Sports Philosophy

Northbridge Middle School

Interscholastic Sports – Philosophy Statement
 

The Interscholastic Sports program at Northbridge Middle School exists to provide all students with the opportunity to participate, build their skill levels, and experience the positive outcomes that can result from well planned, developmentally appropriate sports programs. The emphasis of the NMS programs is on more inclusive and safer practices, which often leads to changes (e.g., rule changes, less playing time for elite athletes, no-cut policies, and fewer sports competitions each season) that could be controversial among parents, sports fans, coaches, and others. There is also less emphasis placed on win-loss records and producing championship team rather, building the team concept and developing skills – readying students for a more competitive focus in high school.

There are many positive benefits for young adolescents participating in competitive sports programs. However, when young adolescent needs and interests become secondary to pressures and unreasonable expectations from coaches, parents, the community, and even themselves, participation often has the opposite effect. Young adolescents' psychological, as well as physical, well being is a priority in NMS Interscholastic Sports program. The focus of NMS program is on helping young adolescents set goals that reflect their current interests and abilities. This makes it easier for them to emphasize improvement instead of the highly competitive aspects of sports that frequently pit one athlete against another.

The NMS Interscholastic Sports program follows a “no-cut” policy for most sports. Sports with limited playing positions (basketball, baseball, softball) may need to cut students to insure practice and playing time.  Cutting youth from sports teams in which they would like to participate can have long-term psychological effects. This elimination is based on factors beyond the control of those wishing to participate (e.g., maturational differences, capricious nature of coaches' judgments). Eliminating young adolescents from teams denies them opportunities to learn new skills, to build confidence in their abilities, and to develop positive interactions with their peers.

All NMS students are encouraged to participate in the Interscholastic Sports program. Participation is based on desire rather than just talent. Focusing on team-building and skills, student participants are expected at all practices. Participation in game situations will be based on the students attendance and focus at practice.

*Note: Some of the information in the statement is based on the National Middle School Association Policy Statement on Middle Level Interscholastic Sports.