Bedford Central School District
Athletics Program: Just what you need to know
Participation in athletics changes students’ lives. -- Mr. Chris Coughlin, Athletic Director
Our Mission
Our Vision
Athletics Administration
Mr. Christopher Coughlin
Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics
914-241-6076
Welcome students, parents, community members!
Participation in athletics changes students’ lives. Taking part in a vibrant physical education curriculum fosters a commitment to lifetime fitness in students. Health education helps guide students toward a safe and healthy lifestyle. Those statements are the core values of this department and our combined approach through athletics, physical education and health education is meant to develop people of character who make the right decisions at important junctures in their lives.
“Education Through Athletics” is Princeton University’s athletic department motto which in three short words spells out a vision for taking part in athletics that goes beyond winning or losing. Taking part in interscholastic sports at Fox Lane is an extension of students’ education and offers lessons that are hard to replicate in the classroom. Being a member of a team exposes students to a new level of commitment, sacrifice, collaboration, and citizenship. The lessons learned through sport and team membership give students experiences that will shape their lives and make them capable of handling many of the joys and trials that they will see in their futures.
Students who experience membership in our athletic programs, take part in our physical education classes and receive health education in the Bedford Central Schools will receive guidance in strengthening both the body and mind. These lessons learned will provide students with a positive life path that will benefit our community, country, and world.
Foxes Up,
Mr. Chris Coughlin
Interim Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics
Our Philosophy of Interscholastic Athletics Participation and Competition
Interscholastic athletics at the Fox Lane High School is a component of the health and physical education program and therefore is an integral part of the district's total educational program. Athletics should be a broadening experience in which harmony of mind-body functions is created through striving for physical and mental excellence. This value-building experience should be offered to as many students as possible. A well-coordinated program is vitally important to the morale of the school and our community.
Everyone involved in the delivery of athletics possesses a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills and values. Therefore, this educational experience demands highly qualified coaches. Desire, dedication, and self-discipline need to be developed in order to ensure the commitment and personal sacrifice required by athletes. Making such a commitment helps to nurture integrity, pride, loyalty, and overall character. The final outcome is a better citizenry carrying these values throughout their life.
Athletes First, Winning Second focuses first on those decisions that are best for student/athletes and second on what may improve the athletes' or team's chances of winning. We do not mean that winning is unimportant. The immediate short-term objective of any contest is to win. Striving to win within the rules of the game should be the objective of every athlete and coach.
Board of Education Policy on Athletic Participation and Competition
The Board of Education believes that any co- or extra-curricular program is an extension of the classroom. The same expectations for creating a safe and respectful classroom climate and culture apply to athletic and co- and extra-curricular venues. There is value in producing successful athletic teams, as this may result in an increase in school spirit, pride, and tradition. While a successful team is of value, it shall never take priority over ensuring the well-being and development of students.
Competitive extracurricular activities shall focus on all of the following:
The development of athletic skills and abilities relevant to the particular activity;
The development of good sportsmanship;
The development of positive character traits, such as discipline, determination, dedication, confidence, concentration, consistency, respect, teamwork, service, and other positive character attributes;
The development of habits of life fitness;
Success in a competition.
Good Sportsmanship
Instilling habits of good sportsmanship is a primary goal of athletic programs; and, all district employees shall model sportsmanlike behaviors at all times.
Sportsmanship is defined as abiding by the rules of the contest as defined or accepted by the participating teams and the gracious acceptance of victory or defeat. In exhibiting sportsmanship all participants shall:
Understand and follow the rules of the contest;
Recognize skilled performance of others regardless of affiliation;
Display respect for all individuals participating in the athletic event;
Treat opponents in an empathetic manner; and
Congratulate opponents in victory or defeat, when practicable and safe for athletes.
FLHS Athletic Offerings
Athletic Codes of Conduct in Board Policy #5280
All athletes, coaches, and parents/guardians shall each season be required to review and sign an Athletic Code of Conduct, which reflects the following.
Expectations for Athletes:
Train consistently as advised by the coach and athletic trainer.
Abide by team rules.
Maintain academic responsibilities.
Demonstrate consistent willingness to learn and progress.
Abide by the rules and regulations of the school and district.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times during practices and athletic contests.
Expectations for Coaches:
Coaches shall provide positive support, care, and encouragement for all student-athletes according to the following. Coach shall:
Encourage and require sportsmanship from players, fellow coaches, officials, parents, and spectators at every practice and athletic contest
Model good sportsmanship in all circumstances.
Place the emotional and physical well-being of student-athletes ahead of a personal desire to win.
Treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for young athletes.
Provide a safe physical and emotional playing environment for athletes.
Provide a learning environment with the belief that the practice field/court is a classroom.
Not argue or complain about an official’s decision; never taunt an official.
Consistently seek to expand professional knowledge regarding principles of coaching and best training practices, in general, and in their assigned sport.
Plan and prepare for practices and competition, just as a teacher prepares for effective classroom lessons. Maintain effective management and organizational practices; maintain detailed records, and consistently communicate important information to the student athletes and parents/guardians.
Expectations for Parents/Guardians as Spectators:
Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and other adult spectators shall also be encouraged to act as models for young people by demonstrating self-control and dignity at all athletic events. Pupil fans shall be expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and sportsmanlike manner; violations shall be subject to discipline.
Parents/Guardians as spectators shall provide positive support, care, and encouragement for all student athletes participating in athletic programs. Parents/Guardians as spectators shall:
Encourage sportsmanship from players, coaches, officials, other parents, and spectators at every practice and athletic contest.
Exhibit sportsmanship and positive support for everyone involved in athletic contests.
Not place a burden on athletics to win games/matches. The primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, emotional, and social development of student-athletes.
Not argue or complain about an official’s decision; not taunt officials.
Refrain from being a sideline coach or referee; provide positive support for all players on all teams; never taunt or engage in disrespectful behavior toward a coach.
Support efforts to provide an environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol; refrain from their use at all school-related events.
Provide consistent guidance and direction to student athletes to treat all other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect.
Zero Tolerance for Hazing
The hazing or initiation of students and/or athletes is strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined as follows:
To subject newcomers to abusive or humiliating ridicule, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, or harassment.
An activity in which a high-status member coerces other members to do something that in some way humbles a newcomer who lacks the power to resist.
Young students are the future of the school’s programs, and should be mentored and developed with respect and caring. It is directed that each team/organization establish an atmosphere that develops, nurtures, and respects all students.
Coaches and advisors shall at the beginning of each season review the definition and prohibition on hazing with students. All athletes/participants shall be informed that if he/she experiences hazing, the athlete shall immediately report the matter to the Coach and Athletic Director. If at any time a staff member, student, parent, or guardian feels a hazing concern has not been addressed satisfactorily, the matter shall be reported to the building principal. Concerns about hazing that a student, parent or guardian feels have not been addressed sufficiently by the principal should be reported to the Superintendent of Schools.