Student-Athlete Eligibility
A student-athlete must be in good standing in the community. Eligibility to participate is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Athletic Department in consultation with the Principal. Additionally all student-athletes must have submitted their Parental Consent Form and their Health Forms to be eligible for games or practice.
Athletic Requirements
9th grade: two seasons of afternoon sports are required
10th grade: one season is required
11th and 12th grades: no sports requirement, but many student-athletes play one or more JV or varsity sports Participation in athletics by 11th and 12th graders can also fulfill Physical Education requirements. See the Upper School Course Catalog for details.
Exemptions
Students who pursue an out-of-school sports commitment can request a GFS sports exemption. The sports commitment must be an organized sports activity that approximates the schedule of a GFS sport. Since an out-of-school sport would replace an existing part of the school curriculum, careful thought must be given to such decisions by both family and School. The students must have already demonstrated a clear course of study and solid commitment to the out- of- school sport. Parents must write a letter to their Principal and the Athletic Director, at least one season prior to the request, explaining in detail the exemption request. The Principal and the Athletic Director will review the letter to reach a decision.
Criteria for Team Membership
Establishing criteria for making a particular team- "varsity vs. junior varsity", "A" vs. "B", and/or the number of student-athletes on a given team - are the responsibility of the athletic director and the respective head coach, taking into consideration the school’s philosophy regarding athletics.
Teams may be adjusted to fit the needs of the student-athletes as required and at the discretion of the athletic director and the respective coaches.
Student-athletes may not play two different sports at GFS during the same season. GFS Athletics also adheres to all pertinent league rules regarding eligibility of student-athletes.
Membership on any team is a commitment from the opening day of practice through the last regular season game or match or any post season play such as the Friends Schools League playoffs or state tournaments. All student-athletes are expected to attend all games and practices. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to organize his or her time and priorities so that commitments to both academics and athletics are fulfilled. It is also the responsibility of the student-athlete to notify classroom teachers of absences or early dismissals from class at least one day prior to the occurrence when the absence or dismissal is caused by an athletic contest. The student-athlete is responsible to make up work resulting from such a dismissal. All student-athletes are expected to be at school on time the day following an athletic contest. In order for a student-athlete to be able to participate in a practice or a game, the student-athlete should be in school for the entire day. The appropriate principal, in consultation with the Athletic Directors, must approve exceptions to these policies.
Any team member who is injured but able to attend school is expected to be at all practices and games unless personally excused by the head coach, for physical limitations do not preclude a student-athlete from being able to assist the team in some way. If a student-athlete absolutely must miss a practice session or a game, the coach must be notified at least a day in advance. The coach and Athletic Director will make the final decision as to whether a student-athlete is excused. With any unexcused absence or with excessive excused absences from practices or games, the student-athlete’s membership on the team and receipt of an athletic credit will be subject to review.
Discipline
General Information
The complete GFS disciplinary policy is found in the Blue Book. Student-athletes are bound by the same rules.
Coaches' Rules
In addition to the rules and guidelines stated in the Blue Book, each coach may add team rules (as approved by the athletic director) designed for the specific sport and for the purposes of enhancing a particular program, i.e., rules for behavior during practice, dealing with lateness to practice, criteria for captains, etc.