|
Athletics
Philosophy
Because we believe athletics is an integral part of a successful educational program, it is expected that our athletes carry a high regard for their academic standing. We believe the competitive spirit displayed on the field, court, pool, track, or rink has a direct carry-over to the experience of the classroom and beyond.
The goal of the athletic program is to field competitive teams exhibiting discipline, the desire to excel, and pride in themselves and school. Our program is intended to improve student physical skills and to promote qualities of personality, character, and leadership. We wish to encourage a healthy life-style by providing daily opportunities for physical skill enhancement, a competitive team or individual play, and organized opportunities for peer interaction in a cooperative spirit. We hope that our graduates leave Chatham High School with a profound desire for a healthy life and consider physical fitness a vital ingredient to life’s joys and successes.
Freshmen This level of interscholastic sports is for ninth grade students only. Sports conducted at this level focus on acquiring basic skills, learning game rules, the fundamentals of team play, appropriate behavior patterns, and healthy competition.
We try not to cut students at ANY level. However, if the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses a safety problem, or is problematic because of facility consideration, reducing team size may be necessary.
Junior Varsity This level of interscholastic sports is primarily for tenth and eleventh grade students. Occasionally ninth grade students who have satisfied all selective/classification requirements and are placed at this level. Junior varsity programs work towards achieving a balance between continued team and player development. Emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements of strategies of team play, in addition to social and emotional development. Members are expected to exhibit a high level of dedication and commitment with the goal of becoming a varsity athlete.
Varsity This level of interscholastic sports is the culmination of all other levels. Normally, juniors and seniors combine for the majority of the roster positions, along with any sophomores and freshmen that have developed at an advanced rate. Although cutting is not encouraged, the number of participants is determined by the need to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play a contest. A sound attitude coupled with an advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity roster.
Although the primary goal of any varsity program is to win, winning is not the only measure of success. Through participation, students acquire important qualities necessary for becoming responsible adults and productive citizens.
|
