I. Purpose of Policy

Athletic programs serve an educational purpose in the lives of the district’s students. The primary educational purpose of which is the development of good sportsmanship. The Hartford School Board supports the development and implementation of practices and procedures that promote sportsmanship at athletic and other competitive events.

II. Policy Scope

This policy applies to;

• All players participating in a Hartford athletic event.
• All student fans attending a Hartford athletic event.
• All coaches of Hartford athletic teams.
• All adult spectators in attendance at a Hartford athletic event.
• All Hartford staff and administrators responsible for oversight of a Hartford athletic event.

III. Definitions

Sportsmanship The understanding that a sport or activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one's competitors.

IV. Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Hartford School District that all student athletes, spectators, coaches, faculty and staff associated with a Hartford School District sponsored athletic team or event promote and demonstrate good sportsmanship as follows:

• Administrators must insist that good sportsmanship is the goal and set the tone for the implementation of its good practice. As such, administrators are responsible for ensuring that the Sportsmanship Policy is communicated and upheld in keeping with the Sportsmanship Procedures.

• Coaches have the responsibility of making each athletic contest a showcase for education. They are expected to be models of self-control and dignity for both players and spectators.

• Players are expected to project good sportsmanship in the activities in which they participate.

• Student fans must be reminded that their conduct reflects on their school, and that poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

• Adult spectators must realize that they also must exhibit good sportsmanship at athletic events.  They serve as a model for their own children and for other young people in the community. They need to demonstrate self-control, dignity and respect for others while attending athletic events.

• The School Board will support staff and administrators who enforce sportsmanship rules at athletic and other competitive events, including ejecting students or adults who violate the district policy.

Specific behaviors, ethical standards and program evaluation expectations associated with this policy are outlined in the Sportsmanship Procedures.

V.  References

^[2] See 16 V.S.A. 1121 for legally acceptable excuses.

^[3] See 16 V.S.A. 1122.