Model High School Athletic Handbook II: Severna Park High School Athletic Handbook

Welcome!This handbook is designed to provide you with information concerning all opportunities offered by the Severna Park High School Athletic Program. While academics are the top priority, athletic participation is an integral part of a high school student's education. The main objective of our athletic program is to encourage participation, teamwork, and enjoyment of the sport. The values learned through commitment to a team effort are numerous and beneficial to all individuals as athletes and as students.This athletic handbook describes and illustrates the rules and regulations of the Severna Park High School Athletic Program and the Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) system. It addresses concerns that we have with regard to participation in team sports, as well as athletes' welfare and conduct as representatives of their teams and the school. This entire handbook must be read by both parents/guardian and athletes.Athletic Mission StatementOur mission is to provide a rigorous athletic program that complements and supports a challenging academic program by teaching students to persevere, to work well with others, and to test them.BeliefsAt Severna Park High School, we believe:* Students are our highest priority.* The dignity, worth, and self-esteem of participants should be paramount in all athletic activities.* The most important result of competition is the development of lifelong values and skills.* The athletic program is an integral part of the high school experience.* High school athletics should be fun and rewarding.* Athletic programs are most beneficial when they are competitive.* Winning is an attitude resulting from optimum preparation, concentrated effort, and a deep commitment to excel.* Well-designed athletic programs promote community and school pride.* Open communication and mutual respect among coaches, parents, and athletes provide the foundation of a successful athletic program.* Morale, satisfaction, and performance are enhanced when athletes work together as a team.* Well-qualified coaches and program administrators are important components in a successful athletic program.* Positive parent support and involvement enhance student growth and program quality.Athletic ProgramsFull season interscholastic participation may occur in the following sports:Fall Opportunities:* Field Hockey (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Football (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Golf (varsity team)* Boys' Soccer (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Girls' Soccer (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Cheerleading (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Volleyball (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Boys' & Girls' Cross-Country (varsity team)* Unified TennisWinter Opportunities:* Boys' Basketball (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Girls' Basketball (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Wrestling (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Cheerleading (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Boys' & Girls' swimming (varsity team)* Unified BowlingSpring Opportunities:* Baseball (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Softball (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Boys' & Girls' Tennis (varsity team)* Track & Field (varsity team)* Boys' & Girls' Lacrosse (varsity team, junior varsity team)* Unified BocceSquad Membership* Any student who is officially registered and attending that school may try out for a team, providing the student resides within the school attendance area or is attending with special permission of the Office of Pupil Services for AACPS. Such a tryout must be consistent with state and county policies governing athletic participation.* Student athletes are subject to all rules at the start date of the specific sport season from the first day of tryouts. …