JJI - RSU 21 PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS

JJI - RSU 21 PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS

1. Board Perspective on the Value of Athletics.
   The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) Board recognizes the value of athletics as an integral part of the educational program (subject to criteria met through JJJ - Academic Eligibility).  Learning in sports is closely related to learning in the classroom, supporting the Guiding Principles of Maine’s System of Learning Results.  In competition and practice, student athletes learn skills, strategies, the foundations of healthy relationships, leadership, self-discipline and responsibility.  They also learn the importance of setting goals for themselves and the team, and planning how to achieve those goals.
   
   The Board also believes that participation in sports is related to physical and emotional health and fitness.  Sports provide the incentive for developing and maintaining healthy bodies and active minds.  Sports promote habits of exercise and good nutrition that can last a lifetime.  Participation in sports builds self-confidence and a sense of personal responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices.  Being part of a team also creates a feeling of belonging and offers a supportive network that contributes to emotional well-being. 
2. Requirement for Developmentally Appropriate Athletic Programs.
   Based on these beliefs, it is the Board’s intent that the school unit offer students the opportunity to experience developmentally sound athletic programs.

1. High School.
   At the high school level, interscholastic athletic programs will be designed to serve the needs of students who have shown that they are developmentally ready for intense competitive experiences.  At this level, the purpose of athletic programs is to promote healthy competition, sportsmanship, cooperation, integrity and citizenship.  Whenever feasible, junior varsity or freshman programs will be available to students who wish to learn a new sport.  The Board also supports intramural sports as a way to involve students who are not competing in interscholastic activities. 
2. Middle School. 
   At the middle school level, the school unit’s athletic programs will be designed to meet the developmental needs of students through appropriate intramural and interscholastic activities.  At this level, athletic programs will emphasize exploration of various sports, the strengthening of fundamental skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and health and safety.  It is the Board’s intent that the programs promote opportunities for involvement of all team members in practices and play.  The Board supports intramural activities 
   1. for students not participating in interscholastic activities or 
   2. when financial, staffing or other concerns require the school to limit the number of students participating in interscholastic activities.

C. Specific Board and Superintendent Responsibilities re: Athletic Programs.
The Board will be responsible for approving the school sponsorship of interscholastic athletic programs.  The Superintendent or his/her/their designee (e.g., Athletic Director) shall be responsible for making recommendations concerning the approval of new athletic programs or the modification or elimination of existing programs.  The Board may articulate, through policy, criteria to be considered in decision-making or may delegate the responsibility for developing such criteria to the Superintendent/designee.   

Cross References:
JJ - Formation of New Programs
JJJ/JJIC - Academic Eligibility
JJIB—Authorization of Athletic Programs
JJIBA—Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches
JJIBB—Sportsmanship
JJIBC—Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA)

Adopted: 01/14/2008
Reviewed: 04/26/2010
Revised: 01/04/2016

Reviewed: 06/16/2025