Section Five Holley Central School District hosted a Section Five Citizenship Through Athletics (CTA) Workshop for area coaches and athletic directors. Presenting were Tyler Eichas, Section Five CTA coordinator, and Kathy Hoyt, Section Five sportsmanship coordinator. "New York state began hosting the workshops in 1999 with the intent that schools have a forum for promoting citizenship through athletics," said Eichas. The workshop was one of four held at schools in the Rochester area. Marty Pavone, Spencerport's head winter supervisor for proctors, attended the workshop before and thought it was valuable enough to attend again. "The program helps me keep current as to what districts are doing in regard to sportsmanship issues," he said. "It's great to be able to meet with my peers and see what they're doing in their schools. There are a lot of positive things going on." For example, in one school district, spectators who display good sportsmanship are given pizza coupons as a reward. Other athletic officials said they hand spectators who are getting out of line a warning card, so there is no verbal confrontation. Others may talk to spectators who have caused problems in the past before the game begins because nothing has happened at that point and it is easier for both parties to be non-confrontational. Holley Athletic Director John J. Grillo, who was responsible for bringing the workshop to Holley, said he was happy that the district could host such a positive event. "The workshop gets us all thinking about what we're here for and what our jobs are as coaches and educators," he said. Section Five of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. rewards school districts for promoting good sportsmanship. Last year, Holley was one of approximately seven Section Five schools that received the New York Good Sports Award. |
