. A College Credit Plus course transcripting three (3) or more semester credit hours shall count as one (1) full high school unit. A College Credit Plus course transcripting less than three (3) semester hours shall count as the proportional fraction of a high school unit.  For more information, the OHSAA CCP/Non-Enrolled Student Grade Report sheet can be found at this link. 

C. Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Bylaws 

1. High School  
   1. During the preceding grading period, the student must have received passing grades in a minimum of five (5) one-credit courses, or the equivalent, which count toward graduation.
      1. Students enrolled in courses through College Credit Plus must enroll in a minimum of five (5) high school credits as determined by Rule 3333-1-65.2 of the Ohio Administrative Code per school year. A College Credit Plus course transcripting three (3) or more semester credit hours shall count as one (1) full high school unit. A College Credit Plus course transcripting less than three (3) semester hours shall count as the proportional fraction of a high school unit. For more information, the OHSAA CCP/Non-Enrolled Student Grade Report sheet can be found at this link.  
   2. A student enrolled in the first grading period after advancement from eighth grade must have passed a minimum of five (5) credits in all subjects carried in the preceding grading period (the last grading period of the 8th grade) in which the student was enrolled.  
2. Junior High  
   1. A student enrolling in the seventh grade for the first time will be eligible for the first grading period regardless of previous academic achievement. Thereafter, in order to be eligible, a student in grade 7 or 8 must currently be enrolled in school the immediately preceding grading period and receive passing grades during that grading period in a minimum of five (5) classes or equivalent credits of all subjects carried.  
3. High School and Junior High
   1. A student regaining their eligibility becomes eligible no sooner than five (5) calendar days after the conclusion of the preceding grading period, as long as the grades can be verified. If the verification is not possible, the student's ineligibility status continues until such time as grades can be verified. 
   2. The ineligibility of a student begins on the fifth school day of the next grading period. A school day includes faculty in-service days, professional development days, calamity days and regular attendance days, but not holiday or school breaks. 
   3. Summer school grades and other educational options may not be used to substitute for failure to meet the academic standards during the last grading period of the school year.  

D. NCAA Eligibility Center 

If a student takes a high school class such as Algebra 1 or Spanish 1 before they start ninth grade, the class may count for their 16 core courses if it is on the Pickerington high school’s list of approved core courses and is shown on the student’s high school transcript with a grade and a credit. www.eligibilitycenter.org

All athletes shall abide by a code of conduct which will earn them the honor and respect that participation and competition in the interscholastic program affords. Any conduct that results in dishonor to the athlete, the team, or the school will not be tolerated. Acts of unacceptable conduct, such as, but not limited to, theft, vandalism, hazing, disrespect, immorality, inappropriate touching, bullying, or violations of the law tarnish the reputation of  the school, athletic team, district, or everyone associated with the athletic programs will not be tolerated. This code shall be in effect for 12 months a year, 24 hours a day, for those who made the team. The code 14 of conduct applies for one calendar year after the conclusion of the last sports season in which the athlete participated.  

Penalty: The penalty shall range from a minimum of 10% prohibition of participation for the season or succeeding season to a maximum of permanent prohibition of participation. 

All student athletes are expected to interact and communicate with teachers and peers in positive and productive ways during the school day. Student athletes are expected to make good decisions, both in the classroom and in the athletic setting. Student athletes must remember that they are students first. As a student athlete, you must represent yourself, your parent/guardian(s), your school and the Pickerington Community in a positive manner at all times and in all settings, most importantly while in the school setting.  

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right.  Student athletes must recognize the daily commitment to the following in all settings, including the classroom and in school:

• Striving to improve skills and improving oneself and the team as a whole;
• Working to represent oneself and the school in a positive manner at all times;
• Promoting honor, integrity and good sportsmanship as keys to success both on and off the field.

All Pickerington Student Athletes are expected to follow the 12-month Student Conduct policy outlined in this Pickerington LSD Athletic Handbook. Additionally, student athletes are expected to uphold the highest levels of behavior in the classroom and in the daily school setting by complying with the Pickerington Schools Student Code of Conduct.  

If student athletes do not meet the standards of the PLSD Athletic Handbook or of the Student Code of Conduct, consequences include, but are not limited to:  

• Conference with parent/guardian(s)
• Loss of practice or playing time 
• Community service agreement 
• Suspension from athletic events 
• Removal or expulsion from the team 

The assigned consequence/discipline will be determined by the Athletic Administrator and/or Building Administrator.  

All penalties will begin with the first athletic event (scrimmage, game or practice) following the violation. If an offense takes place and no athletic events remain, the Athletic Administrator may impose penalties in a subsequent season or determine an alternate appropriate penalty. 

These consequences may continue to be enforced until the student athlete is in compliance with the expected behavioral standards in all settings.

Teachers and other school officials have been asked to immediately notify the Athletic Administrator and/or Building Administrator if there are any problems or incidents that arise during the school day with a student athlete.    

If a teacher or other school official notifies a Building Administrator that a student athlete is not complying with behavioral expectations, the Building Administrator, at their discretion, may notify the Athletic Administrator and/or the coach. The Athletic Administrator may also, at their discretion, intervene in any situation in which they become aware of a student athlete who is not complying with expectations in the school setting. The Athletic Administrator, Building Administrator and/or the coach may, as soon as possible, have a conference with the student athlete to allow the student athlete the opportunity to provide an explanation for their behavior and/or to address the noted issue(s).    

After providing the student athlete with the opportunity to explain their behavior, the Athletic Administrator and/or the coach may issue consequences for any conduct that fails to meet the expected standards of behavior, including conduct that fails to meet the expected standards of behavior in the classroom or school setting as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.  

Note: There may be circumstances in which a student athlete may need to be removed from the extracurricular activity under an emergency removal basis. In such an instance, the student athlete will have an opportunity to explain their behavior following the removal. 

Appeal Procedure

A student may appeal the prohibition of participating in extracurricular activities to the Activities Appeal Board. This Board shall be made up of the administrator or designee in charge of appeals and up to four (4) teachers. The appeal shall require the following:

1. The written appeal must be presented to the administrator/designee within three (3) school days following the date of the notice of prohibition from extracurricular activities.
2. The administrator/designee in charge shall mail or otherwise provide a decision, in writing, to the student regarding the appeal.
3. The decision of the appeal board shall be final and not subject to any further appeal.
4. During the time any appeal is pending, all penalties in this policy shall be enforced.  

The above consequences are in addition to any consequences that may be imposed by a school official according to the Student Code of Conduct. Students who are suspended out of school or expelled from school or have been subject to emergency removal from school pursuant to a violation of the Student Code of Conduct are also automatically denied participation in extracurricular activities during removal. No additional due process is available to the student regarding their extracurricular participation. 

(Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior) Policy 5517.01 PO & AG  

Bullying is an intentional written, verbal, graphic, electronic or physical act that a student or group of students  exhibited toward another particular student more than once. The behavior causes mental or physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for others. This also means cyberbullying through electronically transmitted acts.  

(Student Hazing) Policy 5516 AG  

Hazing is defined as doing any act of coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation or continuation into any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse. No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another. Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

All students must follow the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policies 5517.01 AG (see Appendix A) & 5516 AG (see Appendix B) regarding Bullying and Hazing.  

A. Criteria That Pertains To All Sports:  

1. An athlete must complete the season in good standing with the school and coach.
2. An athlete who moves from one level of competition to another will letter at the level of highest competition provided meeting combined requirements. 
3. A coach will have the prerogative to letter a senior who has not met the seasonal requirements for lettering. 
4. Injury rule – Any athlete who is a starter or plays regularly and is thereafter injured may be awarded a letter if, in the coach’s judgment, they would have met the lettering requirements. 
5. In a sport where OHSAA tournament play is sponsored, an athlete may letter if they become a starter and play 75% of the quarters, innings, matches, or scores team points in individual competition in tournament play, regardless of other lettering criteria. 

B. Baseball/Softball

A player needs to participate in one-half of all innings played, or pinch-hit or pinch-  run in three-fourths of all games played, or be a pitcher with at least four starts or six  appearances in games, and/or win one tournament game. 

C. Basketball - Boys & Girls

1. Athletes must participate in 50% of the quarters of the regularly scheduled games. 
2. Athletes brought up to the varsity squad for tournament play only WILL NOT be awarded a varsity letter unless previously earned. 

D. Bowling - Boys & Girls

1. Athletes must participate in 50% of all matches. 
2. All senior athletes will earn a letter. 

E. Cheerleading

Cheerleader’s awards will parallel the regular athletic system for all athletic teams. 

1. Competition Squad – All varsity competition squad members will receive the appropriate award provided the following:
   1. The athlete completes one year of varsity competition;
   2. Completes the cheerleading season in good standing with the school and coaches; and
   3. Attends a minimum of 75% of practices, competitions, and contests  
2. Sideline Cheer – All varsity squad members will receive the appropriate award provided the following: 
   1. The athlete completes any two seasons of fall (football) and/or basketball (winter) at the varsity level; 
   2. Completes the cheerleading season in good standing with the school and coaches; and 
   3. Attends a minimum of 75% of practices and contests. 

F. Cross Country

An athlete must attain the time indicated below at a meet during the season on a legitimate 5000m course. If the length of the course is questionable, the coach will have the final decision as to its legitimacy. 

1. Boys – a time of 17:59 or better 
2. Girls – a time of 22:59 or better 
3. -OR- Run in the Varsity Seven in at least 50% of the races in a season. 

Any award for participation in interscholastic athletics which may be accepted by the student from any source shall consist of those items which do not exceed $400.00 in value.

A. Varsity  

• 1st Year Awards: 7” chenille award letter and Chevron which indicates one year of lettering and certificate (Note: should the athlete letter in another sport, they will not receive a second chenille letter.)  
• 2nd Year Award: Chevron and certificate
• 3rd Year Award: Chevron and certificate
• 4th Year Award: Chevron and certificate with a 6” sports plaque indicating the recipient as a four-year varsity letter winner.
• Championship Award: Letter winners of a varsity team that wins a league, district, regional or state championship will receive a chenille emblem of that sport which will indicate the championship. 

B. Individual Varsity Awards

The athletic department will pay for up to three student awards per athletic program.  

C. Non-Letter Varsity  

All members of a varsity athletic squad who successfully complete an athletic season for a particular sport, but who have not earned ample points for a varsity letter, are to be awarded a varsity participation certificate. 

D. Scholar Athlete Awards  

Roger Young- Pickerington High School Central, Senior Scholar Award  

Roger Young began his career in the Pickerington Local School District in 1962. During his 35 years, he was an Educator, Coach and Administrator. He taught History for 12 years and was a Driver's Education instructor for 18 years. He was an assistant basketball and baseball coach for 6 years prior to becoming the Head Coach of basketball and baseball for 7 years. He then became the Athletic Administrator in 1974, a position he held for the next 24 years when he retired in 1997.

During his time as an Athletic Administrator, Roger was an active member of the Ohio Capital Conference, the Central District Athletic Board, the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He was inducted into the Ohio Capital Conference Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Pickerington (Central) Hall of Fame in 2000.

In recognition of Roger’s 35 years of commitment to a tradition of excellence in the Pickerington Local Schools, the Central Scholar-Athlete award has been named in his honor.  

Don E. Heft- Pickerington High School North, Senior Scholar Award  

Don Heft was a long-time educator, coach, and administrator at PLSD who valued scholarship and athletics. Don began his career at Pickerington in 1956 as a teacher while serving as head basketball and baseball coach. In 1958, he was named Principal before becoming Superintendent in 1963 and he remained in the position for 22 years until he stepped down in 1985. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1985 and was a proud member of the 1st class of the Pickerington Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. Additionally, Don served on the Central District Athletic Board for 34 years from 1967-2001.

In recognition of Don Heft’s 45 years of dedicated service to scholarship and athletics in the Pickerington Local School District, the Pickerington North Scholar Athlete Award is named in his honor.  

These awards are presented each year at senior assembly to the senior girl and senior boy who maintain a high scholastic average along with athletic excellence. The recipients are nominated by coaches and reviewed by the Athletic Administrator.

All other awards are distributed by a vote of the coaches.

E. Athletic Achievement  

The Pickerington Athletic Department will honor athletes or teams that have distinguished themselves athletically while attending either high school or college, etc. The procedure for recognition of outstanding achievement in athletics will be outlined in one of the three following ways:

1. Wall of Champions: A team that wins a league, district, regional or state championship will have a 16 x 20 team picture displayed noting the championship won.  
2. Wall of Honor: Individual athletes who achieve recognition for athletic accomplishment while in high school will have an 8 x 10 color picture displayed with a record of their accomplishments. The criteria for selecting athletes for this honor shall be:  
   1. The athlete must be an acceptable school citizen and a credit to the community.
   2. The athlete must maintain an acceptable and positive image to the school to continue to be honored on the wall. 
   3. The athlete must be a contributing member of a Pickerington High School Central/North athletic team. Failure to maintain these three criteria will result in removal. 
   4. An athlete who is selected for All-State honors will be given an automatic nomination by the athletic board if the student athlete: 
      1. Finishes in the top 8 in the state meet in wrestling, track and field, or swimming/diving;
      2. Is in the state quarter finals of the state cross country meet;
      3. Is selected by AP newspapers or by coaches’ vote to All-State first or second teams in the team sports of football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf, softball or baseball;
      4. Is selected to play in a statewide All-Star game;
      5. Cheerleading – must achieve 3 out of the following 5 criteria:
         1. finishes in the top ten at a state equivalent individual competition;
         2. finishes in the top five in regional individual competition;
         3. qualifies for a national championship;
         4. recognized as an OCC all-star;
         5. competes and places in the top ten in a national competition. 
   5. Athletes can also earn a place on the wall by having a distinguished career as an all-around athlete by earning a minimum of eight varsity letters. 
   6. Athletes can be considered for placement on the wall with a nomination by the coach for gaining recognition for outstanding athletic accomplishment. 
   7. Nominees for this award may be considered at any time during their high school career by the athletic board at its regular meeting. The board must approve all nominees for this honor by a 2/3 vote of those in attendance. 
3. Hall of Fame: The ultimate honor to be bestowed upon a Pickerington athlete, coach or Athletic Administrator shall be election into the Hall of Fame. Those selected for this honor will have their accomplishments displayed in an appropriate area as determined by the building administration. The process for selection into the Hall of Fame is: Individual or Team
   1. Nominations will be accepted by the committee which will consist of the Building Administrator, the Athletic Administrator and another member of the Athletic staff. 
   2. A candidate shall not be considered for the Hall of Fame until five (5) years after graduation or retirement from Pickerington High School Central/North 
   3. An athlete, coach or Athletic Administrator whose accomplishments are above and beyond the normal standards of obtaining recognition for themselves and the school. 
   4. Nominations will be accepted at Pickerington High School Central/North alternating every other year. 
   5. The maximum number of members selected to the Hall of Fame will be five.

Appendix A:  5515.01 AG: http://go.boarddocs.com/oh/plsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AF6QLX686A93  

Appendix B:  5516 AG: http://go.boarddocs.com/oh/plsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CASTYY6E56A9  

Board of Education adopted:  Revisions: 6/11/01, 7/8/02, 6/30/03, 7/28/03, 5/28/04, 5/31/05, 6/12/06, 7/6/09, 6/14/10, 7/5/11, 7/23/12, 4/29/13, 4/15/14, 6/10/14, 3/6/15, 4/7/15, 6/8/15, 4/11/16, 7/10/17,3/5/18, 3/23/18, 6/25/18, 3/21/19, 4/2/19, 4/11/19, 4/1/2020, 4/6/2020, 4/8/2020, 4/13/2020, 4/14/2020, 4/15/2020, 4/21/2020, 4/22/2020, 4/28/2020, 4/30/2020, 5/5/2020, 5/6/2020, 5/28/2020, 6/9/2020, 05/11/2021, 05/26/2022