Athletic Philosophy

The overriding goal of the program is to develop student athletes who display character in all areas of life. The key to this development is preparing students to live in the world where actions have consequences and our students are prepared to deal with them.

 Athletically, Bancroft has different goals depending on the level at which students participate and compete:

1. For Middle School Programs: participation and skill development (no cut policy)

• The A team will consist of players who, in the judgement of the coach, demonstrate the best athletic talent and spirit.
• On A level teams all students will play-however playing time may not be equal.
• On B level teams all students will play equally as possible.

2. Junior Varsity Program: participation and skill development 

• All students will play-however playing time will not be equal.

3. Varsity Program: to be competitive, strive for victory

• Playing to win, best players will play, coach will determine playing time.

Code of Conduct

See N.E.P.S.A.C code stated below and on athletic schedules.

In addition to the N.E.P.S.A.C guidelines, Bancroft School will not tolerate hazing of any kind. Please refer to Bancroft's student handbook regarding this issue.

Award of Bancroft Varsity Letters

Letters are awarded by the coach. Each academic year a player will receive only one varsity B. A pin is awarded for each varsity sport. Thus a three sport player would receive one varsity B and three pins. The pins symbolize the sport.

 Captains Selection

The selection of a team captain rests with the head coach. Some coaches choose to have players vote while some coaches will select captains without input from players. The coach has the responsibility to make the final decision. Captains may be selected from 10th, 11th or 12th grade players.

Criteria for selection include: a student who can communicate, has a positive attitude, leads by example, is confident on and off the field, understands team traditions and what must be accomplished. The team captain does not have to be the most skilled player on the team and leadership qualities override skill. Captains will participate with the Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director on the Captains Council.

 Most Valuable and Most Improved Player Awards

The selection of these awards rests with the coach. Some coaches choose to allow player input, while others choose not to have input. The coach has the responsibility to make the final decision. The coach uses the following criteria for selection: player attitude and effort on a daily basis at practices as well as during the games. It is the overall performance of the athlete which will determine his/her selection for these awards.

All League Selection

The coaches of each varsity sport meet with their peer coaches in the Eastern Independent League to determine All League selections. Each coach will nominate players he or she believes are of such a skill level that the player would start for every team in the E.I.L. These players should only be the top players on the coach's team. Each sport will have a first team selected based on the number of players needed to field a team. I.e.: Soccer 11, Field Hockey-11, Basketball- 5, etc. Players are ranked by each league coach and the top players are named to the first team. The Player of the Year is given to the athlete with the lowest total The remaining nominated players will receive Honorable Mention recognition. For the purposes of an All-League Showcase game, coaches will add players to be named Honorable Mention from their own teams. The number of players a school gets for All-League recognition is determined by the place they finish in the league. Athletic skill is not the only factor in determining All League Selection. Attitude and sportsmanship are key factors. Selection is determined on play from the just completed season and previous selection does not guarantee current selection.

Responsibility of Coaches, Players and Parents

1. Coaches must communicate their goals and policies to their players at the start of the season
2. Players must communicate concerns to their coach, captains or fellow players. Communication is key to a positive experience for all concerned.
3. Parents should be supportive of the players by attending games and voicing positive comments. If parents have concerns which cannot be addressed by the student, then the parent should arrange a meeting with the coach at a mutually agreeable time.