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STUDENT ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
I. Athletic Philosophy
A. Statement of philosophy
The Okemos Athletic Program should provide a variety of experiences to aid students in
the development of favorable habits and attitudes that will prepare them for a successful
and productive adult life.
The interscholastic athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with existing Board
of Education policies, rules and regulations. While the Board of Education takes great
pride in winning, it does not condone “winning at any cost.” At all times the athletic
program must be conducted in such a way as to justify it as an educational activity.
B. Athletic objectives
The student athlete shall learn:
1. To work with others - In a democratic society a person must develop self-discipline,
respect for authority, and the spirit of hard work and sacrifice. The team and its
objectives must be placed higher than personal desires.
2. To be successful - Our society is very competitive. We do not always win, but we
succeed when we continually strive to do so. You can learn to accept defeat only by
striving to win with earnest dedication. Develop a desire to excel.
3. To develop sportsmanship - To accept any defeat like a true sportsman, knowing we
have done our best; we must learn to treat others, as we would have others treat us. We
need to develop desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty,
cooperation and dependability.
4. To improve - Continual improvement is essential to success. As an athlete, you must
establish a goal and you must constantly try to reach that goal. Try to better yourself in
the skills involved and those characteristics set forth as being desirable.
5. To enjoy athletics - It is necessary for athletes to enjoy participation, to acknowledge all
of the personal rewards to be derived from athletics, and to give sufficiently of
themselves in order to preserve and improve the program.
6. To develop desirable personal health habits - To be an active, contributing citizen, it is
important to obtain a high degree of physical fitness through exercise and good health
habits, and to develop the desire to maintain this level of physical fitness after formal
competition has been completed.
C. The Capital Area Activities Conference (CAAC)
Okemos High School is a voluntary member of the Capital Area
Activities Conference (CAAC). The Capital Area Activities Conference
was established for the primary purpose of promoting selected
interscholastic activities among member schools and the assurance of
such advantages as may be gained by a union of effort.
The object of the Capital Area Activities Conference shall be to promote sportsmanship, to
foster a spirit of wholesome rivalry, and to determine championships in high school sports
or other activities in which member schools shall participate.