This is the informal name for a policy or rule that governs a student's out-of-school conduct (as well as in-school conduct) and includes sanctions that affect only a student's participation in extracurricular activities. The Iowa Supreme Court decided in 1972 that school boards have the authority to make and enforce good conduct rules. The rationale for good conduct rules was expressed by the Court as follows:
Standout students, whether in athletics, forensics, dramatics, or other interscholastic activities, play a somewhat different role from the rank and file. Leadership brings additional responsibility. These student leaders are looked up to and emulated. They represent the school and depict its character. We cannot fault a school board for expecting somewhat more of them as to eligibility for their particular extracurricular activities. Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Association. 197 N.W.2d 555. 564 (Iowa 1972).