What Are the Duties of a Modified Student Athlete?

Many schools, eager to promote health among their students, have established modified athletic programs. These programs generally are intended for higher level middle school students, allowing athletes to hone their skills before they become eligible for junior varsity teams. In these programs, more emphasis is placed on health and teamwork and less upon competition and creating team exclusivity. Just as in standard athletic programs, students in modified programs have specific obligations that they must meet to continue to participate in the program.

  1. Receive Requisite Physical Examination

    • In nearly all school districts, modified student athletes are required to obtain a physical before taking part in school athletic programs. This requirement is intended to ensure that the player is fit for physical activity. Students commonly receive a form that they must have filled out by their physician. On this form, the physician certifies that the athlete is fit for activity. This form must be completed and turned in before practice or training begins.

    Attend Practices Faithfully

    • Modified student athletes work together to build their skills and prepare for competition at practices. All student athletes must attend these practices regularly as they are designed to help the participants prepare physically and mentally for the athletic challenges they will face. While specific requirements vary from school to school, generally athletes are allowed to miss very few practices and are given permission to miss these practices only with an excuse that provides a justified reason for their absence.

    Complete Mandated Training Exercises

    • Coaches responsible for the training of students who take part in modified athletics programs design training exercises tailored to assist athletes in building the muscles and endurance necessary for athletic success. Modified student athletes must follow the course of training mandated by their coaches to ensure that they are as physically prepared as possible for their participation in their sports of choice.

    Adhere to Conduct Rules

    • Modified student athletes must follow the codes of conduct laid out by sponsoring schools. These codes generally dictate student behavior both in school and at away functions. Often, students who fail to follow school rules lose their privilege of competing on the modified athletic team. Additionally, students who do not serve as a good representation of the school at games or other events may also risk losing their right to participate.

    Attend Games

    • Athletes must attend scheduled games and compete in the planned competitions. In some instances students are excused from games because of team overcrowding. Student participants generally are informed of which games they are expected to attend early in the season and are required to attend these selected games throughout the season unless an emergency occurs and prevents them from making it to one or more of the selected games.