Gates Chili Central School District

Varsity competition is the culmination of every athletics program. It is vital that each team member has a role and understands the importance of that role. The number of roster positions is relative to a student’s acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of team goals. While contest participation over the course of the season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. A sound attitude and advanced skills are prerequisites for varsity team participation, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment often extends into school breaks. Student-athletes are expected to give priority to their in-season school team when it conflicts with an outside activity.

The junior varsity level is intended for student-athletes who demonstrate that they have the potential of developing into productive varsity-level athletes. Student-athletes are expected to make a visible commitment to the program, team and continued self-development. To this end, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play, as well as socioemotional development. Participants at the junior varsity level are expected to prepare themselves for a six-day-a-week commitment.

The opportunity to participate in a modified sport program is available to all seventh- and eighth-graders (modified A teams are available for all seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders). Teams offered are determined by the existence of leagues, student interest, and relationship to the high school athletics program. At this level, the focus is on learning athletic skills, game rules, fundamentals of team play, socio-emotional growth and healthy competition. In order for the desired development of the adolescent athlete and team to occur, practice sessions are vital. Occasionally, practices and contests will be scheduled for Saturdays. Opportunities for meaningful contest participation for each team member will exist over the course of a season.

Gates Chili CSD, together with New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics New York, is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. Unified Sports joins students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to create athletic teams for training and competition. Participation is rooted in the principle of meaningful involvement which ensures that every player is given an opportunity to contribute to the success of his or her team through their unique skills. Inclusive activity is among the most conducive ways to break down stereotypes and foster relationships.