At ESSPN, our culture is defined by the standards we set for ourselves and each other. We believe that clarity creates confidence. Below, you will find the specific expectations for every member of our community: Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and Officials.
Student-Athlete Standards
Being an ESSPN athlete is a privilege that comes with responsibility. We view sports as a classroom for life skills.
Growing as an Individual:
- Active Discovery: We expect students to participate in both practices and SEL sessions as a way to discover their own strengths.
- Academic Balance: For our Middle School athletes, we view maintaining a 2.0 GPA as a way to practice the discipline needed for life beyond the field. Note: If a student falls below this mark, we will work with them. As long as they are submitting missing assignments and maintaining good citizenship, they remain eligible to participate.
- Ownership: Students learn responsibility by communicating directly with coaches when they cannot attend, seeing their commitment as a personal promise.
Growing as a Team
- The Best Teammate: We focus on offering encouragement and never criticizing a peer, understanding that a team is only as strong as its support for one another.
- Shared Success: Athletes learn to do what is needed for the collective group to succeed, prioritizing the team’s needs alongside their own.
- Respect in Action: We represent the La Mesa-Spring Valley community by showing respect to staff, officials, and opposing teams.
Upholding our Community Standards
- The Privilege of Play: We treat being an ESSPN athlete as a privilege that comes with the responsibility of upholding our district’s values.
Family & Spectator Standards
We are happy to have your student participate in the LMSV ESSPN Sports League. To ensure a positive learning experience, we ask our families to partner with us in the following ways.
Positive Spectatorship:
- Cheer, Don’t Criticize: Your positive comments and energy are both welcome and encouraged. We ask that you avoid yelling, booing, or other negativity.
- Modeling Sportsmanship: Guardians and players have signed contracts promising good behavior; we ask that everyone in attendance does the same. Please be an example of good sportsmanship at all times.
- Focus on Effort: The focus should always be on the players’ efforts rather than the final score.
Partnership & Respect
- Respecting the Game: The referees and Coaches have volunteered to take on this responsibility. Please treat them with respect. If you have questions about rules (which are modified for our program), please speak to the coach after the game, not during.
- Commitment Support: Support your student’s commitment to the team by ensuring they are present for practices and games. If your child must leave early, please communicate this to the coaches in advance. You can find the phone number for your school’s ESS site in our [Directory].
- Concerns? If you have any concerns regarding the program, please reach out to us directly at ESSPN@lmsvschools.org.
Coach Standards
Our coaches are the heartbeat of the program. They are mentors first, entrusted with the safety and development of your children.
Mentors in Training
- Growth Mindset: We recognize that many of our coaches are young professionals beginning their own careers; we view every practice as an opportunity for them to grow alongside the athletes.
- Normalizing Mistakes: Just as we teach students that errors are part of learning, we encourage our coaches to use mistakes as “teachable moments” for themselves and the team.
Relationships-First Coaching
- Knowing the Athlete: Coaches are expected to move beyond the roster to understand each player’s unique personality and strengths.
- Inclusive Environment: Our staff works to ensure every athlete feels heard and valued, regardless of their previous experience with the sport.
Skill & Strategy Development
- Continuous Learning: Coaches are committed to improving their own understanding of sport rules, violations, and strategic play-calling each week.
- Preparedness: We strive for our staff to be organized and prepared, modeling the discipline we ask of our student-athletes.
The ESSPN Way
- Meaningful Play: Coaches follow our playing-time philosophy, prioritizing developmental opportunities over a “win-at-all-costs” outcome.
- Character Role Models: Above all, our coaches are tasked with modeling resilience, sportsmanship, and the core values of the La Mesa-Spring Valley community.
Official Standards
In ESSPN, our officials are often members of our coaching staff. This unique structure allows us to maintain a safe, educational environment. We hold our officials to high standards of fairness and instruction.
Educational Officiating
- Teaching the Game: Because this is a developmental league, we expect our officials to explain calls when necessary. We view a foul as a moment to teach the athlete why the whistle was blown, helping them learn the game in real-time.
- Clarity & Communication: Officials must communicate clearly with players and coaches to minimize confusion and frustration.
Fairness & Saftey
- Impartiality: When wearing the stripes, our staff sets aside team allegiances. We expect fair, unbiased judgment that respects the integrity of the competition.
- Safety First: The physical and emotional safety of the players is the primary priority. Officials are empowered to stop play immediately if unsafe conditions or behaviors arise.
- Professional Conduct: Officials are expected to remain calm and professional, modeling emotional regulation even in high-energy moments.
