The athletic program at Nativity is an integral part of the total educational experience intended to result in a full development of every student. The success of the athletic program is a shared responsibility among the principal, the athletic director, the coaches, the parents, and each student athlete. The primary objective of the athletic program is to teach.

First, the program must practice and teach that the self-esteem of each athlete is the most important goal of participation in athletics. All those responsible for the program must focus on ensuring positive self-esteem for each student, no matter what level of skill the student possesses.

Second, the program must teach every student the skills of each sport in which they participate.

Third, the coaches and the parents particularly must teach the student athletes the proper balance of often conflicting motivating forces common not only to sports, but to all endeavors of life. Primarily they must teach the students a proper balance of the value of winning and other significant values, including, respect for fellow students, respect for the performance of others, respect for authority, the value of team work, the value of self-discipline, and respect for opponents. It is contrary to the athletic philosophy of Nativity to sacrifice any of these significant values, especially a student's self-esteem, for the sake of winning.

Fourth, those responsible for the program must teach every student that sports is one ingredient of many that comprise their entire life. Participation in sports is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end, that is, a complete education of every student.

Fifth, it is the objective of the sports program that every student who is in good academic standing should have the opportunity to participate. Those responsible for the program must ensure that the participation is meaningful. Except in the case of a student's lack of attendance or misconduct, no cuts from participation in a sport should occur. Coaches must make a meaningful effort to play all the athletes who meet their responsibilities as members of the team.

Sixth, there are two kinds of athletic programs at Nativity School . An intramural program which is offered on designated weekdays right after school. Details regarding the specifics are sent home with the students in the fall. The interscholastic program is a competitive program of team sports. The Catholic Athletic Association (CAA) sets various team levels. For those athletes in the eighth grade, participating in this program the CAA level of the team on which they will play may be determined by the skill of the athlete to play the sport when more than one team is necessary to accommodate all those who wish to participate. For those teams below the eighth grade level, when more than one team is necessary, selection based on skill is not the practice, as it is the objective at these levels is to create teams of equal skills.

If a parent has a question or concern with the Athletic Program, the parent should first consult the Coach and then the Athletic Director. If the matter has not been resolved by the Athletic Director, then the parent should submit the question or concern to the Administrator.