Athletics

Friends Schools League

The Friends Schools League is a co-educational high school athletic league for Philadelphia-area independent schools. The League is founded on the principles of the Religious Society of Friends. The nine member schools are: Abington Friends School, The Academy of the New Church, Friends' Central School, Friends Select School, George School, Germantown Friends School, Moorestown Friends School, The Shipley School and Westtown School.

The League values the growth and development of students as athletes and people. We view athletics primarily as an opportunity to teach excellence in character and skills in ways that convey the intrinsic value of each individual student.

The schools in the league- educators, students and families-together strive to create an environment of unreserved respect for all individuals and support of athletes at every level of development. This respect and concern for others is intended to characterize all interactions on and off the field.

The Friends Schools League promotes community as a central value. Community is strengthened by making decisions and addressing concerns by seeking shared understanding and resolution in the manner of Friends. Consistent with Friends principles, we promote the idea of shared responsibility for the success of all endeavors.

Promoting sportsmanship and ethical behavior in athletics is one of the primary objectives of the Friends Schools League. The Friends Schools League believes strongly that players, coaches and officials should conduct all contests with a spirit of respect for each other and for the rules and traditions of the sport. We expect our coaches, athletes, spectators and game officials to uphold this code by example before, during, and after every contest.

The Friends Schools League expects all of its athletes, coaches and spectators to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. The League will not tolerate unsportsmanlike actions such as derogatory language or gestures, physical misconduct, or other disrespectful behavior. Self-control is paramount to a successful contest within the Friends Schools League.

Specifically the Friends Schools League has the following expectations for all involved in its athletic contests:

  • Accept the responsibility and privilege of representing school, community, and League.
  • Live up to the high standards of sportsmanship established by the League.
  • Make sportsmanship the number one priority.
  • Be a good role model.
  • Support your team in a positive manner.
  • Always interact positively with the other team and its fans.
  • Treat opponents, their fans, and officials with respect.
  • Shake hands with opponents at the end of competition.
  • Search out opponents to recognize them for outstanding performances.
  • Abide by the rules of the competition to conduct a fair contest.
  • Play within the spirit of the game.