Philosophy

The Golden Valley Unified School District believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student.

The Golden Valley Unified School District Athletic Program should provide a variety of experiences to aid in the development of positive habits and attitudes in students that will support them in becoming a contributing member of society.

Athletics should function as an integral part of the total curriculum. It should offer opportunities to serve the District, to assist in the development of fellowship and good will, to promote self-realization and all-around growth, and to encourage learning the qualities of good citizenship.

- Athletics play an important part in the life of all participating students. Young people learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and how to win and lose gracefully are an integral part of each team in our athletic program. Athletics plays an important part, too, in helping the individual student develop a healthy self-concept as well as a healthy body. Athletic competition adds to our District’s spirit and helps all students -spectators as well as participants -develop pride in their school.

The athletic programs shall be congruent with the general policies and philosophy of the District, West Sierra League/North Sequoia League, Central Section (CS) and the California Interscholastic Federation (ClF). The program should constantly strive for the development of well-rounded individuals, capable of taking their place in modern society.

- We believe that the opportunity for participation in a wide variety of student¬-selected activities is a vital part of the student's educational experiences. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the District, school, student body, community, and students themselves. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of his/her education.

District activities are considered a supplement to the District's program of education, which strives to provide experiences that will help to develop participating students physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

- The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with CIFCS rules and regulations and existing Board of Education policies. While the GVUSD Board takes great pride in winning, it does not condone "winning at all costs" and discourages any and all pressure, which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship and good mental health.

The ultimate goals of the athletic program should be:

- To realize the value of participation without overemphasizing the importance of winning and excelling  To develop and improve positive citizenship traits among the program’s participants

The role of the District will be to provide:

- Fun activities that are accessible and affordable for all students.  Appropriate discipline and sound principles of teaching and learning.  Safety for all participants.  Accountability from all individuals or groups who may violate the principles of good sportsmanship.  Staff who have interest in, and up-to-date knowledge of coaching activities.

The GVUSD Extracurricular program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board policies, rules, and regulations. An important goal of the program is to provide activities for students, which are consistent with the developmental characteristics of early adolescence. We hope that through our interscholastic program that all students will enter adulthood as productive citizens.