Historically, athletes of Scotia-Glenville Central School District have not formerly practiced on Sundays. In his first year in the position, athletic director John Geneti, asked the board at the Monday, Oct. 16, meeting if an exception can be made for the boy’s basketball team.
Although there is not a written policy stating athletic teams can’t practice on Sundays, there is a policy saying they may not practice more than six consecutive days. Geneti said that the boys basketball team has a particular interest in holding Sunday practices because of their Tuesday night/Friday night schedule. Geneti said that when a Friday night game is away, it makes it difficult to prepare for a Saturday practice. Geneti said that like other teams in the council, the Scotia-Glenville team needs two days of practice between games.
I am advocating for only allowing Sunday practices when games are away on Fridays followed by a Tuesday game. It is in my interest to make sure that these kids do not live the sport they play, and I do understand the importance of family time, said Geneti. `With that said, given the current schedule, Saturdays are better days off for our boys to recover before the next practice.`
Geneti said that all but one other team in the Foothills Council holds Sunday practices.
Superintendent Susan Swartz said, although not specifically a board of education issue, she feels it is something they should be aware of.
`We think the best solution is to allow Sunday practices on a case-by-case basis. We are not opening Sunday practices to all teams in all sports. John said the need for the basketball team would be eight Sundays through-out the season,` said Swartz.
Geneti also expressed concern about teams meeting on Sundays on school grounds and holding informal practices. He said this is a violation of the rule against more than six consecutive days of practice, and he has addressed the issue with several coaches and parents.
`Sunday practices would never be made mandatory. I can’t express enough how important family time is. I would never want any child being benched because they didn’t attend a Sunday practice,` said Geneti.
Swartz said she and Geneti expect the girl’s basketball team to be making a similar request as their games are on a Tuesday/Friday schedule as well.
Some board members expressed concerns over Sunday practices, including the need for custodians. School business administrator Dorothy Nolie said that should not be a problem because the teams would be confined to the gym only.
At Monday night’s meeting, Swartz also discussed her 2006-2007 district goals strategies update. She said the goals would enable students to meet state standards and prepare them for life in the 21st century. Swartz and Assistant Superintendent Joe Kavanaugh developed the comprehensive plan in an effort to give the district more direction.
`This plan is always open for growth and modification. We are posting it on our Web site as a way for parents to see what is expected out of our students and staff as well,` said Swartz.“
