ATHLETICS
- Introduction
The aim of athletics in Delran High School is to develop a wholesome attitude toward the school program, teams, participants and officials; to develop the qualities of loyalty, unselfishness, responsibility, cooperation, citizenship, leadership and sportsmanship; to compete successfully in a sportsmanlike manner; and to encourage the growth of morale, health and self-discipline of boys and girls.
Athletics are an important part of the overall educational program at Delran High School. Participation in athletics is a privilege available to all eligible students. This privilege carries with it serious personal responsibilities to the team, school and the community that the athlete represents. Student-athletes will understand that an emphasis on academic achievement is of primary importance and that athletic achievement is secondary to this responsibility.
Successful competitive performance in combination with educational consideration provides the cornerstone for our athletics program. At the varsity level in particular, full efforts are made to win the various competitions. Within this framework, however, all athletes are given ample opportunity to demonstrate their skill levels in order to earn starting positions on the various teams. Within their roles as team members, athletes accept the following:
- Long hours may be spent in practice with no guarantee of participation in games
- Self-discipline and cooperation with others are integral parts of competition
- Athletic Policy
The Supervisor of Athletics is appointed by the Board of Education with the recommendation of the Superintendent. He/She is responsible for the administration of the entire athletic program.
The coaching staff is appointed by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. They are responsible for implementing their individual athletic programs.
The interscholastic program of Delran High School is based upon the premise that athletics are an integral part of the educational process of the total school program. The program shall be administered in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the NJSIAA and Burlington County Scholastic League.
- Athletic Eligibility
The Board of Education has adopted as Board Policy the rules and regulations of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). The Board reviews the rules annually to ascertain that they continue to be in conformity with the objectives of the Board.
The bylaws of NJSIAA cover a broad spectrum of eligibility regulations, ranging from preserving the amateur athletic status of students to prohibiting athletic recruitment among member schools. But, the eligibility standards which are most frequently applied by NJSIAA deal with age, academic standards, the semesters of eligibility and transfers. An athlete cannot participate in interscholastic athletics if he or she has reached the age of nineteen (19) prior to September 1 of any year.
Eligibility for athletic competition is based on requirements established by NJSIAA. Failure to attain the required number of credits will cause an athlete to be ineligible for competition.
- Coach’s Code
The Athletic Director and Coaches are leaders, dedicated to more than the X’s and O’s of competition. As professional educators, leaders and role models for students, Delran’s coaches and Athletic Director will:
- Exemplify the highest character as a role model for young people.
- Recognize the individual worth and reinforce the positive self-image of each team member.
- Establish a realistic team goal or vision for each season and communicate that to the athletes and parents.
- Encourage and assist team members to set personal goals to achieve their highest academic and athletic potential.
- Create a set of training rules for athletes that reflect the positive values of abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
- Strive to develop the qualities of competence, character, civility and citizenship in each team member.
- Provide a safe, challenging and encouraging environment for practice and competition.
- Gain an awareness of the importance of prevention, care and treatment of athletic injuries.
- Respect the integrity and judgment of the game officials.
- Teach and abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
- Build and maintain ethical relationships with coaches and administrators.
- Strive for excellence in coaching skills and techniques through professional improvement.
- Promote personal fitness and good nutrition.
- Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
- Parent’s Code
Parents play a vital role in the development of student athletes and the success of Delran’s program. Therefore, we expect parents to do the following:
- Be a positive role model through their own actions to make sure their child has the best athletic experience possible.
- Be a “team” fan, not just a “my child” fan.
- Weigh what their children say; they will tend to slant the truth to their advantage.
- Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.
- Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
- Refrain from instructing their children before, during or after a game, because it may conflict with the coach’s plans and strategies.
- Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the contest.
- Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
- Help their child learn that success is experienced in the development of their skills and that they can feel good about themselves, win or lose.
- Take time to talk with coaches in an appropriate manner, including proper time and place, if there is a concern. Be sure to follow the designated chain of command (Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, Superintendent, and Board of Education).
- Reinforce our alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free policies by refraining from the use of any such substances before and during athletic contests.
- Remember that admission to a school athletic event is a privilege to observe the contest.
- Supporter’s Code (Family and Friends)
The larger school-community has an interest and investment in the success of our Athletic Program. These adults play a key role in reinforcing the educational goals of our program. Therefore, we expect these important program supporters to do the following:
- Remember that admission to a school athletic event is a privilege to observe the contest.
- Be a positive role model through their behavior at athletic contests.
- Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.
- Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
- Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
- Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the sport.
- Reinforce our alcohol, tobacco and other drug-free policies by refraining from the use of any such substances before and during athletic contests.
- Athlete’s Code
Given our belief that high school athletics provide a unique opportunity for the development of physical conditioning, athletic skill, and character traits, we expect every Delran athlete to strive for the following:
Competence
- Develop the skills necessary to participate competently in the game.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the rules and conventions of the game.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the strategies of the game.
- Demonstrate a level of physical conditioning and fitness sufficient to participate competently in the game.
- Demonstrate knowledge of healthy behaviors including nutritional issues.
- Understand the necessity of abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in order to achieve the positive benefits of interscholastic athletics.
Character
- Sports Offered At Delran High School
- Be dependable in fulfilling obligations and commitments.
- Accept responsibility for consequences of actions w/out excuses or blaming others.
- Be committed and strive to excel.
- Persevere, give 100% effort and not give up in the face of setbacks.
- Demonstrate truthfulness.
- Play by the rules of the game.
- Control anger and frustration and refrain from displays of temper and bad language.
- Accept losing and winning graciously; by congratulating opponents and by not sulking or displaying other negative behaviors.
Civility
- Practice good manners on and off the field.
- Refrain from “trash talk” and other put-downs of opponents and teammates.
- Treat all persons respectfully, regardless of individual differences and to show respect for legitimate authority (e.g., Coaches, Officials, Captains).
- Be fair and treat others as one wishes to be treated.
- Listen to and try to understand others.
- Be compassionate and sensitive to others.
- Actively support teammates and others.
Citizenship
- Be faithful to the ideals of the game, including sportsmanship.
- Keep commitments to the team.
- Show team spirit, encourage others and contribute to good morale.
- Put the good of the team ahead of personal goals.
- Set a good example for teammates, younger athletes, fans, and school community.
We also expect every student athlete in our Athletic Program to abide by all rules and regulations developed for each individual sports team, and also all rules and regulations approved by the Board of Education. For any violation of the Code of Conduct or any other rule or regulation of the Board of Education, student athletes may be subject to additional discipline, including but not limited to exclusion from extracurricular activities, suspension, and/or expulsion, consistent with law, regulation, and/or Delran Board policy.
All questions about the Athletic Program should be addressed to the Athletic Director. Many answers to your questions can be found in the Athletic Handbook. Copies are available in the Athletic Director’s office or by calling the Athletic Secretary.
Fall Season Winter Season Spring Season
Boys’ Cross Country Boys’ Basketball Baseball
Girls’ Cross Country Girls’ Basketball Softball
Football Bowling Golf
Field Hockey Co-Ed Swimming Boys’ Lacrosse
Boys’ Soccer Wrestling Girls’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Soccer Cheerleading Boys’ Tennis
Girls’ Tennis Boys’ Track
Cheerleading Girls’ Track