651.1 Guideline: Athletics and Activities

Continue to Guideline 651.2: School Activity Fees

The purpose of these administrative guidelines is to guide implementation of Board Policy 651: Athletic and Activity Program. 

I. REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

A. In order to participate in athletics or activities governed by the Minnesota State High School League, a student must meet all of the eligibility requirements as defined in Sections 100 and 200 of the Minnesota State High School League Bylaws. 

B. In addition, a student must be on track toward graduation according to the MSHSL guidelines to participate in MSHSL athletics. Student participation in activities not governed by MSHSL will be allowed without any restrictions based on course credits earned.

II. EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION

A. A review and evaluation of the extracurricular program shall be conducted in conjunction with the rotational review of Board Policy 651 and Administrative Guideline 651.1.

B. The review process shall include opportunities for participation and formal written input from students and parents/guardians.

C. The Coaches/Advisors Handbook shall be revised to reflect changes in the extracurricular program, policies and guidelines resulting from the program review and evaluation.

III. EVALUATION OF COACHES/ACTIVITY SUPERVISORS

A formal evaluation shall be completed at the end of the athletic season or activity, and shall include the following components:

A. The head coach or activity supervisor will submit a report to the activities director that includes information pertaining to student participation, accomplishments in relation to goals, an evaluation of assistant coaches/activity supervisors, and suggestions for program improvement. 

B. The activities director will complete a written evaluation of the head coach/activity supervisor, based on multiple sources of information, including the report referenced in III.A above, observation records, and feedback from students, parents/guardians, and others familiar with the program or activity. Evaluative documentation will be reviewed by the high school principal or appropriate district administrator.

C. The activities director shall include all necessary forms for evaluation and reporting in the Coaches/Advisors Handbook.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS

A. The activities director is expected to provide relevant information about the competitive athletic and activity program to coaches and activity supervisors, students, parents/guardians, and the public. 

B. The superintendent authorizes the activities director and coaches/advisors to develop a statement of philosophy and beliefs, provided that the statement is aligned with Board Policy 651.

C. Feedback and ideas from parents/guardians, students, and interested community members will be obtained in conjunction with the extracurricular program review described in Section I above, with opportunities for additional feedback via student surveys, written correspondence, phone calls and conferences.

 

Dated: September 7, 2004

Reviewed: July 15, 2013

Revised: May 17, 2021; February 2, 2026

 

Reference:  Minnesota State High School League Official Handbook

 

APPENDIX

ATHLETIC & ACTIVITY PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The following statement was developed by coaches and is included in the Coaches/Advisors Handbook:

We believe that the opportunity for participation in a wide variety of student-selected activities is a vital part of the student’s educational experiences. This participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, other participants and the community. The purpose of the athletics and activities program is to provide experiences that help young people to develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

Athletics and activities should be available to all students who develop an interest in participating, regardless of their individual abilities. Accordingly, whenever feasible, appropriate skill levels should be established within athletics and activities, so students may become involved regardless of their level of skills.

Leadership should be of the highest quality and exemplify the type of behavior that the program attempts to develop. Leadership success is measured in terms of the goals of the athletic and activity program rather than solely on the victories/defeats or honors/awards. Coaches, advisors or sponsors will provide guidance in learning to compete and engage with grace, cooperation, leadership and self-actualization.

It is intended that the athletic and activities programs be conducted in accordance with existing board of education policies and guidelines. Winning and high performance are considered worthy goals, but competing and engaging with grace, along with the well-being of participants are considered more important. The programs are, at all times, to be conducted in such a manner as to justify them as educational activities.

 

Dated: September 7, 2004

Reviewed: July 15, 2013

Revised: May 17, 2021; February 2, 2026