Athletic Department Philosophy
Athletic competition plays an important role in the development of the students at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. The overwhelming majority of students in grades 6–12 are active participants in athletics.
At Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy the values of competition, commitment, team play, self-discipline, and sportsmanship are the foundations of the athletic program. In an environment that both challenges and supports skill development, students test their limits and come to appreciate a whole new level of competency and confidence. The athletic program at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy embodies the ideals of physical fitness through exercise and conditioning; sportsmanship in both winning and losing situations; teamwork through commitment to peers and coaches; and skill improvement through drill and practice.
In general, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy has a "no cut" policy. Any student who comes out for a team and meets the minimum standards that the coach has set for attendance becomes a member of the team. Coaches expect attendance at all scheduled practices barring unforeseen circumstances.
Upper School
At the high school varsity level, it may become necessary to designate a group of players as reserves or Junior Varsity. Reserve players participate in all team practices, but it is understood that their playing time may be limited to certain games and/or certain circumstances. It is understood that both player participation and winning are important at the varsity level of competition, but priority will, in most cases, be given to winning the game as part of a successful experience for the whole team.
Middle School
In the middle school programs, participation is at least as important as the outcome of the games. Depending on the overall size of the team, coaches are encouraged to do their best to get everyone into the game. There are times when this is not possible, but students who are committed to team practices and games should receive the opportunity for meaningful playing time throughout the course of the season. At the discretion of the Athletic Director and coaching staff, middle school teams may be broken into A and B depending on either size or skill.
