6145.2

Instruction

Interscholastic Competition/Intramural Athletics

Within budgetary limitations, there shall be interscholastic athletic programs at the high school and middle school levels which shall be conducted in accordance with CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) rules and regulations.

The Board of Education believes individual students will benefit from opportunities to grow physically and intellectually through experiences that provide the opportunity for self-discipline and team efforts made possible through competitive interschool and intramural team and individual sports activities.

It is the Board’s policy to provide students interscholastic athletic competition in a variety of sports. Students who meet all of the eligibility requirements and comply with athletic department standards, as outlined in the student handbook, will be allowed to compete for a position in an interscholastic sport or participate in an intramural activity. Qualified personnel shall be provided for coaching and supervising interscholastic sports. In addition, it is the policy of the Board to provide intramural athletic activities as an outgrowth of class instruction in physical education commensurate with the grade level of the students involved.

Each student who chooses to participate in an interscholastic athletic program is required to have on file, in the offices of the building administrator and the Athletic Director, a certificate of consent which is signed by the parent or legal guardian. No student may start practice for any athletic team until he or she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor. This certificate of consent will be in effect for each student for each sports season.

The purpose of school athletics is both educational and recreational. The athletic program should encourage participation by as many students as possible and should be carried on with the best interests of the participant as the primary consideration. Participation should be without unreasonable interference with other obligations in the school, community, and home.

It is recognized that a well-organized and well-conducted athletic program is a potent factor in the morale of a student body and an important phase of good community-school relations.

Every possible effort shall be made to offer equal opportunities for both sexes in sports and activities which shall include life sports that a student can carry through adulthood.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-149 Qualifications for coaches of intramural and interscholastic athletics.

Straton, PPA v. St. Joseph’s High School, Bridgeport Superior Court, June 4, 1986 (12 CT 26)9/87.

Policy adopted: September 14, 2004 EAST HADDAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Moodus, Connecticut