IGDJ - Interscholastic Sports

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

The interscholastic athletics program, scheduled competitive games with schools in other towns in the area, along with regular class instruction is a recognized part of the total physical education program. 

 Interscholastic athletics will be provided for all interested and qualified pupils enrolled at Acton Elementary School.  Participants in interscholastic athletics teams that are approved by the School Committee will be outfitted with safe and sound equipment and will be taught the principles of good sportsmanship and school citizenship as well as athletic skills.

Students may try out for teams in grades 6, 7, and 8.  The school will attempt to establish an A Team and a B Team.  Grade 6 students will be permitted to try out for the B Team.  Grade 8 students will not be permitted to play on the B Team.  Trying out for a team does not guarantee membership on a team.  Coaches of a team, in consultation with the Athletic Director, will determine membership based on initial tryout performance, skill level, attitude, and potential abilities.  An individual’s continuing membership on a team will be based on a player’s conduct, a grade average that is a “C” or better in all subjects, and ongoing, proper school citizenship that does not violate a major discipline infraction.  A major discipline infraction would be defined as one whose consequence might include in-school detention, loss of school privileges or out-of-school suspension. Membership on a team does not guarantee equal playing time in games to all participants.

 Teams will be restricted by gender when equivalent sports are offered to both boys and girls during a season.  An equal number of sports in the Acton School Department will be offered for male and female participants in the fall, winter, and spring of each year.

The Acton School Department will abide by rules governing interscholastic competition established by the Southern Maine Middle School Athletic Conference.  The Acton School Committee reserves the right to approve membership in any leagues, associations, or conferences.

Students must have permission of parents/guardians to engage in interscholastic sports.  Insurance against accident or injury shall be provided by the parents/guardians for students engaging in interscholastic sports.

 Students are expected to maintain an acceptable grade average, demonstrate a positive attitude, complete academic work, and exhibit good school citizenship in order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic sports, as outlined in File: IGDJ-R.

The management of the interscholastic athletics program within the school is the responsibility of administration who works with the Athletic Director insofar as athletics are concerned.  Expenditures for the interscholastic athletics program are incorporated as part of the general budget of the School Committee.

 A Stipend Advisory Committee will meet each school year, made up of 2 Association appointees, 2 School Committee appointees, and 1 Community member appointed by the School Committee. This committee will review possible activity stipends for the following school year, and make recommendations to the Superintendent/Principal and the School Committee for budget consideration. 

The Acton School Athletic Director will be a member of the Athletic Council.  The purpose of the Council is to provide both means for communication and collaboration among the organized recreational and school sports groups as well as a means to work together for the benefit of all Acton children.

The School Committee encourages students, faculty, and the community to recognize the value of athletics and extra-curricular activities in relation to the total school program.

Adopted:   April 9, 2002

Revised:   March 14, 2024