JIIB
ATHLETIC PROGRAM POLICY
The interscholastic athletic program shall fall within the purview of the Interscholastic Athletics Sub-committee, a standing sub-committee of the School Committee. The Interscholastic Athletics Sub-Committee shall be composed of not less than three members of the School Committee appointed annually by the Chairperson. The Superintendent, Principal of the high school, Director(s) of Athletics, and Director of Finance and Business Operations shall act in advisory roles to the subcommittee.
The sub-committee shall review policies recommended for the interscholastic athletic program, as well as recommendations on the athletic budgets.
The Athletic Director will provide to the Interscholastic Athletics subcommittee a list of all appointed coaches prior to the start of each athletic season.
The sub-committee may, at its discretion, invite persons concerned with the athletic program to attend its meetings to provide information and advice.
The goal of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee with respect to interscholastic athletics is to provide young men and women with the opportunity to experience fair and friendly athletic competition with their peers.
It is the objective of the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School Committee to encourage participants (athletes, coaches and spectators) to act in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. One who represents the district in an athletic activity is expected to display fairness, courtesy and mature acceptance of game results. The Committee believes that good sportsmanship is an attitude and not an action.
Athletic Funding and User Fees
It is the desire of the District to offer a wide range of fully funded interscholastic activities to all of the AWRSD students. However limited, and under funded, revenue sources require that user fees must be assessed in order for these programs to be offered.
All costs associated with District Athletic programs shall be paid from the AWRSD Athletic Revolving Fund.
The School Committee shall provide a contribution to this fund each fiscal cycle as part of its annual budgeting process. Such amount shall be determined based on projected student participation, total athletic operating costs and the District’s projected total budget, with a goal that the District contribution to the Revolving fund account for not less than 50% of the total amount required. The remaining balance shall be funded as delineated below.
It shall be the responsibility of the Athletic Director, with guidance from the Director of Finance and Business Operations, to insure that the AWRSD Athletic revolving Fund remains solvent. This shall be accomplished by the following:
A student user fee (approved by School Committee vote)
Gate receipts
District Contribution as defined above
Other miscellaneous revenues sources such as booster club
Any projected deficit in the Revolving Fund must be immediately addressed by the Athletic Director and Director of Finance and Business Operations including such actions as cancelation of upcoming activities.
User Fee Regulation
The Athletic User Fee, as set by the School Committee prior to the start of each school year, must be paid in full prior to any student participating in Athletic Activities.
If financial difficulties are anticipated it is recommended that contact be made with the Business Office as early as possible. Upon a Business Office approved commitment to a payment plan or other means to insure user fee obligations will be met the Business Office shall notify the Athletic Director of the student’s right to participate. If such commitments are subsequently unmet the Business Office shall pursue collection avenues, which may include exclusion from participation in other District extracurricular activities (including graduation) as well as any other fee-based activity (including parking).
The Director of Finance and Business Operations shall consider extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis recognizing his/her obligation to ensure Athletics Budgets remain balanced.
ADOPTED: 09/25/90 Revised & Readopted: 10/18/16 Revised and Readopted: 3/1/17