SAS offers all students the opportunity to develop their athletic skills, to reach their athletic potential, and to enjoy sports through team membership, competition, and participation. Athletics are a means by which students build character, exercise leadership skills, develop self-esteem, and learn the value of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The athletic program is an integral part of the total school curriculum.
SAS offers a well-rounded program of interscholastic athletics. Opportunities for participation vary according to the sport and the level of competition. At the Middle School level, coaches emphasize the development of athletic skill and meaningful participation. At the varsity level, performance and team success become more primary objectives. However, in any athletic endeavor at SAS, the final measure of success lies not in winning or losing, but in how our athletes prepare for and play the game. The health and well-being of SAS student athletes come first while winning comes second.
The overall philosophy is to always to do our best as we strive for excellence.
InSideOut Coaching Initiative
SAS is participates in the nationally recognized InSideOut Initiative. Our coaches are committed to creating transformational experiences by developing meaningful relationships to help to shape the character of each of our athletes and teach life lessons of integrity, trust, respect, work ethic and kindness. In all our endeavors care and love for our athletes is our goal.
Interested in coaching at SAS? View Employment Opportunities.
The SAS Athletic Covenant
As an SAS Athlete:
- I will give my best effort in every practice and every contest.
- I will be on time and present for every team commitment.
- I will respect and support my teammates.
- I will respect the authority and judgment of my coach.
- I will communicate with my coach if I have concerns or questions.
- I will respect my opponents and the officials.
- I will take responsibility for the care of all school equipment issued to me.
- I will keep the locker room and practice areas neat and clean.
- I will take responsibility for communicating with my teachers when class is missed due to athletics, and I will not use athletics as an excuse for an academic shortcoming.
- I will practice good sportsmanship, representing SAS in a positive manner.
As an SAS Coach:
- I will respect the dignity of every athlete.
- I will respect my opponents and the officials.
- I will be on time for every team commitment.
- I will prepare for practice with an organized plan.
- I will communicate clear expectations to athletes and parents.
- I will teach and model good sportsmanship, representing SAS in a positive manner.
As the parent on an SAS Athlete:
- I will offer positive support for my child’s athletic participation.
- I will respect the authority and judgment of the coach.
- I will offer only positive support for the team and for the coaches during contests.
- I will respect the decisions of the officials during contests.
- I will discuss any concerns privately by phone or appointment with the coach first, then with the Athletic Director if necessary.
- I will teach and model good sportsmanship, representing SAS in a positive manner.
The primary objective of a varsity team is to test its skills in competition and to compete at the highest level. Therefore, coaches use what they consider to be their best players to achieve this objective. All coaches strive to reward varsity athletes with the opportunity to play, but this opportunity is not assumed or taken for granted.
Junior Varsity teams concentrate on developing skills and improving overall athletic ability. Coaches allow all junior varsity athletes to participate in junior varsity contests unless there are disciplinary or physical impediments to participation.
Our Middle School athletics program helps young athletes develop skills appropriate for Middle School level competition and, if they have the desire and ability, to move on to varsity athletics. Games are scheduled in competitive leagues but there is less emphasis on competition and greater emphasis on all athletes participating in games during the regular season. Although this may not mean equal playing time, SAS is dedicated to providing Middle School athletes with opportunities to further their development in practice so they can improve their performance during competitive situations. During tournament play, the emphasis may shift to a more competitive approach.
I just wanted you to know that your coaches and kids were the most respectful and courteous bunch of people that I have had the pleasure to officiate in a long time...I heard nothing but encouragement from the coaches (a rarity these days) and total respect for my partner and myself. You should commend your coaches for teaching these kids that it is not all about the winning ... Good job to all involved!
- Ken Maury, Umpire