We want students to experience an enjoyment of sports and fitness that will be sustained through adulthood. We want students to improve their basic motor skills and physical fitness, which will promote a positive self-image. We want students to understand the value of commitment to team work, fair play, and sportsmanship. The program emphasizes a balanced perspective on sports in relation to school and community life. These goals will be accomplished in a safe environment.

SPORTS OFFERINGS
The following sports are offered.

• Soccer, boys/girls, fall
  
• Volleyball, girls, fall
  
• Cross Country, boys/girls, fall
  
• Basketball, boys/girls, winter
  
• Tennis, boys/girls, spring
  
• Track, boys/girls, spring
  
• Lacrosse, boys/girls, spring
  
• Fencing, boys/girls, year

PARTICIPATION
Any student choosing to participate will have the opportunity to be on a team and play in games. Announcements about participation are made at Gathering and put in the Messenger prior to each season. For team sports we will field A and B teams for both boys and girls. An exception to this is the Sixth Grade basketball teams. This structure is determined by the league in which we participate.

The first three practices for any sport will be a tryout period with A and B teams being formed at their conclusion. Guidelines for A and B teams:

• The better players will play on the A team.
  
  
• With very few exceptions, every eligible player will play in every contest.
  
  
• On the B team, everyone will play roughly equivalent minutes. On the A team, better players will play more.

COMMITMENT AND GUIDELINES
There will be commitment guidelines set, and students must meet those guidelines if they want to play. These guidelines, which include practice and game schedules (subject to change), will be sent home with sign-up sheets.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES:

• Practice will not be over one hour and thirty minutes (generally 3:15–4:45 p.m.)
  
  
• A team will not practice more than four times a week before their first contest.
  
  
• Once games against other schools begin, teams will not practice more than three times a week. The total commitment is a maximum of four days per week.
  
  
• Students will be expected to make all practices and games unless excused by a note from parents.
  
  
• Students will be required to have appropriate equipment for each sport as outlined by the coach.

PICK-UP
All students will be escorted by their coaches to the Belltower Circle after practices or games. Parents are expected to pick students up at the game or practice sites ON TIME or at the Bell Tower 10 minutes after the finish of a game or practice. Students not picked up on time will be signed into the Middle School after-school program.

COACHES
The Athletic Director will hire the coaches. Each coach will:

• have basic skills in first aid
  
  
• have a general knowledge of the sport
  
  
• be responsible for following all goals and guidelines set by the School and league

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Students must have a physical examination each year.
  
  
• Students will warm-up before practice and games.
  
  
• OES will assure suitable and well-maintained sports facilities.
  
  
• Coaches will strictly enforce rules concerning safety.
  
  
• Guidelines will be evaluated at the end of the year.
  
  
• The safety guidelines set by OES will be followed.

TRADITIONS
At the end of the season, a party for all participants will be put together by the coaches with the help of the parents. A certificate of participation will be provided by the School. The School does not want gifts or trophies for achievement given to individuals. A team picture will be organized by the Athletic Director, and each student may purchase a picture if she or he wishes.

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