SPORTSMANSHIP AND FAIR PLAY

One of the missions of co-curricular school activities is to serve as an extension of the classroom. There are important lessons to be learned in athletics and one of those lessons is to set and maintain high standards of sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity in our schools and in society. The value of the lessons learned by exhibiting good sportsmanship will last a lifetime. If we ever lose sight of that, then athletics, or any co-curricular activity is not worthy of support by the taxpayers. The positive actions of a coach, athlete, or spectator at an event can influence how our school district is perceived in our own community and the communities of those schools we meet on the field of play.

We are asking for your support in this effort by emphasizing to your child what is expected of them at an athletic event, either as a competitor or spectator. After all, such events are an extension of the school day, and we should expect the same type of respectful behavior exhibited in the athletic arena as we do in the classroom. We are also asking our parents to set a good example when in the stands at an event. It is only through these efforts that we can clearly communicate what is acceptable behavior. We hope that your positive example will help set the tone for those around you so we may all enjoy the games in which our athletic teams are involved.

When you attend an event you are given a privilege to view the action and to voice your support of our teams. We want the support to be in a positive tone, so that the educational value of these events is completely developed and clearly communicated to our students.
As long as there exists within all of us that human drive to win, we will have to be concerned with sportsmanship. The desire to win is not bad by itself. On the contrary it is good. It is the proper attitude with which to approach any endeavor. To do otherwise would be to opt for failure instead of success. But while the quest to win must not be stifled, it must be honorable. In athletics the quest must carry with it the realization that somebody is not going to win. In school-based athletics winning cannot be the “only thing.” Handling loss is equally as educational, therefore equally as important, as winning. Please keep in mind that school-based sports will live or die, not by contests won, but by sportsmanship, good or bad.

All participants and spectators are expected to abide by the principles of good sportsmanship and fair play. Visiting team members, students and adult spectators are guests to be accorded all the courtesy and consideration that a friendly, well-mannered and well-intentioned host would normally give. The visitors, in turn, are to act as invited guests, using the home school’s facilities with care and respecting the rules and customs of the home school.

1. Officials are responsible for contest safety and are the designated authorities to make decisions regarding the rules and their interpretation; officials are the sole arbiters of the rules and their decisions must be accepted by players, coaches and spectators.
    
2. Officiating is a difficult job and officials are humans who can make misjudgments, in all sports contests; this too is part of the game. Rarely is poor officiating the sole cause of losing a contest.
    
3. Spectators, student athletes and coaches should exhibit good sportsmanship and recognize that their conduct plays an important role in establishing the reputation of the  school. This conduct and the positive actions of coaches, players, and fans can relate directly to the success of their teams.

CAPTAINS

Team captain is a leadership role where the individual has consistently demonstrated the following:
     Commitment
     Honesty
     Sportsmanship
     Exhibits a positive attitude
     Values teamwork
     Citizenship
     Character
     Positive Role Model

The captaincy should not be based solely on popularity, and the captains will not always be the best player on the team. The captaincy or co-captaincy is attained as the result of coach’s appointment and/or team vote. Whenever possible or agreeable, coaches will have captains prior to the start of a season. The role of captain is not restricted to a senior athlete.

Interscholastic athletics in the Chappaqua School District are a component of the physical education program and an integral part of the district’s educational program. The Horace Greeley Athletic program represents our commitment to the development of physical fitness, personal health and competent performance of our students.

This value-building experience is offered to as many students as possible through playing as well as the association with a team. Through athletics, students experience dedication and self-discipline. Making a commitment to a team helps to nurture integrity, pride, loyalty and overall character. Carrying these values throughout life will make our students better citizens.

VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Varsity competition is the culmination of each athletic program. These teams are composed of the most skilled, dedicated members of the program, regardless of grade level. Seniors are not guaranteed a position on a varsity team. Participation on a varsity program one year does not guarantee a spot the following year.

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. It is vital that each team member has a role and is informed of its importance. The number of roster positions is relative to the students’ acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of the team’s goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment is extended into vacation periods for all sport seasons.

The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the freshman, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the head varsity coach. Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest within the realm of good sportsmanship and fair play, while working together to reach the group’s and each individual’s maximum potential are worthy goals of a varsity level team.

JUNIOR VARSITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential for continued development into productive varsity level performers. In certain situations, juniors who are expected to make future contributions at the varsity level will be considered for junior varsity participation. Also, freshmen may be included on a junior varsity roster. The junior varsity team can be comprised of freshman, sophomores, and juniors.

Athletes are expected to have committed themselves to the program. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play in addition to socio-emotional development. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a consideration at this level.

The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. A specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the six-day-a-week commitment that is expected at the varsity level. Practice sessions are sometimes scheduled during school vacation periods. Since the goal of becoming a varsity athlete is clearly in sight, a high level of dedication and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.

FRESHMAN PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
Freshman programs help students make the transition from modified to high school athletics. Whenever numbers warrant, we will make an effort to add a freshman team to enable greater participation. We will try to maintain larger squads to encourage participation. At this level athletes are expected to make a five-day a week commitment. Although it is not common, games and practices can occur on a weekend or holiday. The emphasis is on skill development while becoming a competitive team. It is the goal of each freshman coach to give all players an opportunity to gain game-type experience. However, practice, attendance, attitude, and participation at practice can affect this goal.