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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

JJIB - AUTHORIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

  • Section J: Students

JJIB - AUTHORIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

  1. Purpose
    The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) Board of Directors is committed to providing a diverse array of developmentally appropriate athletic opportunities that maximize student participation and engagement. This policy establishes a framework for evaluating, sanctioning, and sustaining athletic programs. By balancing community interest with the district’s fiscal and logistical resources, the Board ensures that all sanctioned sports maintain high standards of quality, safety, accessibility, and long-term viability.
     
  2. Definitions:
    1. Sanctioning: The process whereby the District adopts an athletic program as a school extracurricular activity and accepts some level of responsibility for coordinating and supporting the activity. There are three levels of sanctioning:
      1. Club sport: This is the first level of sanctioning. The District arranges scheduling (practice and interscholastic), transportation, fields and liability insurance coverage. The District also approves and evaluates coaches. The club itself or an affiliated booster organization is responsible for all costs of the program except the cost of insurance.
      2. School sport: This is the second level of sanctioning. The District assumes the responsibilities listed above for a club sport. In addition, it hires and evaluates coaches and pays for varsity and junior varsity (if any) coaches, transportation, and fields (except ice hockey, where costs for ice time may be shared between the district and the affiliated booster organization). The District may also pay for the costs of officials.
      3. School-sponsored sport: This is the final level of sanctioning. The District assumes all the responsibilities listed above for a school sport. In addition, the District pays for some or all of the activity's uniforms and equipment. The level of responsibility for uniforms and equipment may vary from activity to activity depending on the costs involved and the individual agreement between the District and any affiliated booster organization that shares costs for the activity.
         
  3. Authorization of New Programs
    In accordance with Policy JJ and regulation JJ - R, any proposed new athletic program or change in sanctioning level must be presented by the Superintendent or designee to the Board for formal authorization.
    1. Proposal Rubric: As indicated in JJ - R, a comprehensive programs proposal rubric must be completed in full to provide the Board with adequate data for an accountable decision.
    2. Review Process: The completed rubric shall be submitted to the Superintendent for review prior to being forwarded to the Board.
    3. Documentation: A summary of the proposal, key findings from the rubric, and relevant supporting documents shall be provided to the Board.
    4. Restriction: To ensure district-wide equity, fiscal accountability, and proper liability coverage, no activities related to a proposed program may occur until the Board has granted formal authorization. This restriction includes, but is not limited to:
      1. Recruitment: Formal or informal meetings, "interest" sign-up drives, or the distribution of promotional materials identifying the activity as an RSU 21 program.
      2. Fundraising: Any collection of monies, grant applications, or solicitation of sponsorships under the school or district name.
      3. Organized Practice: Any coached sessions, "informal" captain-led practices on school grounds, tryouts, or clinics.
      4. Financial Commitments: The purchase of uniforms, equipment, or the booking of facilities and officials.
         
  4. Factors in Decision Making and Evaluation
    In making sanctioning decisions or evaluating existing programs, the Athletic Director and the Board shall consider the following factors:
    1. Equity: Compliance with Title IX and equitable access to athletic opportunities for all students.
    2. Sustainability: Presence of a feeder system at lower grade levels indicative of community support.
    3. Governance: Sponsorship by the Maine Principals Association (MPA).
    4. Participation: Current or projected student participation rates.
    5. Personnel: Availability of qualified coaches willing to meet district standards.
    6. Infrastructure: Availability of facilities without creating undue hardship for existing teams.
    7. Fiscal Impact: Total projected cost to the district per student.
    8. Context: Other athletic or non-athletic activities currently awaiting sanctioning.
       
  5. Regulation and Administrative Procedures for Evaluation
    The Superintendent, in consultation with the Athletic Director, shall establish a formal administrative procedure (JJIB - R) for the systematic evaluation of athletic offerings.

Legal References:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.); 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (2020 Title IX regulations)

Cross References:

AC - Non Discrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

JJ - Formation of New Programs

JJI – Philosophy of Athletics

JJIB - R - Procedures for Athletic Program Authorization and Evaluation

JJIBA – Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches

JJIBB – Sportsmanship

JJIBC – Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA)

KF - Use of Facilities

Adopted: 01/04/2008

Revised: 01/04/2016

Revised: 06/01/2026

 

  • Section J