Philosophy

Co-curricular activities are provided for the benefit of all students and for supporting and enhancing the educational experience for students. These programs exist to promote growth and development, increase participation, and provide an environment where students learn to cope with challenges similar to those encountered throughout life. Participation in co-curricular activities is voluntary and considered a privilege rather than a right. These activities are “extra” opportunities provided through the direction of the West Fargo School District. Student activities are to be administered by school authorities, and all instruction will be provided by competent, qualified coaches/advisors so that desirable, definite educational goals may be achieved. Our programs should develop physical, intellectual and emotional growth; special skills in activities of each student’s choice; commitments such as loyalty, cooperation, good sportsmanship/conduct and team play and knowledge of activities to use in leisure time in life beyond high school.

The West Fargo Public School District recognizes that the purpose of the co-curricular contest is to determine a winner. However, it is not the desire of the District to emphasize winning at all costs. The values and objectives of an activities program should be paramount. We believe winning is an immediate objective but is not an end in itself. If it were, it could only be “half” realized. Fifty percent of teams that take part in activities must lose. The desire to win can and should be used to stimulate the achievement of the ultimate goals and objectives. Though most advisors/coaches will likely have a personal objective to win, such pressure should not be brought by the Board, administration, parents or any outside interests. Other factors such as motivation, the teaching of fundamentals, effective communications with the various constituencies, establishment of respect, and demonstration of mature judgment are more important than a winning record. Advisors/coaches involved in the training of students will be skilled in the teaching of fundamentals of their particular activity, in motivating young people, and in communicating with students and parents. Parents have an obvious interest in their child and, just as in a classroom, are encouraged to communicate with advisors/coaches about their child’s progress. Parents are expected to be positive and supportive in their relationships with advisors/coaches.

It is of vital importance that all persons involved in co-curricular activities strive to follow and practice the code of ethics, whether they play the role of coach, participant or spectator. We all carry the responsibility of demonstrating good sportsmanship and serving our community by being positive ambassadors for the West Fargo Public School District.

Code of Ethics
The following statements represent the West Fargo Public Schools Athletic & Activity Code of Ethics. WFPS expects all who participate (including student participants, coaches, parents, spectators, and officials) in district-affiliated athletics and activities to abide by the following guidelines.

• • I will emphasize and display the proper ideals of sportsmanship.
  • To stress values derived from playing the game fairly
  • I will show courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
  • I will applaud good plays made by either team.
  • I will consider officials as the proper authorities to make decisions and will abide by their calls without demonstration.
  • I will respect the game and remember it takes quality participants and effort to win.
  • I will take pride in promoting good sportsmanship among players, parents, and spectators.
  • I will become familiar with the rules and fundamentals of the game in order to become a better participant.

Coaches
As educated and trained professionals, coaches play an important role in setting the example by demonstrating good sportsmanship for their team members, student-body and adult fans to follow. It is important for the coach to reinforce the West Fargo School District’s purpose, objectives, values, and goals, with an emphasis on practicing and instilling the code of ethics.

Participants
It is a privilege to participate in co-curricular activities. Students need to keep in perspective how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to exercise that privilege and to appreciate the school district community for supporting their efforts. Students should also demonstrate good sportsmanship by practicing the code of ethics and share their enthusiasm and love for their activity by demonstrating respect for all persons and property.

Spectators
Student and adult spectators need to keep in perspective that high school activities are educational experiences that need to be kept in the proper spirit of competition. It is our hope that all fans will abide by the following guidelines. The West Fargo Public School District appreciates your cooperation.

• • Remember that the event is for the students. They are participating and parents/fans are watching because of their enjoyment in the experience. Exhibits of good sportsmanship enhance the educational experience of all participants.
  • Refrain from distracting participants when they are competing/performing.
  • Recognize and appreciate the skill of the performers regardless of their school. Applauding good play demonstrates class, generosity, and goodwill.
  • Treat officials with respect before, during and after the contest. Contests cannot be conducted without officials, as they are an integral part of the event and should be recognized as impartial arbitrators.
  • Spectators are to respect others, property, and the spirit of high school competition. Remember that your view of the event could be quite different than that of an official or the opposing team and spectators. Management has the authority to remove any spectator who does not conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Abusive or inappropriate behavior is to be avoided.
  • Recognize the fact that spectators represent the school district and community, as do participants and coaches. Respect, cooperate, and respond positively and enthusiastically to cheerleaders and event staff.

Misbehavior During Contests
Students or adults who are found to be in gross violation of the ethics of competition or the principles of good sportsmanship may be barred from interscholastic activities, either as a participant or as a spectator or both. This includes student and adult spectators.

Citizenship
Student-participants need to keep in perspective their role as active members in the co-curricular program. It is important for them to be good role models and ambassadors for the school community and to the younger students who admire and are influenced by their actions. Participants need to demonstrate proper respect to all persons and property on and off school premises.

All eligible students have the opportunity to try out for a school activity. Each activity has a starting date, and there should be a minimum of three days of tryouts/practices prior to the selection of team members. Sub-varsity and lower level students in each respective activity should be invited to try out for a higher level program.

• General Commitment: Each student who is involved in a school activity must have strong commitment to the program in general. Being involved will require teamwork, self-discipline, loyalty, sportsmanship, citizenship and perseverance. If a participant has concerns or conflicts, he/she should visit with the coach or director of the respective program.
• Skill and Ability: Each student who participates will receive an assessment of his/her skills and abilities from the coach/director. This information should serve as the major criteria in the selection of program members for each respective activity.

Only varsity letters are presented to students. Participants in activities in district-sponsored activities are eligible to receive varsity letters. The head coach/director in each activity determines the criteria used in determining how a letter is earned.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students can earn a varsity letter if they are a member of a varsity team and meet the criteria established to earn a varsity letter. Participation certificates are given to students who participate but do not letter (at the coach's/director's discretion).

Fine Arts Letter
The fine arts letter may be earned by students who participate in band, choir, debate, drama, orchestra, publications, speech, and student congress. Students will receive a letter patch for the first year letter award; additional pins and bars may be awarded for subsequent years and honors (at the coach's/director's discretion).

Athletic Letter
An athletic letter patch will be awarded to students satisfying the letter criteria established by each program coach/director. General requirements for earning an athletic letter may include:

• acceptable academic record
• good training practices and faithful attendance
• not in violation of the drug and alcohol rules established by NDHSAA and WFPS
• recommended by the coach
• finish the season in good standing (exception for injuries)

Varsity Letter Awards

• First year: certificate and letter patch
• Second year: certificate
• Third year and beyond: awards to be determined by administration at each school

Additional Awards
Special individual and/or team awards may be presented to students in varsity activities. The awards and criteria for them will be established and maintained by administration, coaches, and staff at each school.