• Principal: Susan Ferrell

• Assistant Principal: Renee McLean

• Athletic Director: Rachel Smith

The program of interscholastic athletics is justified by the contributions it makes to educational objectives. The program of interscholastic athletics should not exist for the amusement or entertainment of the public; it should not exist to advertise a school or community, nor should it exist for vested interests. The program should exist to provide educational experiences for the participants as part of the school’s total educational curriculum.

The Athletic Program at Washington Irving Middle School is an integral part of the total educational structure and should not be considered as an end in itself. The program should provide each participant with an educational experience in which he or she can develop emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Emphasis should be placed on positive learning experiences for each athlete. Development of self-discipline and emotional maturity should be gained through respect for rules and regulations and those in authority. Participation in the program should provide the athlete an opportunity to use his or her ability to think as an individual and to act as a member of a group. The program should help develop in the athlete such attributes as loyalty, determination, honesty and dedication, while at the same time developing physical coordination, muscular strength, and increased athletic skill.

While winning is an important goal in athletic competition, it too is not an end in itself. "Winning at any cost" is an attitude that should be discouraged and will not be tolerated. Attempts to beat rules, to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to show unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in athletics. Winning without boasting and losing without bitterness, along with a desire to succeed and excel as an individual and as a member of a team, should be considered more important. It is the belief of the athletic department that every student, either through active participation or spectator interest, should benefit from the interscholastic program.

Please remember that your participation as a student-athlete is a privilege that must be earned through hard work, integrity, academic progress, and a winning attitude.

"Academics come first. You are a student athlete. Remember you are a student first. It is not recommended that you participate in more than one sport per season because of the demands of a rigorous academic schedule and the difficulties that may develop as a student tries to play more than one sport during the same season. However, if you choose to play one or more sports, you shall be aware that practices and games are mandatory. Failure to attend practices and/or games may require the coach to respond and may limit your participation in games. "

1. Student athletes that represent Washington Irving Middle School on an athletic team are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the district and the community.

2. All participants in the athletic program must understand that they are students first and athletes second. Participation in athletics is a privilege to students, not a right guaranteed to them. Students have rights regarding athletics. They have the right:

   1. To participate at a level commensurate with their maturity and ability.

   2. To qualified, adult leadership.

   3. To participate in a safe and healthy environment.

   4. To proper preparation for participation in sports.

   5. To be treated with dignity.

   6. To have fun in sports.
      
      Participation, however, still remains a privilege
      

3. Being a member of an athletic team does not entitle any student to any special privilege in school. Rather, it may be a burden in the face of peer pressure when asked to be involved in some action that might violate school rules. The athletes at Washington Irving Middle School are expected to be examples of good citizenship and cooperation that will reflect positively upon themselves as individuals and upon all our athletes in general. 4. Students afforded these privileges must assume the responsibilities that accompany them at all times.

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) is the governing body for West Virginia interscholastic high/middle school sports.

It is the desire of the Department of Athletics to achieve the following goals and objectives: 1.

1. To develop the student athlete physically, socially, mentally and emotionally.

2. To develop in each student athlete the concepts of loyalty, cooperation, fair play, dedication, determination and self-discipline through individual and team participation.

3. To develop a positive sense of self-respect and self confidence in each individual.

4. To develop positive attitudes that will enable students to function as responsible citizens.

5. To develop in each student athlete healthy and constructive attitudes towards winning and losing.

6. To develop in each student athlete the desire to develop his or her talents to the best of his or her ability, to strive to be the best that they can be.

7. To develop a high degree of sportsmanship and respect for fellow athletes, coaches, and officials.

8. To develop in each student athlete positive habits of good health, personal hygiene and safety.

9. To develop in each student athlete a sense of pride in oneself, the team, the school and the community.

Athletes must have all Pre-Participation Forms on file with his or her head coach prior to any participation in that sport. All forms must be signed and returned to the Athletic Director prior to the start of the season

Eligibility rules and regulations for cheerleaders and other WIMS clubs and activities associated with athletics will be the same as those for other sports programs.

Athletic involvement, while fun and rewarding, can be very emotional and time consuming. Due to the level of effort and emotion invested, conflicts between coach and player will occasionally arise. All conflicts are to be addressed immediately and professionally. The following steps will be used:

While team expectations may vary, the following Athletic Department Guidelines and Expectations will exist for all athletic teams: 1.

1. Student athletes are expected to be at all practice sessions throughout the season.

2. Student athletes are expected to be on time to all practices, team meetings, and athletic events.

3. No cleats or spiked shoes are to be worn in the gym, auxiliary gym or weight room.

4. Injured student athletes are expected to attend all practices, team meetings, and athletic events unless physically unable.

5. The use of alcohol, tobacco (smoke, smokeless) and drugs are not permitted.

6. Student athletes are expected to maintain high ideals of citizenship and sportsmanship. Improper conduct and any violation of federal, state, local or school laws may result in suspension from the team.

7. Students are not permitted to be in a locker room unless supervised by a Coach.

8. All athletes should adhere to WIMS Guidelines and Expectations.