Crivitz Superintendent says schools support sportsmanship in athletics

CRIVITZ – Despite public complaints voiced at recent school board meetings about disrespectful coaches and an ineffective complaint-resolution process, Crivitz School District Superintendent Kelly Robinson said the school district supports athletics and understands their value in education.

“Education-based athletics are a wonderful avenue for students to compete in a sport of their choice and learn the values of work ethic, sportsmanship, being a team player and being a team member,” Robinson said in an email in response to a reporter’s request for comment.

“The School District of Crivitz strives to provide many opportunities for our students to have avenues to show their talents and passions in athletics as well as co-curriculars and clubs,” she said, noting the administration has received only one formal complaint about girls basketball coaching.

The School District of Crivitz recently received the WIAA Award for Excellence from the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association, Robinson said. Selection criteria include National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) classes for some coaches and athletic directors. Other criteria include “student athlete sportsmanship, ethics and or integrity meetings or discussions with parents and coaches, as well as teams volunteering in the community,” she said.

The WIAA Code of Conduct includes the following: “Each student should be treated with the utmost respect, and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by the coach at all times.”

WIAA also focuses on sportsmanship, defined as: “a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. In perception and practice, sportsmanship is defined as those qualities which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. The ideals of sportsmanship apply equally to all activity disciplines. Individuals, regardless of their role in activities, are expected to be aware of their influence on the behavior of others and model good sportsmanship.”

The first fundamental of sportsmanship is to “show respect for self and others at all times,” according to the WIAA.