In our society today athletics and athletes have become a focal point. The media hype has exposed almost everyone to a wide variety of athletic events and performances. Anyone who has seen football, basketball, volleyball, golf, etc. has developed a certain "expertise" in that particular sport. The media have done a tremendous job of marketing their product to enable the consumer to watch the attainment of "excellence" in virtually every sport. The unfortunate result of this constant hype is that many parents expect the same for their son or daughter. This is an understandable desire, but one that is not realistic for a student in a school athletic program and often results in unrealistic expectations from both parents and students. As a result this creates undue pressure on the parent, athlete, coach, school, and community. The person most affected is the student/athlete. The school has a responsibility to create the best environment possible to try to insure athletics are kept in the proper perspective. To that end the athletic program will take its place alongside of, but will not overshadow, the educational program.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the Algona Community School District's athletic program is to:
Strive for excellence that will produce highly competitive teams and promote educational values appropriate to athletics. The athletic program provides opportunities that will prepare students to strive for success in the contemporary world. This preparation should include:
a. physical, mental, and emotional growth and development;
b. acquisition and development of special skills in activities of each student's choice.
c. team play with development of such traits as cooperation, sense of fair play, and loyalty; and
d. the development of self-discipline, self-motivation, dedication, leadership, and the ideals of good sportsmanship.
The seventh grade program trains the players in the basic fundamentals of the game and introduces basic offenses and defenses. The volleyball, football, basketball, wrestling, and track programs interscholastic. The main emphasis at the 7th grade level will be on participation. However, when an A game and a B game are played, the emphasis will be on competition in the A game and participation in the B game.
The eighth grade program contains interscholastic competition in all sports. Basic skills taught in the seventh grade will be refined. The main emphasis at the eighth grade level will be on participation. However, when an A game and a B game are played, the emphasis will be on competition in the A game and participation in the B game.
Any player from grades nine through twelve is eligible for varsity competition. Junior varsity competition is available to students in grades nine through eleven while only ninth graders may participate on ninth grade teams. Only tenth grade students may participate on tenth grade teams. In determining placement on a given team, there is NO priority placed on the grade level of the student, only on the qualities they display as written above.
The ninth grade program expands the number of contests played during the middle school program. By the ninth grade some of the players will possess more talent in terms of the fundamental skills and offensive and defensive schemes. Therefore, while an effort is made to play as many players as possible, the more advanced players will get the majority of the playing time.
The junior varsity program will continue to develop players and utilize those players who show the greatest ability in a variety of skill areas. Specialization of players in terms of fulfilling a role on a team will become more evident at this level. Those who are more able will be the primary players for the team.
The varsity team is for those who possess and demonstrate the necessary athletic skills and perform them both in practice and competition. Players who display excellent leadership and/or enthusiasm may well have an advantage when skill levels appear to be quite equal. Specialization is often a necessity at this level and players will be used in specific roles for the benefit of the entire team.
Date of Adoption:
February 10, 1992
Date of Review:
October 5, 2005
Date of Revisions:
October 12, 2020
