Fair Play | Guilford County Schools (NC)

Mary McLeod Bethune once said, “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” One of the goals of Guilford County Schools (GCS) is to do just that and educate the whole child. As such, GCS has launched the “Fair Play” campaign, because in GCS, we play by the rules.

All student-athletes and their parents and coaches must sign honor codes before participating in any athletic contest. In the honor codes, student-athletes, parents and coaches pledge to abide by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA’s) eligibility requirements.

“It is critical that only eligible students participate athletic director. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to teach our in high school and middle school sports,” said Leigh Hebbard, the GCS of character education for them.”

GCS has set up an e-mail address and direct report suspected athletic-eligibility violations, e-mail fairplay@gcsnc.com or call (336) 574-2994. All phone calls and e-mails will remain confidential.

Q: What is Fair Play?
A: Fair Play is the district’s initiative aimed to promote sportsmanship and raise awareness of eligibility requirements for student-athletes.

Q: Why did Guilford County Schools (GCS) start Fair Play?
A: After a series of high school athletic violations, it became clear that GCS needs to help student-athletes and their parents and coaches understand eligibility requirements and encourage sporting behavior. Knowing GCS couldn’t do it alone, we reached out to our local athletic organizations for support. Gaining backing from local groups, including High Point University, Greensboro Sports Commission, Greensboro Parks and Recreation and more in addition to the backing of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, these character-building endeavors took shape.

Fair Play is just another extension of the superintendent’s strategic plan, which aims to educate the whole child. After all, demonstrating good character and sportsmanship are just as important as winning, if not more so.

Q: What does Fair Play entail?
A: All student-athletes, as well as their parents and coaches, must sign honor codes prior to participating in any athletic contest. By signing, they pledge that they meet all athletic eligibility requirements as outlined by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and the Guilford County Board of Education.

It goes beyond signing an agreement. Every high school and middle school coach and athletic director has met with the district athletic director to cover all eligibility guidelines. In addition, before each athletic contest, all public address announcers will read a statement encouraging GCS teams to participate in fair play.

The Guilford County Board of Education is revisiting its own athletic policies and making revisions where necessary. These revisions bolster the district’s commitment to athletic integrity.

If an eligibility violation is suspected, it may be reported to the district’s hotline at (336) 574-2994. Suspected violations also may be e-mailed to fairplay@gcsnc.com.

Q: How do I find out more about Fair Play?
A: Contact the athletic director at your child’s school.

Q: What’s next for Fair Play?
A: Expect to see continued support from our community partners for Fair Play. To book a Fair Play speaker for your organization, e-mail fairplay@gcsnc.com.

Quick Links

Follow Us