Spackenkill Athletic Program

Athletic Orientation Night 2014Marco R. LanzoniDirector of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

Did you know?710 students (7th – 12th grade)

participate on our 46 interscholastic teams over three seasons

13’-14’ teams won 4 divisional titles, 3 league and 3 section championships

Baseball - won 4 consecutive Section 9 championships

Girls’ Soccer - won 3 consecutive Section 9 championships

Girls’ Tennis - won 3 consecutive league championships

Did you know?144 MHAL Scholar Athletes (90 or

above in-season average)16 out of our 18 varsity teams

qualified as NYS Scholar Athlete Teams

Spackenkill has a full-time Athletic Trainer Don McChesney – 845-705-3204

Boys’ Basketball and Volleyball won Sportsmanship Awards presented by their respective officials associations

Sports OfferingsFALLCross Country (B&G)Soccer (B&G)CheerleadingField HockeyFootballVolleyballGirls’ Tennis (Varsity Only)Golf (Varsity Only)

46 Teams54 Coaches

WINTERBasketball (B&G)Cheerleading Indoor Track (Varsity

Only)

SPRINGTrack and Field (B&G)BaseballSoftballCrew Boys’ Tennis (Varsity

Only)

NYSPHSAA Geography – 11Sections

Section 9* Dutchess County * Orange County* Ulster County* Sullivan County

Section 9 - divided into two league

Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association

(OCIAA) 2014-2015 Mid Hudson Athletic League

(MHAL)Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4

Wallkill New Paltz Spackenkill MillbrookFDR Highland Onteora Pine PlainsPoughkeepsie Rondout Dover WebutuckSaugerties Red Hook Ellenville Rhinebeck

Marlboro Coleman

NYSPHSAA Competition - Titles

Signups and Start Dates2014 -2015

Signups:Fall – May 2014 Winter – October 2014Spring – February 2015

Start Dates:Fall (Varsity/JV) Aug. 18 (Mod) Sept.

3 Winter (Varsity/JV) Nov. 10 (Mod) Nov. 17 Spring (Varsity/JV) Mar. 9 (Mod) Mar. 16

Medical ClearanceStudents interested in playing/trying out for a sport

must have proper medical clearance◦ Parent Permission/Health Appraisal Form◦ Sports Physical

All completed forms are submitted to Nurse’s Office◦ Make sure you SIGN all forms you turn in◦ Submit forms ASAP

Where can I get forms?◦ Nurse’s Office◦ Athletic Office◦ Athletic Website

Concussion ProtocolCoach and/or Athletic Trainer assess

injuryIf a concussion is suspected the

student is removed from physical activity immediately

Student must be seen by a physicianIf diagnosed with a concussion the

student must have a note allowing them to return to school (academics)

Concussion ProtocolOnce symptom free for 24 hours

they may set an appointment to be seen by the school physician to get cleared for physical activity

Once cleared by the school physician the student must follow a minimum of 5 day return to play protocol

www.spackenkillschools.org/athletics/concussion

Selection ClassificationState mandated process for

screening 7th and 8th grade students to determine their readiness to compete at the high school level by evaluation of their physical maturity, fitness and skill

For mature exceptionally skilled students

Students recommended by the Head Coach, PE teacher or Athletic Director

Values of Interscholastic AthleticsNational statistic - High School

athletes have higher grades, lower dropout rates and attend college more often than non-athletes

Student-athletes have a higher grade point average than non-athletes and are absent from school fewer days per year◦Spackenkill - (13’-14’) 144 athletes

maintained a 90 or above in-season average this year

Philosophy of ProgramWe believe interscholastic athletics help provide

students insight into many life experiences including:• Responsibility and cooperation• Sportsmanship and respect for authority• Good citizenship and loyalty• Success and accomplishment as well as

disappointment and failureAs a result, interscholastic athletics is a privilege and

not a right• Athletes need to earn their place on a team• Athletes are not entitled to membership and need to

demonstrate a commitment to participation

Philosophy of Program Levels

Modified – 7th and 8th grade◦ Introduction to the dynamics of interscholastic athletic

teams◦ Fundamentals/skill development vs. competitive emphasis◦ Each athlete receives playing time when team

expectations are met and safety is not compromised◦ Rotation system for some programs (i.e. basketball,

football) Junior Varsity (JV)

◦ Refining skills◦ Preparation for the Varsity level and program success◦ Increased emphasis on competition and performance◦ Attaining maximum potential = Success. Not just victories◦ Playing time dependent on skill set and meeting team

expectations

Philosophy of Program LevelsVarsity

◦Sum is greater than its parts – Program success is paramount

◦Athletes who provide the program its best opportunity for success

◦Attaining maximum potential = Success

◦Playing time dependent on skill set and meeting team expectations

Reality of High School AthleticsOnly 2% of graduation seniors

nationwide receive athletic scholarships1% of the 2% mentioned above go on

to professional athletic careersManage expectations

MS/HS Sports – Enjoy the Moment!If athletics provide your son/daughter

an entrance to an institution they might not have normally qualified for then it served them well

Team RequirementsCommitment –attendance for

practice/gamesAcademic responsibilityAppropriate behaviorPositive attitudeRespect for sport, self and othersSportsmanshipEffort and work ethicVarsity/JV – practice/games over holiday

breaks

Modified Practice ScheduleWhen school is in session

◦Monday – Friday 3pm to 5pm (generally)◦2:30pm to 3pm extra help available with teachers

The length of the practice is up to the discretion of the individual coach.

Some teams may practice on SaturdaysShuttles transport athletes to practice

facilities off-campus◦High School◦Nassau Elementary◦Casperkill ◦Poughkeepsie Boathouse

How Parents Can HelpEncourage your student-athletes to work

hard and understand the various roles on a team

Model supportive, positive and appropriate behaviors at contests towards officials, coaches, athletes and fans

Be supportive of your child’s coach at home◦Kids learn their behavior from you

Respect a coach and team’s work environment and space◦Benches, dugouts, etc.◦Modified vs. Rec Program transition

How Parents Can HelpEmpower your child to approach his/her

coach and engage in discussion if they have a concern

Prepare your child that he/she may not hear an answer they like – help them understand/strategize, not make excuses

Help your child manage his/her time and not have their time overcommitted

Read the Student-Parent Athlete Handbook together before signing

Please pick your son or daughter up on time from practice or returning from away trips

Helpful Websiteswww.spackenkillschools.org/athletics

www.sectionixathletics.orghttp://mhal.info/index2.htmlhttp://www.nysphsaa.org/

MemoriesMemories

Questions