Athletics & Activities

Garfield Re-2 Athletic Philosophy:
 

It is this school district’s philosophy that all athletic programs are an extension of the classroom and that learning is the “primary” objective for each program.

We believe that…
 

• Athletic programs promote leadership training, mental and physical health, self-discipline, and responsibility.
• Athletic programs provide a positive alternative to drug and alcohol related activities.
• Athletic programs have a positive effect on the general school climate.
• Athletic programs are responsible for a significant number of students graduating from high school.
• All participation should be voluntary.
• There is value in promoting healthy competition between individuals and teams.
• Athletic programs provide a good balance between individual efforts and team cooperation.
• Athletic programs are an important integral part of the total school.
• Athletic programs should provide equal and equitable opportunities to both boys and girls. 

Athletic programs should be as beneficial as possible for student participants.  Such programs should complement the total educational environment.  This policy shall serve as the philosophical framework for athletic participation at the middle school, freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels.  For purposes of this policy, philosophy shall be defined as the set of fundamental beliefs that serve as a foundation for reaching sound, consistent decisions and guidelines.

RE-2 Athletic Goals:
 

The Garfield RE-2 School District supports the concept that a wide variety of athletics should be made available to all students.  However, participation in athletics is a “privilege” not a right.  Athletics should be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines..

• To emphasize sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
• To show courtesy and establish good relationships with visiting teams and officials.
• To respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials as well as the rights of others.
• To develop leadership and good judgment by the players on the team.
• To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the individual players.
• To remind everyone that an athletic contest is only a game – not a matter of life or death for a player, coach, school, official, fan, or community member.
• To promote an understanding of the rules essential to playing the game and emphasize the value of playing by the rules.
• To improve the individual’s ability to work within the framework of a team. To demonstrate and appreciate the values of teamwork.

Athletes and parents should remember that their schools and their coaches devote a considerable amount of time and resources to provide them with an interscholastic athletic program.  For this reason, athletes owe them and their teammates a great deal of loyalty.  Athletes should relinquish their place on the team if they believe they cannot be loyal to their school, coaches, themselves and their team.