Philosophy/Ethics

 

Athletics play an important part in the life of Hempfield Area students.  Young people learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics.  Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and winning and losing gracefully are an integral part of each team in our athletic program.  Athletics also play an important part in helping the individual student develop a healthy self-concept as well as a healthy body.  Athletic competition adds to our school spirit and helps all students, spectators, and participants develop pride in their school.

 

Athletics functions as an integral part of the curriculum.  It offers the opportunity to serve the school, to assist in the development of fellowship and good will, to promote self-realization and all-around growth, and to encourage the learning of good citizenship qualities. 

 

The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board of Education policies.  While the Board of Education takes great pride in winning, it does not condone "winning at any cost" and discourages any and all pressures, which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and good mental health.

 

The intent of the athletic program in Hempfield Area is to provide opportunities for each student to participate and compete in some form of athletics at a level appropriate to the student's ability.  Hempfield Area School District believes that participation in athletics is a wholesome, worthwhile educational experience for all students.  To win fairly and to accept the frustration of losing in a mature, sportsmanlike manner provides enduring lessons.  A strong athletic program provides an opportunity for students to learn this lesson.

 

 

Athletics should foster clean sports.  It is the privilege and duty of every person connected with athletics to exemplify high standards in his/her own actions and advocate them in others.  This includes the coaches, players, fans, administrators and officials.

 

Some guidelines that are expected at Hempfield Area include the following:

 

Unsportsmanlike or unfair means to gain an advantage are not to be used.

Student spectators represent their school as well as the players and should conduct themselves accordingly.

Decisions of the officials are to be abided by, even if they seem unfair.

Visiting teams are to be treated as guests of the home team.

Good points in others should be appreciated and suitable recognition given for outstanding achievement.

The practice of "booing" is regarded as discourteous and unsportsmanlike.