Diocese of Buffalo Athletics Program Educational Goals

Competence

A student athlete in a Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Elementary School Athletic Program is competent in terms of:

Skill development
Knowledge of the game and strategies
Fitness, conditioning, healthy behavior

Character

A student athlete in a Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Elementary School Athletic Program demonstrates:

Responsibility
Perseverance
Pride
Trustworthiness
Fair play
Self control

Civility

A student athlete in a Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Elementary School Athletic Program demonstrates civility toward others in word and actions, showing:

Respect
Fairness
Caring

Citizenship

A student athlete in Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Elementary School Athletic Program, through actions, shows evidence of:

Loyalty and commitment
Teamwork
Integrity

Child Development - Mind & Body

As a Catholic school, our responsibility is to develop the whole child—socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. As we look at children in elementary school, their growth is a continuum preparing them for the next stage of their development. This is true especially in the area of physical development and participation in organized sports programs. It is imperative that we have a full understanding of this when planning sports programs for elementary-age students.

As stated in Understanding Children by Judith A. Schickendanz, Karen Hansen, and Peggy D. Forsyth...

"A healthy body contributes to healthy growth in every other area of development. Good motor coordination and appropriate body strength can support cognitive growth and provide children with positive feelings about themselves. Participation in games and sports can help children learn individual and group social skills. Overall, physical activity can give children a sense of health and general well-being."

In 1995, the NASPE (National Association for Sports and Physical Education) established standards and benchmarks that help establish a way to monitor a child's progress towards physical preparation. Those standards are as follows:

The child demonstrates competency in many movement forms and proficiency in a few movement forms.
The child applies movement concepts and principles to the learning and development of motor skills.
The child exhibits a physically active lifestyle.
The child achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
The child demonstrates responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings.
The child demonstrates understanding and respect for differences among people in physical activity settings.
The child understands that physical activity provides the opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.