Athletics is a privilege, Not a Right
September 19, 2011
Athletics is a Privilege,
Not a Right
Taken from the September 2011edition of "High School Today" a publication of the National Federation of State High School Association
See full magazine here
Prior to one winter season, a youth detention center located
in suburban Philadelphia advertised for basketball games
and, obviously, it was only interested in home contests.
One local high school coach responded, recognizing the educational
opportunity that this potential game offered.
Upon arriving at the youth facility and going through security,
the team was met by an administrator at the center who escorted
the team and coaches to the locker room. Progressing through the
hallway, the administrator remarked, “This will be the most problem-
free game that you’ve ever played. The inmates who will attend
as spectators will be extremely well-behaved. They know that
even the slightest misstep will cause them to lose this privilege.”
The administrator continued, “Other than the normal physical
contact in basketball, there will be no problems with the players either.
They cherish the two hours a day that they get to practice or
play a game and know that they will be removed from the team if
there is ever a problem. And considering what the rest of the day
includes and why the players are here at the center, you have nothing
to worry about.”
One should not draw the conclusion that youth correctional
centers are the same as high schools, even though a few selected
students may argue this point. The concept that participation in
athletics is a privilege should and does also apply to secondary
schools. Receiving a public education is a right, but this guarantee
does not include athletics.
The courts around the country have continually supported the
philosophy that athletic participation is a privilege and not an entitlement
protected under federal or state law. Therefore, this vital
concept also includes implications for athletes and their parents,
and the school.
Since every child has a right to a public education and athletics
is part of the school’s offerings, the concept of participation in athletics
is often misunderstood by athletes and their parents. Being
part of a team may also be taken for granted and assumed that it
is guaranteed.
It is important that athletic department policies and procedures
include explanations of the concept of athletics as a privilege as
well as the responsibilities that have to be met. While the following
is not intended to be all-inclusive, some of these standards
might be included.
Failure to meet these standards or responsibilities could result in
the athlete being suspended or removed from a team. It is vital that
these expectations are communicated in as many vehicles – handbooks,
newsletters and Web sites – as possible, so that there is no
misunderstanding by any athlete and his or her parents.
The flip side of understanding the concept involving the privilege of participation and the accompanying responsibilities, is that
the athlete has to meet responsibilities in order to remain as a team
member. Ideally, mom and dad should also be able to reinforce
these expectations with their child and support any decision by the
school.
Emotional pleas, complaints or threats by parents cannot and
should not be allowed to overturn any decision by the athletic department
or school based upon responsibilities that are not met by
athletes. Standards must be uniformly, consistently and fairly upheld.
The integrity of the athletic department and school is at stake.
In rare instances, a parent may threaten to retain legal counsel
in an attempt to intimidate school administrators to ensure a spot
for their son or daughter on an athletic team. It is wise to be proactive
and get advice from your district legal department and, of
course, follow your well-established policies.
If athletes are held to high standards, not only does the school
establish and maintain an incentive for the athletes, it also demonstrates
to the entire student body that responsibilities have to be
met. An additional benefit of taking this approach further establishes
the philosophical position that athletics is an integral part of
the educational offerings within a school system.
When the concept that athletic participation is a privilege is
communicated and used by an athletic department and school, it
presents a great educational opportunity. Privileges are maintained
when responsibilities are met, and if there is neglect with respect
to compliance, there will be consequences. Doesn’t this happen in
life?
The privilege of participation in athletics is not only a basic tenet
of high school athletic programs, it is also a great teachable entity
in and of itself.
• Athletes are expected to be positive role models and ambassadors
for the school. This would include not only at or
during athletic contests, but also throughout the school day
and in transit.
• All team members should treat other athletes, coaches, opponents
and officials with respect. This means listening to
and following directions, being receptive to instruction and
playing within the spirit and rules of the contest. In addition,
hazing and bullying are unacceptable behaviors.
• Class attendance, participating in classroom activities and
exercises, completing assignments and making progress in
the various academic courses are part of the responsibilities
that must be maintained by all athletes.
• All athletes will refrain from smoking, and using illicit drugs
and alcohol. In order to maintain a spot on a team, an athlete
will meet all citizenship standards that are detailed and
expected of all students.
• In order to meet the expectation of serving as a role model
and ambassador, this responsibility also extends to social Internet
sites, chat rooms and online bulletin boards. It is unacceptable
for any athlete to post or communicate anything
that disrupts the educational or athletic environment.
Reference
Hoch, D. An Internet Policy for Athletic Departments. Interscholastic
Athletic Administration, Spring 2011, pp. 20-21.
Dr. David Hoch retired last year as the athletic director at Loch Raven High School in
Towson, Maryland (Baltimore County). He assumed this position in 2003 after nine
years as director of athletics at Eastern Technological High School in Baltimore County.
He has 24 years experience coaching basketball, including 14 years on the collegiate
level. Hoch, who has a doctorate in sports management from Temple University, is past
president of the Maryland State Athletic Directors Association, and he formerly was
president of the Maryland State Coaches Association. He has had more than 350 articles
published in professional magazines and journals, as well as two textbook chapters.
He is the author of a new book entitled Blueprint for Better Coaching. Hoch is a
member of the NFHS High School Today Publications Committee.
Photo
BY DR. DAVID HOCH, CMAA
