BELOW ARE EXERPTS FROM THE DISTRICT ATHLETIC HANDBOOK:

The athletic program is an integral part of the physical education program and is organized to meet the needs and interests of students possessing athletic skill achievements.  The program should have as its major aim a program of wholesome competition wherein students are enabled to gain those educational values, which can only be derived from such contests.  The student body as a whole shall benefit through interests, activities, and sportsmanship opportunities.

Only those students who are eligible under the rules of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. and who are capable of assuming the responsibilities of being official representatives of our District through their manners, conduct, appearance and sportsmanship shall be permitted to be members of any athletic squad.

Desirable Outcomes for the Participant –

1.   Personal happiness and worthy use of leisure time.

2.   Opportunity to learn new games and improve playing skills.

3.   Development of physical vigor and desirable habits in health, sanitation, and safety.

4.   Opportunity to make lasting friendships and teammates.

5.   Opportunity to become acquainted with members of opposing teams and to visit and play in other communities.

6.   A chance to assume responsibilities of athletic competition as a representative of the school and community.

7.   A chance to observe and to exemplify good sportsmanship.

8.   An opportunity to develop leadership qualities and characteristics.

STATEMENT OF BELIEFS

1.   We believe that the coaching of athletic teams and intramural squads is considered a good situation, with emphasis on developing good attitudes, a desire to win, and guiding player reactions in all situations into desirable outcomes.

2.   We believe that the educational values derived, not the won and lost record of an athletic squad, measures the success of that squad.

3.   We believe that the Educational Policies Commission report on school athletics is sound.  Some of their statements are as follows:

a.   We believe in athletics as an important part of the school physical education program.  We believe that the experience of playing athletic games should be a part of the education of all children and youth who attend school in the United States .

b.   Participation in sound athletic program we believe contributes to health and happiness, physical skill and emotional maturity, social competence and moral value.

c.   We believe that cooperation and competition are both important components of American life.  Athletic participation can help teach the values of cooperation as well as the spirit of competition.

d.   Playing hard and playing to win can help to build character.  So also do learning to “take it” in the rough and tumble of vigorous play, experiencing defeat without whimpering and victory without gloating, and disciplining one’s self to comply with the rules of the games and of good sportsmanship.

e.   Athletics may also exemplify the value of the democratic process and of fair play.  Through team play the student athlete often learns how to work with others for the realization and achievement of group goals.  Athletic competition can be a wholesome equalizer.  Individuals on the playing field are judged for what they are and for what they can do, not on the basis of the social, ethnic or economic group to which their families belong.

4.   We believe that wholesome junior high competition, especially 9^th grade, should be built around a program of varies athletic activities that is broad enough in exploratory opportunities for all pupils.  

CARDINAL ATHLETIC PRINCIPLES

To be of maximum effectiveness, the athletic program will:

1.   Be a well-coordinated part of the secondary school curriculum.

2.   Justify the use of the tax funds and school facilities because of the educational aims achieved.

3.   Be based on the spirit of amateurism.

4.   Be conducted by secondary school authorities.

5.   Provide opportunities for many students to participate in a wide variety of sports in every sports season.

6.   Eliminate professionalism and commercialism.

7.   Control abuses associated with “all-star” contests or other promotional events.

8.   Foster training in conduct, game ethics and sportsmanship for participants and spectators.

9.   Include a well-balanced program of intramural sports.

10. Engender respect for local, state and national rules and policies under which the school program is conducted.