Adopted:          01/26/1994

Revised:          04/20/2009                                                                               377.1 Rule

School District of Prairie Farm

Co-Curricular and Athletic Activities Participation Rules and Regulations

The opportunity to participate in co-curricular athletic activities is extended to all students within the school district with an understanding that there are certain responsibilities accompanying their involvement.

The major reason for sponsoring athletic opportunity in grades K - 12 is to provide an environment to foster the following objectives:

1.      To display good sportsmanship, and to provide opportunities for developing lasting friendships with both teammates and opponents.

2.      To inspire positive role modeling and leadership.

3.      To provide activities for learning self-discipline, loyalty, team play, pride in the organization, respect for the rights of others, and the will to be successful.

4.      To help students learn good habits of health, fitness, and safety.

5.      To use competition and the experience to build self-esteem, citizenship, responsibility, and skill while conducting an enjoyable and challenging program.

6.      To learn how to graciously celebrate successes and positively respond to disappointments.

7.      To learn to place the unit, team, squad, class, and school above personal desires.

8.      To increase self-esteem through positive interactions with coaches and other athletes.

9.      To prepare the student for endeavors.

The School District of Prairie Farm recognizes that the above objectives are the responsibility of the athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators.  It is also recognized that the School District of Prairie Farm does not discriminate in the admission or participation to any program or activity, based on sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, handicap or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.  Discrimination complaints will be processed in accordance with the established Board Policy through the District Administrator's office.

The following rules and guidelines will be used for the operation of a positive and successful co-curricular athletic program:

1.      All athletes, parents, administrators, and staff members shall follow the provisions of the Athletic Code.

2.      Each coach may have team rules which may be above and beyond those identified in the Athletic Code.  If so, these rules must be openly shared with all athletes and their parents.  They must also be approved and on file with the Athletic Director.

3.      All coaches shall adhere to the Coaches Handbook, this policy, and direction from the Athletic Director and the District Administrator or his/her designee.

The School District believes that participation at any level should be geared toward fun, an overall positive experience, and good sportsmanship.  Open and honest communication is paramount throughout the program.  Every effort shall be made between the athlete, coach, parents, and administration to communicate the goals, objectives and expectations of each program of each individual participant.

1. The Board of Education may choose to offer co-curricular athletic activities at the elementary level (grades K - 6).  The emphasis at this level is for total and equal participation.  The children will learn the basic rules and skills associated with the activity. Values such as positive attitude, respect for others, and team work will be introduced.  Highest regard should be placed on the children's self-esteem.  Winning will not be the main emphasis.
2. The Board of Education offers athletic co-curricular activities at the middle school level (Grades 7 & 8).  Each athlete shall participate as often as possible in all games in order that he/she will feel encouraged to continue to participate.  Although winning is desirable, participation should be emphasized at this level.
3. The Junior Varsity program shall stress participation, and a majority emphasis may be on the need to prepare physically and psychologically to win.  Skill levels will begin to be a primary factor associated with actual playing time.
4. At the varsity level, programs will emphasize competition based on limited participation of students with no guaranteed playing time for those participants.  Winning as an individual and as a team is recognized as a means of achieving pride and support of both the school and the community.  Athletes who desire this level of achievement do so with the understanding that this is a privilege that must be earned.
5. Violations of the Athletic Code by students from grades 7 - 12 could affect and limit participation.

Cross Ref.:       377.1 Co-Curricular and Athletic Activities Participation