Modified Sports: A learning experience

Schuylerville offers its students a broad array of choices when it comes to athletic programs. Seventh, eighth and ninth graders can opt to participate in modified sports, which are often a student's first exposure to interscholastic games. As such, there are certain characteristics that distinguish modified sports. For example, they may have slightly altered rules to accommodate participants' growth levels and abilities. This helps ensure student safety.

In addition, the philosophy of modified sports differs from upper level athletics. "The modified sports program is designed to be a learning experience—a teaching program where participants gain exposure to athletics," explains Schuylerville Athletic Director Beth Sciurba. "The goal is to learn about the game and about sportsmanship, rather than focusing solely on winning and losing. With this in mind, it's typical to see all team members participating, not just the ones who have developed better skill levels. Also, there are no cheerleaders or pep bands for modified sports."

This philosophy of modified sports is put forth by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHAA), the governing body for all junior and senior high school sports in the state. In fact, the NYSPHSAA even outlines the duties of a modified sports program, including:

• Providing as broad and varied an athletic program as possible with an opportunity for competition on an equal basis for all students.

• Conducting an athletic program so that educational objectives are achieved and the highest ideals of sportsmanship are upheld.

• Integrating the athletic program with all other activities essential to youth (including those that may be conducted by out-of-school groups) to avoid an excessive load for any student.

• Administering the program so there shall be minimum loss of school time, limited publicity and limited awards and all efforts are made to keep the program in proper perspective.

• Cooperating with schools in the area to develop the highest type of cordial interscholastic relationships.

They NYSPHSAA also dictates how many modified games students can play, how much time is necessary between games and the amount of time athletes can spend in practices.

"By following the rules and embracing the philosophy of modified sports, participants get the full benefit of their athletic experiences," Sciurba says. "They also can learn some other valuable lessons along the way, such as responsibility to team members, organizational and time management skills, as well as cooperating to achieve a common goal. These are important skills that will carry over into other areas of students' lives."

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