Student Athletic Handbook 2026-2027

Dorchester School District Two (DD2) is proud to provide high-quality, education-based interscholastic athletic programs for students in grades 7–12. Serving more than 12,000 students across our district, DD2 athletics emphasize student growth, leadership, sportsmanship, and lifelong skills that extend beyond competition.

Participation in athletics is a privilege. All student-athletes and families are expected to review and comply with the guidelines outlined below, as well as school, district, and South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) policies.

For full details or clarification, families are encouraged to contact their school’s Athletic Director.

Mission

To foster the development of interscholastic student-athletes—on and off the playing field—in alignment with the educational mission of Dorchester School District Two.

Core Values

Discipline • Honesty • Integrity • Accountability

Vision

Student-athletes will develop skills that prepare them for success in college, career, and life.

• DD2 offers 26 athletic programs across three seasons
• Programs are overseen by the District Athletic Department
• High schools compete in SCHSL Class 5A – Region VII
• Middle schools participate in district-affiliated athletic leagues

Each school’s principal is responsible for ensuring athletic programs operate in compliance with district, SCHSL, and board policies.

• Board of Trustees & Superintendent
• District Director of Athletics
• School Principals
• High School & Middle School Athletic Directors
• Certified Athletic Trainers (High School)
• Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches

Registration

All student-athletes must complete the district-approved athletic registration process prior to participation, including tryouts.

Registration materials include:

• Parent/Guardian consent
• Student acknowledgment of handbook policies
• Sport-specific risk forms

Only students who are fully cleared by the school’s athletic office may participate.

Physical Examinations

• A valid physical is required each school year
• Physicals must be completed by an approved medical professional (MD, DO, NP, or PA)
• Physicals dated on or after April 1 are valid for the upcoming school year
• Families are responsible for the cost of the physical

DD2 prioritizes the health and safety of all student-athletes. Safety measures include:

• Certified Athletic Trainers at the high school level
• Concussion, sudden cardiac arrest, and emergency preparedness protocols
• Required coach certifications (First Aid/CPR, background checks, SCHSL training)

Coaches work collaboratively with medical professionals to ensure proper prevention, recognition, and response to injuries.

Dorchester School District Two student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with DD2 Board Policy, the DD2 Student Code of Conduct, and the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Constitution and Bylaws.

Student-athletes represent their school, district, and community and are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, and compliance with all rules and regulations governing interscholastic athletics.

Violations of conduct standards may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

• Probation
• Suspension from athletic participation
• Removal from the athletic program

Disciplinary decisions are administered by school administrators in accordance with DD2 Board Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and applicable SCHSL penalties and procedures.

In accordance with DD2 Board Policy and SCHSL eligibility standards, student-athletes must be in attendance for the entire instructional day on the day of a scheduled practice or contest to be eligible to participate.

Exceptions may be granted only by the school principal or designee. Illness alone does not automatically excuse absence for eligibility purposes.

Regular attendance, academic engagement, and punctuality are considered essential components of interscholastic participation.

Transportation to athletic contests is governed by DD2 Board Policy and district procedures.

• School-provided transportation is utilized when available and practical.
• In circumstances where district transportation is not provided, parents/guardians may assume responsibility for transporting their student-athlete.
• Per SCHSL guidelines, student-athletes are required to travel to and from contests with their team unless a parent/guardian receives prior written approval from the head coach or athletic director.

Student-athletes must remain under the supervision of school personnel while attending athletic contests.

Student-athletes are responsible for all school-issued equipment. Lost or damaged items may result in replacement costs.

Ejections and disqualifications are administered in strict accordance with SCHSL Constitution and Bylaws.

• A student-athlete who is ejected shall be disqualified for the remainder of that contest.
• The ejected student-athlete shall be ineligible for the next scheduled contest at the same level of competition and may not be in uniform or on the team bench.
• A second ejection in the same sport during the same season shall result in ineligibility for the remainder of that sport season.

Additional school or district disciplinary action may be applied in accordance with DD2 Board Policy.

All student-athletes must meet eligibility requirements established by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and Dorchester School District Two Board Policy.

Eligibility considerations include, but are not limited to:

• Enrollment in an SCHSL member school
• Academic progress and course load requirements
• Residency and transfer regulations
• Age limitations
• Amateur status

Eligibility determinations are made at the school level, with review and oversight by the District Athletic Department when necessary. All eligibility questions should be directed to the school Athletic Director.

In accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, DD2 Board Policy, and SCHSL standards, Dorchester School District Two maintains a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free environment.

The possession, use, distribution, or being under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, marijuana, vaping products, or controlled substances at school, at school-sponsored events, on district transportation, or on district property is strictly prohibited.

Violations may result in disciplinary action under the DD2 Student Code of Conduct and may affect athletic eligibility in accordance with SCHSL regulations.

• DD2 Athletics
• South Carolina High School League