Minnesota Adapted Athletics Association

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Interscholastic adapted athletics is definitely an important dimension in the education of the whole person. Students with varying types of disabilities compete co-educationally while representing their school district or combination of school districts. Students who participate on a school team assume an obligation to model exemplary behavior not only for themselves, but also for those whom they represent. Athletic awards earned by an athlete with a disability, represent not only participation by the student in a specified amount of interscholastic play, but also good citizenship which is expected of all athletes. Interscholastic athletics are intended to give student athletes the opportunity to discover and/or improve the following:

Goal setting
Pride and self-confidence
Friendships
Leadership and teamwork
Competitiveness
Graciousness (win or lose)
Physical condition/wellness
Concentration and intensity
A sense of community and belonging,
Commitment and dedication

It is the belief of the MAAA Board that the mental and physical attributes that student athletes acquire through participation will help them lead more productive and well-rounded lives.

Within the context of this competitive program, we encourage coaches to play as many players as possible. However, coaches have the discretion to manage their teams in whatever way they see fit. Players gain playing time by demonstrating the ability to play the game at a high level of skill that comes from: (1) participating in all practices; (2) developing a strong work ethic that may include work outside of the scheduled practice times; (3) displaying an ongoing dedication to the sport; (4) being a team player whether playing in the game or supporting their teammates from the sidelines; (5) willingness to do whatever they can to enhance the teams success.