The purpose of the interscholastic athletic program at University High School is to provide student-athletes with an enjoyable and challenging athletic environment which emphasizes the attainment of both physical skills and strong character development. The program aims to develop in the students, excellent sportsmanship, a strong work ethic, a spirit of cooperation, leadership skills, and such personal character traits as integrity, loyalty, humility, and maturity.

The fundamental basis for our program is the view that coaches are teachers and role models of the standards we expect from the student participants. Participation is open to all students who make a serious commitment to their team.

University High School students learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics, including lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, healthy lifestyles, and how to win and lose gracefully. The program plays an important part in helping the individual student develop a healthy self concept as well as a healthy body and mind. Competition adds to our school and community spirit and helps all students, spectators, as well as participants develop pride in their school and community.

Goals

• To offer a varied program that is flexible enough to meet the needs of the novice athlete, yet strong enough to prepare the skilled athlete for higher levels of competition.
• To provide the highest quality athletic program staffed with the most competent personnel available.
• To develop the concept of team spirit among all members of teams and coaches.
• To teach the fundamentals and techniques of each sport in a progressive, planned sequence that is appropriate for student-athletes at the high school level.
• To foster the positive aspects of competitive athletics (developing the attitude that striving to win is important), while avoiding the negative aspects of competitive athletics (developing the attitude that winning is everything).

Participation in athletics at University High School is completely voluntary. Our school is unique in that there is a no-cut policy for all athletic teams. The school provides facilities, coaching, transportation, and equipment. The school reserves the right to revoke or restrict the privilege of participation if a student fails to live up to expectations and standards as outlined below.

1. Regular, punctual attendance in all classes at University High School is essential to participation in the athletic programs. A student-athlete who cuts a class will be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled contest. Three violations of this policy during the season will result in dismissal from the team. If an athlete is absent from school on a particular day, he/she may not be present or take part in athletic activities on that day.
2. Without exception athletic participants must turn in to the coach or Athletic Director a completed Medical Eligibility Form, with physician's signature. No athlete may participate in practice or competition until this form is completed and submitted.
3. Athletes are financially responsible for all school equipment furnished to them. Grades and diplomas will not be issued until all equipment is returned. In addition, seniors who have not met this obligation may not participate in May Project. The student's family will be billed for any items not returned at the end of the season.
4. Athletes are to be dressed in the official team uniform when representing University High School in an athletic contest. These uniforms are to be worn only for athletic competitions and not for physical education classes, or recreational use. However, wearing these uniforms on a game day is permissible on special occasions.
5. Athletes may NOT transfer from one sport to another in the same season, unless authorized by the Principal and the Athletic Director.
6. School personnel will make every effort to keep the locker rooms secure: however the student-athlete is responsible for issued school equipment as well as his/her own personal belongings.
7. The locker area is to be kept neat and clean, and any athlete using school towels must turn them in to be cleaned.
8. Training supplies are very expensive and must be used wisely and carefully. Tape and underwrap are for care and prevention of injuries ONLY.
9. Players and coaches are to travel as a team to and from contests, unless special arrangements have been made with parents and the coach.
10. Athletic practice and play areas will be specifically scheduled for teams. A team is to have exclusive use of its facility during the assigned time, and all members are to leave at the end of the time.
11. Students and coaches are responsible to know and meet the eligibility requirements of the IHSA.
12. Students involved in several activities should know their schedules so conflicts can be resolved early. This might include athletics, music, community service, drama, college entrance exams etc.
13. All student athletes are valuable members of their respective teams. If students have concerns regarding their position on the team, the issues should first be taken up with their coach. If necessary, the Athletic Director may also become involved in order to resolve the issue/s.
14. Students who are placed on academic probation may remain on their athletic team as long as they abide by the contract they establish with their counselor. If the contract is broken, the student may not participate in any team activities for one week. If the contract is broken a second time during the season, the student will be dismissed from the team.
15. In the interest of safety and fairness, students on athletic teams must practice five days before being eligible for competition.

The ISL is committed to promoting vigorous competitive interscholastic athletic programs within a climate of the traditional tenets of good sportsmanship and fair play.

Coaches

As the adult leaders, coaches have the primary responsibility and the most effective venue for establishing and maintaining an ethos which fosters the highest standards of good conduct.

Athletes

Players are always responsible for controlling their own conduct on and off the field. There shall be no use of foul language or play regardless of the situation. They are responsible for promoting good sportsmanship among their teammates and their opponents. They shall respect the decisions made by the officials and not display any negative actions toward any official.

Spectators

All spectators shall conduct themselves in such a way as to support and advance the values of fair play and sportsmanship. Jeering, harassing of players, coaches, or officials, or any negative behavior will not be tolerated.