Transportation Law

Mamaroneck Public Schools
Department of Interscholastic Athletics

ATTENTION STUDENT-ATHLETES … PARENTS … COACHES!!!

Legislature Amends School Transportation Mandate

Effective November 21, 2001, Governor Pataki signed Chapter 510 of the Laws of 1991, amending the present Section 1709[41] of the Education Law. The old law required a school district to provide transportation for its students to and from a school sponsored field trip, sporting contest, extra-curricular activity or any other similar event. The law did provide exceptions for intervening circumstances (e.g., a student injury precludes his/her return with the group, etc.) that would make such mandated transportation impractical, but it did not, however, provide any flexibility for parents wishing to provide transportation for their children.

This new law, Chapter 510, permits students to be transported to and/or from an activity, event or site whenever the parent or legal guardian of the student provides the school district with written notice, consistent with district policy, authorizing the alternative form of transportation for the student. The district would then be relieved from the duty of transporting the student, and liability would shift at the point when release to the alternative transportation occurs.

This revised legislation is similar to the previous school district guidelines prior to August 15, 2001. There are, however, a few additions that should be noted – please see below.

How does this recent change affect Mamaroneck?

Any student-athlete who travels to and/or from a school sponsored athletic event (contest, practice, exchange program, field trip, etc.) via a school provided vehicle – school bus, school van, etc. - SHOULD use such provided transportation in both directions of travel (to the event and from the event).

Families wishing to make alternative transportation plans to and/or from an athletic event must complete the following:

1. Fill out in detail a district “Transportation Waiver From”.
2. Completed form must be submitted to district athletic department at least 24 hours prior to the event.
3. Signature must be parent/guardians' original signature (Students may not sign for parents and parents may not sign for other parents/guardians).
4. Parents and/or guardians may transport their children only. Parents may not transport friends, neighbors, etc.
5. Parents and/or guardians must be at least 21 years of age.
6. Students may not transport themselves or any other student-athletes to and/or from school sponsored away athletic events (games and/or scrimmages).

Detailed guidelines may also be found in the district’s athletic handbook

In an effort to avoid confusion and conflicts, families participating on interscholastic sports teams [at all levels] are advised to avoid scheduling appointments and other commitments during the after school/early evening hours.

Please contact the district athletic office with any questions.