Family Handbook 2023-24

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Age Restrictions for Competitive Teams Teams are divided into separate age groups by birth date with December 31 being the cut off point. A student is eligible to try out and play for a team in her age group. Upon invitation by the Athletic Director, a student may be eligible to try out and play for a team in a higher age group. The student must remain on that team for that particular sport for the balance of the season once she plays in a league or exhibition game for that sport. Guidelines for Team Tryouts and Selection Each candidate must attend all tryouts or be proactive in communicating with the coach regarding missed tryouts. Students trying out for more than one team must maintain open communication with all coaches regarding their interest and priority. Participants are expected to be prepared (in uniform), punctual and committed to modelling the expectations for student-athletes. When selecting athletes, the coach(es) will consider the following: 1. skill level; 2. sport-specific fitness level; 3. attitude (demonstration of a positive attitude during tryouts, a willingness to learn new skills and good sportsmanship); 4. safety (appropriate amount of supervision–student / teacher ratio); and 5. completion of the Havergal schedule commitment form. Informing Students of Selection Results Assessment is ongoing throughout tryouts. Results of skill assessment will be shared with students as a means of feedback on a continuing basis. Students will be encouraged to improve and meet team standards by the final tryout. Before the first practice (or game), the final selection/team list will be posted on Veracross. Whenever possible, the coach will speak with a student personally if they have not been selected during the team selection process. If a student is not selected for a team, the coach or Athletic Department will recommend another team that can accommodate larger numbers (e.g., cross-country running, disc golf, swimming, skiing, track & field and/or skill development opportunities). These opportunities may include clubs, intramurals, community/club sport programs and sport camps. It is also important to remember that students not selected for a competitive team will still receive opportunities for skill development through the Health & Physical Education program. They are encouraged to try out for a team each term (fall, winter and spring).

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