| Whitmore Lake Public Schools |
| Administrative Guidelines |
2431B - PLAYING TIME FOR ATHLETES
The athletic policy of the Board of Education states that interscholastic athletics should provide for the development of life-long attitudes and values toward doing one's best, strong team work, fair play, and good sportsmanship.
The District's purpose and, therefore, each coach's purpose for students participating in athletics is to stress the importance of physical fitness throughout life, to help students develop the attitudes and values indicated above, and to practice a mind-set and behaviors related to respect for opponents, coaches, officials, teammates, and spectators. Although winning is a desirable goal and something to strive for, it should not overshadow the educational purposes of athletics and the positive impact athletic activity can have on developing ethical, productive, and well-rounded citizens.
Since learning comes from doing, it is essential that coaches place participation by the maximum number of students as the top priority for their athletic teams. To that end, the following guidelines will apply:
| A. | Middle School Level or Below | |
| Equal practice and playing time for all participants, regardless of the potential impact on the outcome of the game. Playing time implies the opportunity for students to participate in all positions or skill areas of the sport. | ||
| B. | Junior Varsity | |
| Equal practice time and the expectation of earned playing time determined for each game. Some playing time for all participants during the season for those who have earned it, regardless of the potential impact on the outcome of the game. |
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Earned playing time is determined each week by the coach(es) based on the student's efforts to develop skill, maintain proper condition, demonstrate positive attitudes toward the game, practice, teamwork, fair play, and winning, and abide by the rules of conduct. |
| C. | Varsity | |
| Equal practice time and only the expectation of earned playing time determined for each game. Except in a season in which a championship or tournament berth is likely, some playing time should be arranged for as many participants as possible, consistent with the criteria listed above for earned playing time. |
Each coach will be responsible for administering High School Athletic Association, League, District, and team rules in a fair, consistent, and equitable manner keeping in mind the above-stated purposes of athletics.