Jim Simmons
Athletic Director

(585)396-3825

Lisa Brunelli, Athletics Secretary

Randy Boylan, Head Supervisor

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Canandaigua City School District's Interscholastic Athletic Department is to promote excellence in athletics as an integral part of our educational mission, creating a positive, balanced, atmosphere of sportsmanship, character, discipline, perseverance, team spirit and fun for students, coaches and our community.

Program Philosophy

The athletic program is an integral part of the overall educational program in the Canandaigua City School District. The program promotes a desire in our student body and community to take an active part in our sports program either as participants or spectators.

The aim of the program is to develop highly competitive athletes, but not to lose sight of educational values such as sportsmanship, health, scholastic attainment, etc.. The program is to occupy a position in the curriculum comparable to other subjects or activities and to aid in promoting school pride.

Concussion Management

District & NYS Concussion Management Information
It is the policy and procedure of the Canandaigua School District to seek the safe return to play for all sick or injured athletes.
Recent research in sports-related concussion injuries has increased awareness in both the medical community and the general public. This valuable new knowledge forces us to rethink our approach to concussion recognition and management.

Varsity level competition is the culmination of each sports program. Normally, a squad is comprised of junior and senior athletes. Occasionally a sophomore, and infrequently a freshman, may be included on the team, providing evidence of advanced levels of physical development; athletic skill and appropriate socio-emotional development are demonstrated. It is possible, but rare, for a middle school student to be included on a varsity roster. Such placement through the Selection/ Classification Process would most likely occur in sports classified as "individual" such as track, wrestling, golf, swimming, tennis, etc.

Squad size at the Varsity level may be limited depending upon the sport. The number of participants on any given team is a function of the number needed to conduct effective and meaningful practices as well as to adequately meet the strategic requirements for successfully playing in athletic contests. It is important that each squad member recognize and accept the role that they will serve on the team. The number of roster positions is relative to the student’s acceptance of their individual roles in pursuit of the team goals. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specific amount of playing time at the Varsity level is never guaranteed. It is important that both students and parents understand this aspect of varsity competition.

A positive attitude and an advanced level of skill are prerequisites in order to win a roster spot on a Varsity team. There must also be a realization that Varsity athletics requires a major time commitment. In most sports, a six-day per week regime may be required. This commitment is often extended into vacation periods for all sport seasons.

The Varsity coach is the instructional leader for the entire sport program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program. ; The communication among the modified, junior varsity and varsity programs is the responsibility of the Varsity coach. Preparing to compete at a high level, striving for victory in each contest and working to reach the group's and individual's maximum potential should be the goals of a Varsity team.

The Junior Varsity level is intended for those students who display the potential for continued development into varsity level performers. Junior Varsity teams are usually comprised of freshman and sophomores, unless a team dedicated to freshman is offered, in which case the JV team would be comprised predominately of sophomores. In some instances, a junior may be permitted to participate at the JV level.

Squad sizes may vary dependent upon the program. Therefore, cuts may take place. While it is the philosophy of the school to promote broad participation, the reality is that some sports can only provide a quality, safe experience with squad size limitations.

At this level, athletes are expected to have visibly committed themselves to the program, the team and to continued self-development. Accordingly, increased emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of skills and developing understanding of strategies associated with the sport. Junior Varsity programs work toward achieving a balance between individual player development and striving for team victory. The final outcome of a contest is a consideration.

The understanding that practice sessions are critical to individual as well as team success needs to be demonstrated. A specified amount of game playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the heavy demands of varsity sports. While practices and contests are rarely conducted on holidays or Sundays, practices are sometimes scheduled during school vacation periods. With the goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, a high level of commitment is expected at the Junior Varsity level.

This program is available for those students in grade 7-8 or in some cases grade 9 who seek an interscholastic experience. At this level the focus is on learning athletic skills, participation, game rules, fundamentals of team play and socio-emotional growth.

Squad size at the modified level is a complex issue. The district and athletic department have worked very hard to minimize any team reductions. However, the reality is that in some team sports a reduction in numbers may be necessary to provide a meaningful, positive, and safe athletic experience.