Athletic Team Policies
Upper School
Upper School Interscholastic Athletic Team Policies
Upper School student-athletes must review the following policies with a parent or caregiver and complete the form below. Signatures from both the student and parent/caregiver are required to complete the form.
Each student-athlete should complete the form separately; parents/caregivers, if you have more than one Upper School child participating in a sport, please complete the form once per child.
Attendance
- Athletes are expected to be present at all practices and games. Athletes must attend class to participate in a practice or a game on that day.
- Athletes may miss practice once without penalty if the athlete communicates with the coach at least one day in advance.
Basketball, Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Volleyball, and Softball Athletes:
- An athlete who accrues a second unexcused absence will not be permitted to start in the next game.
- An athlete who accrues a third unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next game, will meet with the Athletic Director, and may be removed from the team.
- An athlete who misses a game (or part of a game) due to an unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next game and will not be eligible to receive a team award or serve as captain.
- An athlete who is absent (unexcused or excused) from practice the day before a game will not start.
Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Golf, Sailing, Squash, and Tennis Athletes:
- An athlete who accrues a second unexcused absence will not be permitted to participate in the next competition.
- An athlete who accrues a third unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the competition, will meet with the Athletic Director, and may be removed from the team.
- An athlete who misses a competition due to an unexcused absence will not be permitted to play in the next competition and will not be eligible to receive a team award or serve as captain.
- An athlete absent (unexcused) from practice the day before a race or match cannot participate in the next race or match.
Multi-sport athletes may need to attend a showcase or tournament for recruiting purposes. We ask that athletes remember their commitment to their team and limit their absence to one game per season. If an athlete needs to be excused from a practice and/or a game, written communication should be sent to the Athletic Director from the athlete one month before the event. The Athletic Director will then meet with the student. The school will work with each athlete during the recruiting process and understands that showcases and tournaments are essential to the recruiting process.
Examples of excused and unexcused absences
- Excused examples: illness, major family events, emergency, injury, and academic conflict (e.g., retreats, class trips, exchange, college revisit day)
- Unexcused examples: using practice time to finish academic requirements, departing early for vacation, dances, and touring colleges.
Each coach communicates the consequences for lateness. Any athlete who is chronically late will meet with the Athletic Director and may be suspended or removed from the team.
Students travel to and from games and practices with the team unless an advance written request has been received and approved by the Athletic Director.
Uniforms and Equipment
- Athletes must come to practice and games on time, ready to participate with all appropriate equipment and in complete uniform.
- School warm-up suits are required for all Upper School athletes and must be worn to home and away games. Other apparel is not permitted.
Tryouts
- Athletes must try out each season for a position on a team.
- Positions are limited, and cuts may be required.
- Team rosters are based on skill level, physical fitness, game sense, and potential for growth.
- Teams are not based on grade level or the athlete's years playing the sport.
- Coaches select team members based on performance at practices. Individual coaches make these judgments. Coaches often make changes to team rosters throughout the season.
Playing Time
- Playing time is earned. Attendance is required for all practice and contests.
- Playing time concerns should be discussed between the athlete and the coach.
- Playing time at the Varsity level is a privilege and not a right.
- Varsity athletes are not guaranteed playing time. Coaches determine individual playing time and what position/situation athletes play in.
Academics
- Athletes are required to be in good academic standing to participate in the Athletic Program.
- If an athlete needs to make up a test or meet with a teacher, they must do so before practice/game or during the day. If no time can be arranged, the athlete should speak to the Athletic Director to be excused from practice. The absence will be considered unexcused if the athlete fails to meet the Athletic Director.
Students understand that by participating in a team sport, they represent the school. All school rules apply during practices and games.
Newton Country Day School Athletes…
- understand that representing the school is an honor
- respect self and team
- appreciate teammates
- are serious students
- build community
- are flexible
- have a positive attitude towards teammates, opposing teams, coaches, and referees
- learn from mistakes
- are team players
- encourage and support each other
- always exercise self-control
- HAVE FUN!!!
Middle School
- Understand that representing the school is an honor
- Respect self and team
- Appreciate teammates
- Are serious students
- Build community
- Have a positive attitude towards teammates, opposing teams, coaches, and referees
- Are flexible
- Learn from their mistakes
- Are team players
- Encourage and support each other
- Always exercise self-control
- HAVE FUN!
Attendance:
- Athletes are expected to attend all practices and games. Unexcused absences should rarely occur.
- If an athlete needs to miss a game or practice, they must communicate directly with their coach. If they cannot reach their coach, they may communicate with Mr. Ebling.
- Practices and games should not be missed for academic reasons. Make-up assessments and homework must be completed at times to not conflict with team commitments.
- Missing practices and games will impact playing time in future games.
Playing Time:
- All athletes will be afforded equal playing time in games throughout the season in relation to their practice attendance.
- Regular absences will directly affect playing time.
- Any discussions regarding playing time should occur between the athlete and their coach.
Team Placement:
- Teams will be established based on skill, attitude, knowledge of the game, and effort in tryouts.
- Athletes will be placed on the team that will best support them in their development of the necessary skills for the sport.
- Athletes who complete tryouts are expected to play on the team where they are placed.