PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

 

 

The Portsmouth School Department is a learning environment guided by the dreams and desires of its community, and the mission statement of the school.  The intent of the Portsmouth athletic philosophy is to complement and support the above wishes.

 

Athletics is a unique medium in which young people have the opportunity in a variety of activities to develop talents and skills, which may not be developed in any other medium of the school environment.  Through athletics, many students are able to complete a well-rounded education during their years at school.

 

While our society places great emphasis on athletics and sports, it is the intention of the Portsmouth Athletic Department to have all students understand the complementary, not dominating role athletics plays in their school, as well as providing an avenue for increased fitness and health.  It is also the intent of the school to have all athletes in the athletic program understand that successful participation in athletics can only exist if there is successful participation in the classroom.  Without a primary and strong commitment to academics in a school, any athletic success is superficial and tainted.

 

Extra curricular activities, such as athletics, are a source of representation for the Portsmouth community.  The Portsmouth school understands its responsibility to represent the community in the most distinguishing manner possible.

 

 

 

SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS

 

Success in athletics, like success in life, is a frame of mind.  More players fail mentally than physically.  The young player, who acquires a proper mental attitude towards athletics and along with it realizes that the most successful players are made, not born, will be on the road to success and should have no difficulty in becoming reasonably adept at any game they play.

 

The road to development of one’s best self is not easy.  It is especially difficult for the player who thinks success can be attained by some “hocus-pocus” method.  If a young player is willing to work both physically and mentally and give the various suggestions that follow an honest try; this player will develop talents to a high degree and have the time of their life doing it.

 

A player must resolve to be honest with himself/herself and pursue the course to the very end if this player hopes to acquire mental attitudes that will prove beneficial both in athletics and in life.  The payoff in athletics goes to the player who aspires to be outstanding and does not overlook any detail that contributes to success.  This player pays special attention to weakness, keeps an open mind, and tests those ideas that this player is inclined to doubt.

 

Failure is the lot of the player who thinks he knows all the answers.  Success comes to the player who is inclined to listen to wise counsel.

 

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

 

Good players haven’t got time to play dirty, use questionable tactics, and question officials’ decisions.  They do not commit intentional fouls gripe about their coach or teammates, think about “getting even” with their opponent, use bad language, fly into a temper tantrum, make a show of themselves and end up getting their team into trouble.  Good players are too busy playing a good game.

 

Your student athlete not represents their school, but also represents their family, their coaches and their teammates.  Remember that their opponent is their guest when they play at “home” and they are guests when they play “on the road.”  In either case a good team player is at their best whether they are the “host” or the “guest.”

 

Please respect the officials.  They know the game and have been trained to officiate.  Officials do not change call s because of something a player of spectator said.  When you question an official, or are demonstrative about a call, you make him look bad before the entire crowd.  Most officials never forget, and close calls never go your way after that.  So, BE SMART and get on with playing the game.

 

We encourage your child to respect other teams’ coaches and players.  They are trying their best to win as well.  Make no negative remarks about coaching, tactics or the players in general – it will only provide motivation for them.

 

Encourage your child to play hard, play within the rules, and respect all that are involved in the game.  Appreciate those that have made this moment possible for your child.  Understand that this is still a game and is supposed to be enjoyable.  If you and your child keep these things in mind, then you will truly know what SPORTSMANSHIP is.

 

 

                        ATHLETIC REGULATIONS

 

Any student at Portsmouth High School who participates in any athletic sport is expected to abide by the following regulations.  These regulations are set down for uniformity.  These regulations should be read prior to the start of each athletic season that a student is involved in.  The coach may set additional regulations forth.

 

       Specific duties and responsibilities of an athlete include:

 

1.                Having a complete physical examination by a physician as an entering freshman.  This physical MUST be dated June 1 or later.  Physicals are good for two years.  No student may practice unless a physical is on record in the Athletic Department.  A health update MUST be secured on the year a physical is not required IF a pre-existing injury or condition has occurred.

2.                Having a parent or guardian’s written approval to participate in the sport.

3.                Showing evidence of being covered by family accident insurance or student insurance.

4.                Maintaining academic eligibility as stated in the NHIAA Eligibility Rules.  The student handbook covers this in detail.

5.                Conducting themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, their families and Portsmouth High School.

6.                Being responsible for the care to the equipment issued to him/her.  Loss or willful damage of equipment, which has been issued to a player, will necessitate restitution to the school.

7.                Attending all practices unless excused in advance by the coach, or be absent because of illness.

In the event that a player is absent from school on the day of a game or practice this player will not be allowed to participate unless the parent or guardian to the administration communicates a valid excuse.

8.                Informing the coach, before the season begins, of any planned periods of absence from the team.  This would include such activities as college visitations, international exchanges and family vacations.

9.                Attending all practices and games, including during regularly scheduled school vacation, if they wish to be considered for the varsity team.

10.           Abiding by the dress and appearance code set down by the school and the coach.

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

It is the duty of all concerned with high school athletic programs to:

 

1.    Cultivate awareness that participation in high school athletics is part of the total education experience.

2.    Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play as they relate to the lifetime impact on the participants and spectators.

3.    Develop an awareness and understanding of all rules and guidelines governing competition, both in letter and intent, and to comply with them in all activities.

4.    Recognize that the purpose of athletics in school programs is to develop and promote physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of individual participants.

5.    Avoid any practice or technique, which would endanger the present or future welfare or safety of a participant.

6.    Avoid practices, which force students to specialize, or which would restrict them from participation in a variety of athletics.

7.    Refrain from making disparaging remarks to opponents, officials, coaches, or spectators in any aspect of school athletics.

8.    Encourage the development of proper health habits and vigorously discourage the use of chemicals, including alcohol and tobacco.

9.    Exemplify proper self-control at all times; accept adverse decisions without public display of emotion or dissatisfaction.

10.           Encourage everyone to judge the true success of the athletic program on the basis of the attitude of the participants and spectators, rather than on the basis of a win or loss.

11.           Treat opposing team members and officials respectfully and encourage behavior, which will create positive relationships between schools.

 

 

 

THE KEY TO PEAK PERFORMANCE

 

The role that parents play in the PARENTAL SUPPORT life of an athlete has a tremendous impact on their experience.  With this in mind, here are some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach an upcoming season. 

 

1.                LET THE COACHES COACH: Leave the coaching to the coaches.  This includes motivating, psyching your child for practice, after game critiquing, setting goals, requiring additional training, etc.  You have entrusted the care of your student athlete to these coaches and they need to be free to do their job.  If a player has too many coaches, it is confusing for them and their performance usually declines.

 

2.                SUPPORT THE PROGRAM: Get involved. Volunteer.  Help out with fundraisers, car-pooling, anything to support the program.

 

3.                IS YOUR CHILD’S BEST FAN: Support your child unconditionally.  Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly.  Your child should NEVER have to perform to win your love.

 

4.                SUPPORT AND ROOT FOR ALL PLAYERS ON THE TEAM: Foster Teamwork.  Your child’s teammates are not the enemy.  When they are playing better than your child is, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to learn.

 

5.                DO NOT BRIBE OR OFFER INCENTIVES: Your job is NOT to motivate.  Leave this to the coaching staff.  Bribes will distract your child from properly concentrating in practice and game situations.

 

6.                ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO TALK WITH THE COACHES: If your child is having difficulties in practice or games, or can’t make a practice, etc. encourage THEM to speak directly to the coaches.  The “responsibility taking” is a big part of becoming a big-time player.  By handling the off-field tasks, your child is claiming ownership of all aspects of the game preparation for as well as playing the game.

 

7.                UNDERSTAND AND DISPLAY APPROPRIATE GAME BEHAVIOR: Remember, your child’s self-esteem and game performance is at stake.  Be supportive, cheer, and be appropriate.  To perform to the best of their abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that they can control (fitness, positioning, decision-making skills, skill, and aggressiveness, what the game is presenting them.)  If they start focusing on what they can NOT control (the referee, the weather, the opponent, and even the outcome of the game at times); they will not play up to their ability.  If they hear a lot of people telling them what to do or yelling at the referee it diverts their attention away from the task at hand.

 

8.                MONITOR YOUR CHILD’S STRESS LEVEL AT HOME: Keep an eye on your child to make sure that they are handling stress effectively from the various activities in life.

 

9.                MONITOR EATING AND SLEEPING HABITS: Be sure your child is eating the proper foods and getting adequate rest.  Also be sure they are hydrating frequently with water especially during the heat of pre-season.

 

10.           HELP YOUR CHILD KEEP HIS PRIORITIES STRAIGHT: Help your child maintain a focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other things in life besides athletics.  Also, if your child has made a commitment to be involved in athletics, help them to fulfill their obligation to the team.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

1.                According to school policy, your child MUST attend classes at all times or they will not be eligible to play or practice.  Your child NEEDS to be in school prior to 9:00 AM each day or they MAY NOT practice or play.

 

2.                Transportation to and from athletic contests will be by bus.  ALL players MUST travel to and from the games with the team unless excused by the Athletic Director.  A note from parents is necessary, and must be signed by the Athletic Director.  Excuses will be granted ONLY in emergencies.

 

3.                Please be ON TIME when picking up your child following practices and games.  It is always easier to be here waiting.

 

4.                If you seeking directions to a contest please feel free to contact the Athletic Department and we will be happy to either fax or place on the table in the coach’s office for you to pick up.