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Summary: Sonoma Valley High School overall athletic philosophy

Sonoma Valley High School Overall Athletic Philosophy

Sonoma Valley High School supports and fully adopts the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) under the North Coast Section (N.C.S.) and the Sonoma County Leagues philosophies and thus, shapes its statements of philosophy by combining the philosophies of these programs into its Athletic Mission and Purpose of Statement.

The purpose of Sonoma Valley High School's athletic program is to promote the education and development of students through high school athletic participation. Our school is committed to high standards and the principles of athletics serve as an essential part of the total educational program offered by Sonoma Valley High School.

Sonoma Valley High School embraces the concepts of the student athlete and recognizes the importance of the individuality of each student. The school also recognizes the value of the district and the conference structure, and the benefits or membership in a national and local association.

Sonoma Valley High School pursues the following goals for student athletes:

Accept the responsibility to become an effective, contributing member of society.
Perform as a positive role model on campus, and in the wider community.
Fulfill academic responsibilities while progressing to meet the requirements for graduation, and preparing oneself for life after high school.
Maintain eligibility for participation in every athletic contest.

Varsity Level Athletic Programs

Varsity competition is the highest level of competition. Our goal is to be as competitive as possible. The Varsity teams are a culmination of the Junior Varsity and Freshman programs moving up through the course of grade levels. Normally, seniors and juniors make up the majority of rosters. Occasionally, sophomore student athletes and at times freshman student athletes may be selected on the team providing that evidence of advanced levels of physical development, athletic skill and appropriate social and emotional development is demonstrated.

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play competitively in the contest. It is vital that each team member have a role and be informed of its individual roles in pursuit of the team's goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. Tryouts are what they are an audition, a platform to demonstrate the required athletic skills for a position on the team. Tryouts are seasonal, and student athletes should come to tryouts prepared for competition, there is no entitlement for returning players belonging on a team.

The varsity coach is the leader of that sport's program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. The communication among the modified, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the varsity coach. Preparing to win, striving for victory in each contest and working to reach the group's and individual's maximum potential are worthy goals of a varsity level team.

Junior Varsity (JV)

The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, sophomores occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain situations, juniors who are expected to make contributions at the varsity level will be considered for junior varsity participation. Also, freshmen may be included on a junior varsity roster.

At this level, athletes are expected to have visibly committed themselves 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 in addition to socio-emotional development. Junior varsity programs work toward achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. The outcome of the contest becomes a consideration at this level.

The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful contest participation will exist over the course of a season, however, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the six-day-a-week commitment that is expected at the varsity level. While contests and practices are rarely held on holidays and Sundays, practice sessions are sometimes scheduled during school vacation periods. With the goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, a high level of dedication and commitment is expected at the junior varsity level.

Freshman

This program is available to all students in the ninth grade. Sport activities offered are determined by the existence of leagues, student interest, and the relationship to the high school program. At this level, the focus is on continued learning of various skills and game rules, an expansion on the fundamentals of team play, continued social and emotional growth, and an emphasis on healthy competition.

At the freshman level, cutting of students is not our desire, and the one thing that all coaches dislike about their positions. However, if the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is difficult to manage and poses a safety problem or is problematic because of facility considerations, reducing team size may be necessary. Ultimately, the number of teams and size of the squad in any sport will be determined by:

Teams in the Sonoma County League which we participate.
Suitable indoor or outdoor game and practice facilities.
A safe environment.

In order for the desired development of the adolescent athlete and team to occur, practice sessions are vital. The C.I.F. and N.C.S. of the California High School Athletic Association publishes regulations by which practice sessions are governed. The freshman program requires a minimum of a 5-day a week commitment with practices and/or contests occasionally scheduled for Saturdays. Opportunities for meaningful contest participation for each team member will exist over the course of a season.

Bob Midgley, Athletic Director

(707) 933.4212
rmidgley@sonomavly.k12.ca.us

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