1. HMHS Athletics Philosophy

Athletics is an important part of the overall educational program at Haddonfield Memorial High School.  Participation in athletics is a privilege available to all eligible students.  While physical skill and demonstrated ability are primary considerations in determining participation in competitions, we believe that all aspects of secondary school athletics are subordinate to the essential purpose for which schools exist and must be controlled by educational considerations.

This privilege carries with it serious personal responsibilities to the school and the community that the athlete represents.  Student-athletes will understand that an emphasis on academic achievement is of primary importance and that athletic achievement is secondary to this responsibility.

Interscholastic athletics provide another dimension of education.  The program strives to develop students’ positive values and habits so that personal growth and development occur.  Preparing students to succeed as adults is a primary priority of the athletic program.  Sound athletic programs teach young people values and lifelong skills such as accountability, sportsmanship, confidence, leadership skills, organizational skills, persistence, work ethic, self-discipline, social skills, teamwork, performing under pressure, the ability to take instruction, and striving for excellence.  All levels of each sports program are designed with the development of these qualities in mind.

Successful competitive performance in combination with educational consideration provides the cornerstone for our athletics program.  At the varsity level, in particular, full efforts are made to win the various competitions.  Within this framework, however, all athletes are given ample opportunity to demonstrate their skill levels in order to earn starting positions on the various teams.  Within their roles as team members, athletes accept the following:

• Long hours may be spent in practice with no guarantee of participation in games
• Self-discipline and cooperation with others are integral parts of the competition.

Athletics plays a unique role in joining the school and community.  Civic pride and identification with HMHS are results of athletic participation that can last a lifetime.  The athletics department aspires to provide these self-fulfilling opportunities for all of those students who choose to participate.

2. Statement of Purpose

To provide opportunities that will allow the program to be viewed as a learning laboratory where students may experience problems and situations similar to those that may be encountered in adult life.  The laboratory should provide adequate and natural opportunities for students to grow as follows:

1. Develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially
2. Develop such concepts as loyalty, cooperation, fair play, dedication, and self-discipline through team play
3. Develop special skills appropriate for each sport and the student’s physical ability
4. Develop self-motivation, excellence, responsibility, and academic development
5. Develop worthy use of leisure time in later life, either as a participant or spectator
6. Develop wholesome attitudes toward competition and sportsmanship
7. Develop the ability to make the best choices with their time and energy.

In addition, the athletic program should accomplish the following:

1. Generate community and school pride
2. Provide guidance to student-athletes to make appropriate educational or career choices.

 3. League Membership

Haddonfield Memorial High School is a member of the Colonial Conference, the Olympic Conference for Boys Lacrosse and Girls Volleyball, the South Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse League for Girls Lacrosse, and the West Jersey Football League for Football.  In addition, HMHS is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and competes in Group I or II playoff tournaments.