District proposes middle-school athletics handbook, requires safety certification for volunteer coaches

The Natchitoches Parish School Board on May 5 reviewed a proposed middle-school athletics handbook intended to bring consistent rules for junior-high sports across the district.

Staff described a 12-page draft that establishes season dates, minimum and maximum game counts, maximum gate fees ($7) and a recommendation that all non-faculty coaches complete CCP (coaching certification) training. "All non-faculty coaches must be CCP certified," staff summarized, citing liability and health-and-safety topics covered in the course (heat-stress recognition, hydration and first aid).

Board members and coaches who consulted on the draft supported greater structure but raised implementation questions: who pays for certification, whether the CCP is available online or locally, and how the policy would affect schools that rely heavily on parent volunteers. Staff said they would explore arranging a local CCP offering or a district-provided safety course if needed, and that background checks remain mandatory.

In addition, the handbook sets a $5 minimum and $7 maximum gate fee for junior-high events to help schools cover referee and fixed costs while keeping access affordable. The draft also proposes a district-level appeals route (district AD then superintendent) for sportsmanship and conduct disputes.

Next steps: staff asked board members to review the handbook in detail and provide suggested edits by email; the handbook will be returned to the board for formal adoption after those revisions.