Introduction
The Board of Education, administrators, teachers and coaches of the Fairport Central School District believe that our athletic program is one of the critical instructional programs that provide our students the teaching and learning to achieve the Fairport School District “Vision”. To reach this goal each student, parent and coach should understand the Fairport Athletic Philosophy and how our sports programs operate at each level of competition and the unique physical, competitive and learning outcomes associated with each level. To achieve success for the team and individual student-athlete, all should be committed to work together.
We know that participation in sport can result in debate over topics, such as how much emphasis should be placed on winning, playing time for student-athletes, team selection and even opportunities for athletic scholarships. The Fairport Red Raider Athletic Handbook is written for our student-athletes, parents, coaches and community. It is designed to help all involved with Fairport Athletics to maintain our commitment to providing our student-athletes with opportunities for fun, physical activity, healthy competition and learning.
I. District Vision
To cultivate creative, healthy, caring, and analytical thinkers who will compete and contribute successfully in a diverse society.
II. Athletic Philosophy
Interscholastic athletics are an integral and desirable part of the educational process of the Fairport Central School District. Individual and team sport offerings shall be based upon the District’s comprehensive Physical Education instruction and intramural activities. It is the portion of the total Physical Education program that provides advanced opportunities for those students with interest and ability in athletic activities.
The Fairport Central School District is committed to the education of the whole child. The “life lessons” that are taught through athletic participation allow us to nurture both the athletic talents and the social-emotional well-being of our student-athletes.
The District’s goal is to develop a competitive athletic program that does not lose sight of the educational values of sportsmanship, team work, health and scholastic achievement. It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory, but the number of victories is only one criterion when determining the success of a season. Guiding the team and each individual to attain their maximum potential is the ultimate goal.
III. Levels of Competition
Modified B
The Modified B level is designed for students in grades 7 and 8. This level of competition gives students their first opportunity to participate in our district’s athletic program and prepares them as student-athletes by emphasizing personal enjoyment, sportsmanship and healthy competition, the fundamentals of team play and responsibilities of being on a team, development of individual athletic skills, learning of game rules, and physical conditioning.
At this developmental level the focus is on the social and emotional growth of each student-athlete, providing age-appropriate physical demands, and maximizing participation and individual playing time under modified rules specific to this level. At the modified level exclusion of students from our athletic program is not our preferred policy. However, if the number of students trying out for a team(s) creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses safety issues, or is problematic because of facility considerations, reducing team roster size by “cutting” may be necessary.
Modified A
The Modified A level is designed primarily for students in grade 9, but by NYSPHSAA rules students in grades 7 and 8 are also eligible. This level of competition continues to emphasize personal enjoyment, sportsmanship and healthy competition, the fundamentals of team play, development of individual athletic skills, learning of game rules and strategies, and physical conditioning.
This program prepares student-athletes by continuing their physical, social-emotional and mental development in a competitive environment that maximizes participation and individual playing time under modified rules specific to this level. At the modified level, the exclusion of students from our athletic program is not our preferred policy. However, if the number of students trying out for a team(s) creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses safety issues, or is problematic because of facility considerations, reducing team roster size by “cutting” may be necessary.
Modified Pilot Program
For the Fall of 2023 our Monroe Country Public School Athletic Conference schools will be using a pilot program for Modified Boys/Girls Soccer and Girls Volleyball. For the Winter of 2023 our Monroe County Public School Athletic Conference schools will be using a pilot program for Modified Boys/Girls Basketball. The goal of the pilot program is to create a league alignment that is more aligned with like competition to hopefully improve the interscholastic athletic experience. By NYSPHSAA rules, student athletes in grades 7, 8 and 9 are eligible for Modified Interscholastic Athletics. Sections, Leagues/Conferences and individual schools are permitted to be more restrictive. The Monroe County Public School Athletic Conference has traditionally been more restrictive with the traditional Modified A and Modified B offerings. The goal of our conference is to continue to work to provide equitable and suitable competition to the best of our ability.
Freshman
The Freshman level is designed for students in grade 9, but students in grades 7 and 8 who are recommended for and pass Selection Classification are also eligible. This level of competition continues to emphasize personal enjoyment, sportsmanship and healthy competition, while advancing the development of individual athletic skills, knowledge of game rules and sport-specific strategies, and physical conditioning. These components in combination with attitude, motivation and team play factor into making a team when cuts are made.
This program prepares student-athletes by continuing their physical, social-emotional and mental development in a competitive environment and teaching them the importance of balancing team and individual player development while striving for victory. As the game’s outcome takes on greater importance, individual playing time will become more skills-based and up to the discretion of the coach, but is still impacted by league rules specific to this level.
Junior Varsity
The Junior Varsity level is designed for students in grades 9 and 10, but students in grades 7 and 8 who are recommended for and pass Selection Classification are also eligible. At this level of competition emphasis continues to be placed on personal enjoyment, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Individual athletic skill and ability are further refined, game strategies become more advanced and physical conditioning increased. These components in combination with attitude, motivation and team play factor into making the team when cuts are made.
This program prepares the student-athletes for the Varsity level by continuing their physical, social-emotional and mental development in a competitive environment while helping them develop a clearer understanding of what it means to compete, as well as the important and different role each individual plays in the success of a team. Though winning is a more focused goal, finding opportunities for individual student-athletes to play during the season is an expectation; however playing time is influenced by skill level, motivation and attitude, and at the discretion of the coach.
Varsity
The Varsity level is designed for students in grades 10, 11 and 12, but students in grades 9 are eligible, as are those in grades 7 and 8 who are recommended for and pass Selection Classification. This level of competition is the culmination of our district’s athletic program and along with continued individual physical, social-emotional and mental development, the goal is to prepare to win and to strive for victory in every contest while continuing to emphasize personal enjoyment, team play, sportsmanship and healthy competition.
In this program a sound attitude, strong motivation, an advanced level of skill and knowledge of game strategy, and good physical conditioning are determinants for making the team and for earning playing time. While at the Varsity level we strive to help student-athletes understand their individual role and importance to the team’s success; neither making a team nor a specified amount of playing time is ever guaranteed as both are at the discretion of the coach.
IV. Special Considerations
A. Cuts
Though exclusion of students from athletic participation is not preferred policy, unfortunately there are times a student may face a situation where he/she does not make a team. Team selection will be determined by a pre-identified process and timeline. This process will involve review by multiple coaches and the criteria will evaluate athletic skill, sport specific skill and knowledge, and teamwork. When a student is not selected, the coach will meet with them individually to explain why he/she did not make the team. It is understood that this is a very difficult time for students, families and coaches, but communication is critically important to the learning process.
B. Athletic Placement Process
The New York State Education Department has developed a process for screening seventh and eighth grade students to determine their readiness to safely tryout for and possibly compete on a Freshman, Junior Varsity or Varsity team. Criteria are established by the State and must be met to be eligible for a team tryout. These criteria include: a school coach’s recommendation, parental approval, medical clearance, appropriate developmental rating, passing the physical performance test and the coach’s skill evaluation.
C. “Playing Up”
It is typically in the best interest of the program and each individual student-athlete to play with like-aged peers, as such placement develops individual and team skill, team chemistry and team commitment. However, Fairport administrators, teachers and coaches believe that select, highly skilled student-athletes can benefit from team participation at an upper level of competition. When these situations occur, the discussion regarding “playing up” and Selection Classification begins with an analysis of the traits and abilities of the student-athlete by district coaches and the athletic director. Should the coaches and athletic director agree that the student-athlete exhibits exceptional athletic skill and maturity, then parents will be consulted and when necessary the Selection Classification process is initiated.
The final decision to have a student-athlete participate at an upper level of competition is based on a variety of factors and is unique to each situation and sport, but when balancing the benefit to team versus individual, the priority is what is best for the student-athlete.
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