The Essex Westford School District ("EWSD") recognizes and promotes the priority of academics within our athletic programs.  While athletics are an important part of education, academic success remains the primary objective. The athletic program is designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. In order to compliment the personal and academic growth of our students, the primary objectives of our athletic programs and coaches shall be to: 

1. Teach positive attitudes, proper habits, knowledge and skills.

2. Develop student abilities through healthy competition.

3. Bring about the realizations in our students that competition is a privilege that carries definite responsibilities.

4. Develop an interest in sports that will carry over into adult life.

5. Represent our school/district in a manner that brings respect for the school and each individual participant.

6. Develop a healthy attitude towards opponents, realizing that they deserve our most sincere effort to emerge victorious while simultaneously understanding that their purpose is to defeat us in a healthy, sporting encounter.

7. Allow every individual the maximum opportunity to participate in an activity while recognizing that sports, like life, is a competitive situation in which some will excel, some will succeed, some will fail, and all will benefit merely by being participants.

8. Emphasize priority of academics, and maintain and communicate a philosophy that athletics is a part of the education and character development of our students.

Although Coaches are responsible for abiding by all Essex Westford School District ("EWSD") and district policies, procedures and other rules, we have included a brief summary of some of these provisions which coaches need to be particularly aware. If you have specific questions about these policies or other EWSD policies, please contact the Athletic Director/Administrator of your building.  For a complete listing of EWSD policies, please visit our website at https://www.ewsd.org/domain/187.

All coaches are expected to minimally meet the training requirements as outlined by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA).  For information about training requirements and other available training, please visit the VPA website. 

All coaches are also required to complete the free Concussion in Sports training provided by the NFHS Coaches Education Program.  

All coaches are expected to adhere to the VPA Polices as they apply to coaches.  VPA policies can be found at VPA Website