Marshfield High School student-athletes will face higher standards in the classroom this fall.

Coos Bay’s school board raised the bar by adopting a new policy that forces an athlete to sit out sporting events for having any failing grade. The policy expands on the Oregon Schools Activity Association policy, which requires students to have passing grades in five out of seven classes before the start of each season.

The issue of expanding Marshfield’s policy was first broached by Athletic Director Greg Mulkey in September of last year. He said he didn’t like that a student could be failing a course and still participate in athletics as long as the student attended a daily study hall.

“If we are failing in our jobs, we aren’t rewarded,” he said at the time. “But our kids can fail and still be rewarded. I have a tough time with that.”

Mulkey presented a plan for a new policy, but board members decided it would be unfair to change participation requirements after students playing fall sports had already signed a less stringent agreement. Instead, a committee was formed to discuss what changes would be appropriate.

Committee members were Superintendent Bob De La Vergne, Marshfield Principal Travis Howard, Mulkey, board members Donna Opitz and Kathy Murray, and several teachers and students. They met several times during the school year.

After discussing various proposals, the group ultimately agreed with Mulkey and adopted a “No pass, no play” policy. Basically, if a student is earning even one F three weeks into a trimester, he or she can be declared ineligible for competition.

The policy relies on teachers to keep close track of their students’ progress throughout the year and report students who are struggling.

Two weeks into each trimester, teachers will be told which of their students are participating on sports teams. At the beginning of each subsequent week, they will be asked to give the athletic department a list of students receiving failing grades. Students then will have one week to bring their grades back up. If they continue to fail courses, they will not be allowed to participate in any athletic contests, though they can still attend practices. In order to regain eligibility, students will need to provide proof that they are passing all their classes.

De La Vergne said the policy is intended to make sure athletes are making good progress toward their ultimate goal: a diploma.

“You have a better chance to do better this way,” he said. “If you are always passing, you are working toward graduation.”

(Staff Writer Alexander Rich covers Coos Bay news. He can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext. 234; or by e-mailing to arich@theworldlink.com.)