Friday, November 21, 2008

Athletics

Program Description
Athletics are an integral part of the high school cocurricular program. The Board of Education establishes as the goals of this activity the development of proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, teamwork, specialized physical skills and experience in competitive situations. In attaining these goals, the program must promote and emphasize the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the players, those participating in supporting activities, and the spectators.

The interscholastic athletic program will provide many opportunities for participation. The programs and teams are, however, competitive in nature. Limitations on individual participation on teams or in games may be imposed based upon the skill or achievement level of the individual, the needs of the group/team, funding limitations, and availability of staff. Accordingly, in many of the various athletic programs, the size of squads/teams will be limited.

Students should be encouraged to participate in the varied sports offerings for which they have interest and aptitude. No effort shall be made to limit a student's participation in multiple sports because that student has displayed a special aptitude or skill in a specific sport. No student shall be required to participate in a summer program as a prerequisite to trying out or qualifying for a sport during the regular school year. However, an athlete is required to report at the beginning of the official conditioning and/or practice schedule for the sport in which he/she wishes to participate.

The interscholastic sports program shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the California Interscholastic Federation, California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section, and the athletic leagues to which the high schools are assigned. The Board of Education will annually appoint the league representative who must notify the Superintendent and Board of Education regarding any CIF proposals that will financially impact the district prior to CIF action. The Superintendent will direct the representative regarding their vote, and notify the Board of Education. The high school principals, under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Executive Services, are responsible to develop and implement procedures and local regulations necessary to fulfill the intent of this policy and the rules and regulations of the agencies under which the interscholastic program is conducted.

Specific information may be obtained by contacting the men's or women's Athletic Director at each respective high school.

Goals

Our goals are to:

• Focus on students as our highest priority.
• Acknowledge that the dignity, worth, and self-esteem of participants is paramount in all athletic activities.
• Develop life-long values and skills as an important result of competition.
• Appreciate the athletic program as an integral part of the high school experience.
• Make high school athletics fun and rewarding.
• Stress the benefits of a competitive athletic program.
• View winning as an attitude resulting from optimum preparation, concentrated effort, and a deep commitment to excel.
• Promote school and community pride through a well-designed and well-operated athletic program.
• Achieve open communication and mutual respect among athletes, coaches, and parents as essential elements of a successful athletic program
• Enhance morale, satisfaction, and performance by ensuring that athletes work together as a team.
• Recognize that well-qualified coaches and program administrators are essential elements of a successful athletic program.
• Facilitate positive parent support and involvement to enhance student growth and program quality.