Grand Haven Athletics
Grand Haven is a member of the Ottawa-Kent Red Conference, which includes eight western Michigan high schools.
About GH Athletics
Philosophy
At Grand Haven Area Public Schools, we believe that interscholastic sports:
- are an integral part of the total educational process for all students. provides opportunities and experiences which assist students in their personal adjustment and development. helps meet the students' needs. provides good training habits necessary to learn sportsmanship, self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork. should strive for excellence.
- provides the spirit of competition and sportsmanship for athletic teams.
A quality athletic program is the shared responsibility of the students, staff, parents, and community. It requires a supportive environment that allows for participation among students, staff, and parents. It is our expectation that our athletes hold themselves to the highest standards, whether they are in the classroom, on the playing field, or out in the community.
It is our expectation that our staff, coaches, and parents also represent themselves and the school in a very positive way when they attend any athletic event, home or away. As with any successful team, we must all work together to ensure that Grand Haven athletics continue a tradition of excellence.
Student-Athlete Expectations
Grand Haven has a long history and tradition of athletic excellence—one built over many years through dedication, commitment, and hard work by countless individuals.
Becoming a Grand Haven student-athlete means stepping into that tradition and helping to carry it forward. Participation in athletics is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility.
Wearing the blue and gold represents more than a uniform; it symbolizes personal character, family pride, school spirit, and the legacy of those who have competed before. Grand Haven athletes are expected to uphold conduct that reflects positively in every setting, both on and off the field. Behavior is highly visible to peers, staff, families, and the community, and the standards set by team expectations and the Athletic Code help ensure that this tradition of excellence continues. Violations of these expectations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension from school or athletics, expulsion, or loss of future eligibility.
Message to Parents
Your student has indicated a desire to participate in the high school interscholastic athletic program. Parents of student athletes also commit themselves to certain responsibilities and obligations, which are outlined in this athletic handbook. Your signature on the Athletic Code, along with the signature of your student athlete, indicates that you understand and accept those responsibilities and obligations, and agree to cooperate with school personnel in enforcing the athletic code. Parents will be required to attend informational meetings scheduled by the athletic director at the beginning of each season. Athletes will not be allowed to play until his or her parents have met with the athletic director. Individual meetings will be scheduled with the athletic director for parents who are unable to attend the informational meeting.
Parents are encouraged and expected to model good sportsmanship at all times during athletic events. Acceptable standards must be adhered to by adults. Failure to lead by example may result in removal from the event and/or future events. All parents are invited to join the Buc Boosters and help promote and support the tradition of excellence associated with Grand Haven Athletics.
