Joseph Ricciardelli
Director of Athletics, CAA
Supervisor of Physical Education/Health K-12
jricciardelli@nmpsd.org
201-262-0172 ext. 2005
Jane Castronovo
Athletic Secretary
jcastronovo@nmpsd.org
201-262-0172 ext. 2005
Dear NMHS Athletes and Parents,
I am pleased that you will be participating in the New Milford High School Athletic program as a student athlete and spectator this year. As a student athlete you have the opportunity to enhance your educational experiences, develop skills and achieve personal and team goals. Athletics is not just an extension of the school; it plays a vital role in the overall education of our students. Princeton University promotes "Education through Athletics" and that has become more apparent at our school as well as many others nearby. As a parent, you will have the opportunity to see your son and/or daughter demonstrate his/her talents where the benefits are provided by athletics. The intrinsic value of athletics as well as the critical skills of analytics and authentic assessment through strategizing are priceless to the overall experience. Lastly, high school athletics are not recreational activities. We are part of the institution of learning and knowledge professed here at New Milford High School. Athletics are an opportunity to achieve and to experience the many different highs and lows of competition.
The athletic program is an integral part of the high school experience. Athletes, spectators, parents and staff all reap the benefits of a strong program. At NMHS, we are fortunate to have a concerned, enthusiastic and experienced coaching staff. Participation in athletics should be a positive experience for all. A quote which is found in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) handbook states “The member schools, their communities and the whole society desire academic excellence and recognition; activities free from unsportsmanlike acts; and a culture free of substance abuse.” I am sure that we would all agree on those thoughts.
The NJSIAA has specific and strict regulations in respect to academic eligibility (number of credits earned), age and conduct of players, coaches and spectators, etc. A copy of the NJSIAA’s “The Responsibilities of Sportsmanship” and an acknowledgement form that must be signed by each athlete and parent indicating that they have familiarized themselves with that information. An information and acknowledgement form in respect to “Substance Use – Rules, Regulations, and Penalties” which also must be signed prior to participation, is required for all student athletes. In addition, each student and parent must sign the “NJSIAA Steroid Testing Policy Consent To Random Testing” form enacted December 20, 2005 by Governor Richard Codey.
Before participation in athletics, the sportsmanship and substance use acknowledgements, steroid testing consent form, parental consent form, athletic training permit and emergency information sheet must be completed entirely. Additionally, each athlete is required by the New Jersey State Department of Education to have a medical examination prior to the first practice session of a sport. I look forward to the upcoming season with all of its promise of success and growth for our student/athletes.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Athletic Department at 201-262-0172 extension 2005.
Sincerely,
Joseph Ricciardelli
Director of Athletics
