Athletics Curriculum

Philosophy

The athletics program is an important component of the overall school curriculum. It provides the opportunity for both gifted athletes and those of more modest talents to identify and learn a strong set of values. Among the values we seek to cultivate are a sense of sportsmanship, respect for others and self, cooperation, dedication, and self-confidence. We challenge boys to grow by fostering a healthy competitive spirit through participation, skill development, teamwork and commitment to achieving full athletic potential. While winning is important, we do not identify it with success. It is our goal that the Saint David’s student athlete strike a balance between athletics and academics, and that the disciplines common to both work to the benefit of the whole student athlete. Saint David’s offers a varied and balanced program that is flexible enough to meet the needs of the novice athlete, yet strong enough to prepare the skilled athlete for higher levels of competition.

Goals

• To enjoy the sports program, so that the athletic experience provides satisfaction and personal fulfillment.To this end, teams are composed of students with comparable athletic ability; emphasis is placed on having fun playing sports rather than on simply winning games; students are offered a variety of popular sports to play; and students are assigned to sports positions they feel comfortable playing, but are also able to try different positions.
• To learn to maximize safety and minimize risk by mastering proper techniques and knowing inherent risks involved in making a tackle in soccer, taking a charge in basketball, sliding into a base in baseball, and performing other risky acts in sports.
• To increase physical fitness through performance of warm up and calisthenics, drills during practices, and putting forth one's best effort during games.
• To improve athletic skills using the American Coaching Effectiveness IDEA method in which each new skill is introduced, demonstrated, explained and practiced.
• To further character development through learning and exhibiting the value of hard work and sportsmanship during games, as well as the importance of self-discipline, the value of perseverance, the virtues of compassion and courage, and the responsibility for presenting a positive image.