Palm Beach Day Academy
 
Athletics Philosophy

Athletic Director

Mr. Steven Caruso

Athletic Department Philosophy

Palm Beach Day Academy feels very strongly about the role of athletics and team sports in the growth and education of children. We consider the playing field an additional classroom where children learn valuable life lessons and build character.

Team Selections

5th and 6th Grade athletes are assigned to teams in a manner that allows the teams to be as equal as possible as far as talent and ability are concerned.
 
Upper School athletes are assigned to teams based on their ability. All Upper School students are provided an opportunity to tryout for the Varsity programs but the coaches place the athletes on the appropriate teams.

Playing Time

Equal playing time for all players is the goal at the Junior Varsity and Middle School levels. Varsity coaches attempt to provide playing time to all team members, but this is not guaranteed.

Role of Parents

  1. Be supportive and encouraging of your child, his or her teammates and the coaches. Attending your child's game is a great way to show support.
  2. Avoid criticizing teammates and coaches in front of your son or daughter. A trusting relationship between teammates and coaches needs to be present for your child to have a positive experience.
  3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship towards opponents, officials and spectators.
  4. If you have a question or concern that you would like to discuss with your child's coach it is best to set up an appointment. Avoid having the conversation preceding or following a practice or game.

Schedules and Directions

Game schedules and directions to away contests can be found on the school's website. Schedules are also sent home with the students at the beginning of each season.

Grading

Every student receives an effort grade in Athletics. The criteria are: participation, attitude, teamwork and overall effort displayed on the playing field.

Effort Criteria

Evaluation of a student's effort is always subjective. The criteria listed below do describe the general characteristics of effort in athletics. A "three" in effort rating is acceptable, and does not need to be justified. A two or one will be rendered only when a student truly meets the criteria listed.
 
Rating 1 - Consistently Superior or Excellent Effort
  1. Performs the required running, drills, exercises, and plays with sustained superior effort;
  2. Always prompt, in uniform, and performs the required locker room duties;
  3. Always attentive to direction in the locker room and on the field, even when not involved directly in the class;
  4. Capable of analyzing the sources of own errors and problems, and corrects them;
  5. Consistently attempts and performs skills difficult or previously unknown, with willingness;
  6. Consistently demonstrates leadership in cooperation and work with others on and off the field;
  7. Consistently demonstrates a willingness to participate at any level required, team spirit, respect and sportsmanship towards coaches, team members, and opponents.
  8. Always fulfills game and practice commitments.
Rating 2 - Very Good Effort
  1. Performs the required running, drills, exercises, and plays close to capacity at all times;
  2. Prompt, in uniform, and performs the required locker room duties, when needed;
  3. Frequently attentive to direction in the locker room and on the field, even when not involved directly in the class;
  4. Frequently analyzes the sources of own errors and problems, and corrects them;
  5. Frequently attempts and performs skills difficult or previously unknown, with willingness;
  6. Frequently demonstrates leadership in cooperation and work with others on and off the field;
  7. Frequently demonstrates a willingness to participate at any level required, team spirit, respect and sportsmanship towards coaches, team members, and opponents;
  8. Frequently meets game and practice commitments.
Rating 3 - Acceptable Effort
  1. Performs the required running, drills, exercises, and plays at a rate commensurate with ability;
  2. Usually prompt, in uniform, and performs the required locker room duties, when needed;
  3. Regularly attentive to direction in the locker room and on the field, even when not involved directly in the class;
  4. Analyzes the sources of own errors and problems with faculty assistance;
  5. Regularly attempts and performs skills difficult or previously unknown;
  6. Regularly demonstrates leadership in cooperation and work with others on and off the field;
  7. Regularly demonstrates a willingness to participate at any level required, team spirit, respect and sportsmanship towards coaches, team members, and opponents;
  8. Regularly meets game and practice commitments.
Rating 4 - Poor Effort - Needs Improvement
  1. Performs the required running, drills, exercises, and plays slightly below level of ability;
  2. Is not always prompt, in uniform, or prepared to perform the required locker room duties, even after reminders;
  3. Seldom attentive to direction in the locker room and on the field, even when not involved directly in the class;
  4. Has difficulty analyzing and correcting the source of difficulties, even with faculty assistance;
  5. Seldom attempts and performs skills difficult or previously unknown;
  6. Seldom demonstrates leadership in cooperation and work with others on and off the field;
  7. Seldom demonstrates a willingness to participate at any level required, team spirit, respect or sportsmanship towards coaches, team members, and opponents;
  8. Seldom meets game and practice commitments
Rating 5 - Unsatisfactory and Unacceptable Effort
  1. Performs in practice and games considerably below level of ability;
  2. Is unprepared for class, late, or with frequent unexcused absences, and does not perform required locker room duties;
  3. Repeatedly makes the same errors even when directly supervised by teachers;
  4. Rarely attentative to direction even when directly involved in a practice or game situation;
  5. Rarely attempts new or difficult skills;
  6. Frequently disruptive, disrespectful, and unsportsmanlike on the field and off;
  7. Rarely demonstrates a willingness to participate on a team level;
  8. Has a total disregard for game and practice commitments.