Philosophy 

The primary purpose of the interscholastic athletic program at Archmere Academy is to contribute in a meaningful way to the education of the “whole student”. Participation in interscholastic athletics is one component of a well-rounded education. The benefits of athletic participation extend far beyond the development of sport specific skills. Used as a vehicle to positively influence the development of young adults, interscholastic athletics provides a learning environment in which both male and female students become more self-directed, resilient, and self-confident individuals. By offering many opportunities for personal growth, the athletic program supports and contributes to the educational mission of Archmere Academy. The following “life skills”, which are transferable to other aspects of student life, can be taught and learned more effectively in interscholastic athletics than in any other phase of secondary school education:

a.         Developing mature and sensible attitudes about winning and losing.

b.         Overcoming the fear of failure.

c.          Performing under pressure.

d.         Developing social skills and working effectively in a collaborative situation.

e.         Appreciating the necessity of rules in a competitive environment and being respectful of constituted authority.

f.          Dealing with frustration, disappointment, and failure, which are inevitable in competitive athletics, in acceptable ways.

g.         Developing and refining leadership skills.

h.         Recognizing that talent is not the sole determinant of success and that effort and perseverance are equally as important.

i.          Realizing that the rewards of hard work are not always immediate and that patience and commitment are prerequisites
            for most significant accomplishments.

j.          Accepting praise and criticism without losing perspective.

Objectives 

The objectives of the Archmere Academy athletic department are as follows:

a.         Organize and conduct a comprehensive interscholastic athletic program that meets the needs and interests of the
            student body.

b.         Preserve and promote the educational benefits of participation in interscholastic athletics.

c.          Ensure that the interscholastic athletic program supports and contributes to the educational mission of the school.

d.         Promote sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

e.         Establish and enforce standards of conduct for athletes, coaches and spectators.

f.          Provide the equipment, facilities, instruction, and support services necessary to ensure the physical well-being of the athletes.

g.         Promote healthy adolescent lifestyles.

h.         Strive for excellence in all sports and continue a tradition of winning with honor.

Conference and State Association Membership

Archmere Academy is a member of the Diamond State Athletic Conference (DSAC) and a full member of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA). Archmere competes in Division II in all sports with multiple classifications, i.e. cross country, football, wrestling, and outdoor track. As a condition of membership, Archmere agrees to abide by all of the regulations, policies, and procedures set forth by both organizations. 

The Diamond State Athletic Conference is comprised of the following schools:

a.         Archmere Academy

b.         Campus Community School

c.         Delaware Military Academy

d.         Delmarva Christian High School

e.         Red Lion Christian Academy

f.          St. Thomas More Academy

g.         Wilmington Christian School

Program Description 

Archmere Academy sponsors a comprehensive program of competitive athletics at the high school level. The program includes 11 varsity sports for male students, 11 varsity sports for female students, and two co-ed varsity sports. Cheerleading (co-ed) and ice hockey (co-ed) are not officially recognized by the DIAA but are still considered varsity sports. Archmere also sponsors junior varsity teams in most sports provided adequate funding is available and the number of participants is sufficient to conduct meaningful practices and competitions. Students who satisfy all Archmere and DIAA eligibility requirements may participate in the following sports:

a.         Fall Season

            1)         Football (varsity and jv)  

            2)         Boys’ Soccer (varsity and jv)

            3)         Girls’ Volleyball (varsity and jv)

            4)         Field Hockey (varsity and jv)

            5)         Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country (varsity and jv)

            6)         Cheerleading (varsity)

b.         Winter Season

            1)         Boys’ Basketball (varsity and jv)

            2)         Girls’ Basketball (varsity and jv)

            3)         Wrestling (varsity and jv)

            4)         Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track (varsity)

            5)         Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving (varsity)

            6)         Ice Hockey (varsity)

c.          Spring Season

            1)         Baseball (varsity and jv)

            2)         Softball (varsity)

            3)         Boys’ Lacrosse (varsity and jv)

            4)         Girls’ Lacrosse (varsity and jv)

            5)         Boys’ and Girls’ Outdoor Track (varsity)

            6)         Golf (varsity)

            7)         Boys’ Tennis (varsity)

            8)         Girls’ Tennis (varsity)

            9)         Girls’ Soccer (varsity and jv)

The junior varsity program provides an opportunity for underclassmen to develop their skills and adjust to the demands of high school athletics. The fundamental skills, tactics and strategies of the sport as well as teamwork, sportsmanship and learning to win and lose with honor are emphasized. All players at the junior varsity level who are in good standing, i.e. no disciplinary problems or attendance issues, will be afforded the opportunity to participate in each contest.