The George Mason High School Athletic Program, Grades 8-12 Strategic Plan draf t our Program Covenant

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  Excellence – We value excellence and hold high academic and athletic expectations for ourselves and others.
  

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  Character – We value the development of personal character including respect, responsibility and integrity.
  

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  Sportsmanship – We value the demonstration of good sportsmanship at all times, winning with grace and losing with dignity.
  

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  Athleticism – We value the continuous improvement of athletic skills that results from the development of personal goals, hard work and self-discipline.
  

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  Wellness – We value the development of the whole person – healthy spirit, mind and body – in a positive and safe environment.
  

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  Teamwork – We value collegiality, collaboration and teamwork -- on and off the field.
  

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  Competition – We value spirited competition that comports with our core values.
  

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  Community – We value the sense of community on the team, in the schools, and throughout the City that athletics promotes.
  

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  Enjoyment – We value the enjoyment of sport and believe that student-athletes should have fun while participating.
  

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  Objective 1.1: To meet the needs, interests and abilities of the student body.
  

1.1a: Ensure that all coaches demonstrate an athlete-centered coaching philosophy.

1.1b: Assess the needs and interests of middle and high school students as related to the GMHS athletic program.

1.1c: Identify and evaluate possible modifications to the athletic program.

1.1d: Ensure student awareness of alternative community sports programming that supplements the GMHS athletic program.

1.1e: Work with FCDPR to promote participation in community athletic programs that support the growth of GMHS athletic programs.

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  Objective 1.2: To create the conditions that allow students to excel academically while participating in athletics.
  

1.2a: Develop an academic services program to monitor, encourage and support the academic achievement of athletes including their time management skills.

1.2b: Address travel and schedule challenges by articulating guidelines for coaches and students.

1.2c: Develop strategies to promote and recognize academic and athletic excellence.

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  Objective 1.3: To promote the skill development of GMHS student athletes through instruction, training and conditioning.
  

1.3a: Provide appropriate and relevant technical training to all coaches.

1.3b: Ensure that athletes develop appropriate competencies in their sport.

1.3c: Develop and provide a comprehensive year-round strength and conditioning program.

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  Objective 1.4: To provide the education for and modeling of healthy behaviors.
  

1.4a: Create and deliver a comprehensive athletic department wellness program.

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  Objective 1.5: To provide the education for and the modeling of sportsmanship and citizenship.
  

1.5a: Utilize the Virginia High School League Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award criteria to construct and implement a sportsmanship program.

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  Objective 2.1: To recruit, retain and reward an excellent coaching staff.
  

2.1a: Ensure that the personnel needs of the athletic department are known and considered in the hiring of full time FCCPS staff.

2.1b: Develop and implement strategies to recruit coaches from the current faculty and staff of all FCCPS schools.

2.1c: Develop a recommendation for a competitive compensation package for coaches.

2.1d: Develop a recognition program for coaches.

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  Objective 2.2: To support coaches in their work with students with administrative and student services.
  

2.2a: Provide the support services and staff necessary to address the physical skill development of GMHS student athletes.

2.2b: Provide the support services and staff necessary to support the academic achievement of GMHS student athletes.

2.2c: Provide the administrative services necessary to support athletic program operations.

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  Objective 2.3: To develop a professional growth program for coaches that parallels the professional growth program for FCCPS teaching staff.
  

2.3a: Set expectations for the performance of coaches.

2.3b: Develop and implement a performance evaluation program for all coaches that includes a process for delivering feedback.

2.3c: Create and sustain an ongoing professional development program for coaches.

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  Objective 3.1: To identify, acquire and improve facilities and fields to meet current and future program needs.
  

3.1a: Develop recommendations on athletic facility and field improvements and additions to contribute to the long term study of FCCPS facilities.

3.1b: Collaborate with FCDPR to develop new athletic facilities and to improve existing facilities so that current and future athletic department needs are met.

3.1c: Develop partnerships with community organizations to improve and expand athletic facilities.

3.1d: Develop and implement strategies to optimize field use.

3.1e: Ensure adequate funding of the GMHS athletic program by developing a funding policy and strategy for facilities, fields, programs and enhancements.

3.1f: Ensure the proper cleaning and sanitation of athletic facilities.

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  Objective 3.2: To ascertain and fulfill the life-cycle schedule needs of all athletic equipment to ensure safety, function and usability.
  

3.2a: Establish a replacement schedule for all athletic equipment.

3.2b: Develop a maintenance and upkeep procedure for equipment.

3.2c: Provide adequate and appropriate storage for the athletic equipment of each team.

3.2d: Develop and implement strategies to ensure the equitable allocation of resources among the various athletic programs.

3.2e: Ensure the proper cleaning and sanitation of athletic equipment.

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  Objective 4.1: To increase attendance at GMHS athletic events.
  

4.1a: Increase GMHS student attendance at athletic events.

4.1b: Increase the attendance of family members at games and recognition events.

4.1c: Develop and implement an outreach program to encourage elementary and middle school attendance at games.

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  Objective 4.2: To generate interest in and enthusiasm for GMHS athletic events.
  

4.2a: Establish and support an active spirit group under the umbrella of the athletic department.

4.2b: Educate team parents/guardians on the athletic department’s mission.

4.2c: Publicize athletic events throughout the community of Falls Church.

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  Objective 4.3: To build collaborative relationships between athletic teams and the community.
  

4.3a: Work with and through the Boosters to increase community support for GMHS athletic events.

4.3b: Pursue opportunities for teams to become involved in community activities and service projects.

4.3c: Ensure transparency by providing opportunities for two-way communication between parents/guardians/the community and the athletic program.

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  Objective 4.4: To secure volunteers and other resources to support the athletic program.
  

4.4a: Educate team parents/guardians on the importance of their involvement in and support for their child’s team.

4.4b: Communicate expectations for parent/guardian participation in team activities and support for the team.

4.4c: Create partnerships with businesses and community groups to support athletic department activities.

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  Objective 4.5: To celebrate the athletic history, traditions and achievements of GMHS athletes and teams.
  

4.5a: Maintain a Hall of Fame.

4.5b: Maintain a display of trophies, awards and championship banners.

4.5c: Maintain records of individual and team achievements.