About Us
High School Athletic Philosophy
Our athletic programs shall function under educationally oriented coaches who are properly administered, and are viewed as a means to an end and not an end in itself. The total development of the program and student athlete is conducted within the letter and spirit of all applicable rules and regulations.
The explicit goal of all competitive sports is to win within the rules. However, that is by no means the only measure of success. Of greater and lasting value is the development of the individual as measured by character, competence, civility, and citizenship.
At all levels of high school competition, an athlete must be prepared to make a substantial commitment which involves contests or practices six days a week, on some holidays, and during vacations. Athletes will not be expected to practice on Sunday unless the team is involved in a state series tournament and will play on the following Monday. Such a commitment demands much of the student and the student’s family.
The number of participants on a team is a result of factors including available playing space and time, student skill level, number and variety of players needed to conduct an effective practice or to play effectively in a contest. In determining which and how many students will participate on a team, coaches consider both individual and group needs.
Varsity play is the culmination of competition in a given sport. Junior varsity play is intended for those with potential to be varsity performers and for those whose aptitude is not yet of varsity competence. Players and parents must understand that selection to the team and playing time depends on the coach’s judgment about how best to balance the individual’s skills and role with the goals and needs of the team. Playing time will not be guaranteed.
Middle School Athletic Philosophy
All middle school athletic programs shall function under educationally oriented coaches, will be properly administered, and will be viewed as a means to an end and not an end in itself. The total development of the student and program will be conducted within the letter and spirit of all applicable rules and regulations.
The explicit goal of all competitive sports is to win within the rules. However, that is by no means the only measure of success. Of greater and lasting value is the development of the individual as measured by character, competence, civility, and citizenship.
Pleasant Plains Middle School encourages all students to participate in athletics. A goal of the middle school is to make an opportunity available to all students who wish to play, although resources, athletic ability and student interest may limit access. In determining how many teams to field or how many students will comprise a team, the coach must consider safety, athletic ability, facility availability, and quality of instruction. When necessary, team tryouts will limit the number of participants. Playing time is not guaranteed and will be determined by the athlete’s skill development, team commitment, personal responsibility, attitude, and safety.
At all levels of middle school competition, an athlete and his/her parents must be prepared to make a substantial commitment which involves contests or practices six days a week, on some holidays, and during vacations. Athletes will not be expected to practice on Sunday unless the team is involved in a state series tournament and will play on the following Monday. Such a commitment demands much of the student and the student’s family.
In an effort to recognize the developmental differences both cognitively and physically between age groups in middle school, different expectations are outlined for sixth grade athletics:
Sixth grade athletics will:
• Focus more on skill development.
• Pay special attention to teaching the specific sport rules and etiquette.
• Spread playing time among more players (playing time still will not be guaranteed or evenly administered).
• Try to keep more participants and only cut when absolutely necessary.
• Nurture enjoyment for sport among players while focusing on fundamentals.
• Keep rules and expectations simple while developing responsibility, discipline, and work ethic in the participants.
Seventh/Eighth grade athletics will:
• Expect an advanced level of ability and training.
• Emphasize skill development along with winning as primary goals.
• The competitive nature of playing for championships requires higher expectations of athletes.
• Athletes will be expected to be responsible, disciplined, and have strong work ethics.
