PLAYING TIME AT THE VARSITY LEVEL

Participation at the varsity level is a significant achievement. Being chosen as a member of a varsity team demonstrates that you possess the skills and dedication required to compete at the highest level in high school co-curriculars. At this level, there is a greater emphasis on winning, so those with the most skills and leadership abilities will likely see the most playing time. However, even those who may not see as much playing time have an essential role in team development. It should be noted that for every hour of competition, a significant amount of time is dedicated to practicing and preparing for competition. Coaches use their best judgment based on observations during both practices and games to make decisions regarding playing time. Since coaches spend the most time with our student-athletes, they are in the best position to make informed decisions regarding game situations.

When beneficial for the team, participants should have a reasonable expectation to compete. Coaches have the ultimate authority to decide the level of participation that benefits the team. There is no obligation to provide a set amount of playing time at the varsity level. Coaches are obligated to instruct all participants so they can reach their maximum potential in both practice and competition. Varsity coaches also have the responsibility to clearly communicate to all participants the role they are expected to play concerning practice, preparation, and competition to maximize team potential.

PLAYING TIME AT THE JUNIOR VARSITY LEVEL

At the junior varsity level, the emphasis shifts from individual skill development and equitable playing time to a more advanced and competitive team concept. All participants should have opportunities to participate at varying levels of competition over the season, but not necessarily game to game.

PLAYING TIME AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

At the middle school level, our goal is to include as many participants as possible. The aim of middle school teams is to prepare participants for a higher level of competition by emphasizing individual skill development, sportsmanship, and a fundamental understanding of team play, strategies, and rules. Though coaches are not expected to guarantee a set amount of playing time in each competition, a fairly equitable amount of playing time under varying competitive situations should be expected. Factors such as attendance, proper behavior, a willingness to learn, and individual skill development all influence the amount of playing time a participant receives.