Preparing to Play

Sign Up to Play

Please note the new policy for medical clearance for Interscholastic sports grades 6 to 12. Interscholastic Medical Clearance Policy May 2007 Letter to Parents regarding the new policy

A few weeks before each sport season, a sign-up meeting will be conducted. At this time, the coach of each sport will distribute important information that must be completed prior to the first practice session. The following documents should be distributed to all potential student-athletes prior to each sports season.

• Athletic Program Registration Card
• Health History Review/Athletic Physical Exam Card
• Sports Certification Instructions
• Physical Exam Form (if being seen by your own physician)
• Medication Permission Form
• Medication Self-Carry Form

Both cards must be approved & signed by the school nurse or school doctor PRIOR to any sports participation. Signed manila cards are returned to each athlete who in turn submits that manila card to their respective coach. Students will not be permitted to participate without an approved (proper signature) manila card.

Sports physicals, whether completed by your family physician or the school physician, are valid for a period of 12 continuous months during the last day of the month in which the physical was conducted – no exceptions! If the 12 month period for the physical expires during a sports season, the student-athlete may complete the remainder of that specific sports season, but must obtain a new physical before starting another sports season. For example, a physical conducted on August 1 would be valid through August 31. If a student plays beyond August (ex. football), the student may complete that sports season as long as a health history was conducted before the start of the season. Immediately following the last sanctioned competition for that season, a new physical is required if the student is going to play another sport. Sport seasons include tryouts!

It is recommended to have the physical exam during the summer months as to avoid problems with expired physical dates during the school year and/or sports seasons.

Tips: During the summer months, student-athletes are advised to avoid submitting registration cards and/or health history cards to the school nurse or athletic trainer via mail or by dropping off at either individual’s office. This may cause unnecessary delays in finding student’s paperwork, resulting in the athlete not be cleared for athletic participation. Student-athletes should keep all forms in their possession and hand deliver to the school nurse or athletic trainer upon returning to school.

Also, there have been problems in the past with doctor and parent’s signatures being forged on registration cards and/or medical waiver cards. Be advised that any student, parent or family member that is identified as having forged a doctor or parent’s signature, the student in question will be immediately suspended from participation in athletics. These forms are official school documents and are vital to the health and safety of the student-athletes – no exceptions!

Families with questions should call the high school nurse’s office at (914) 220-3110, the Hommocks nurse’s office at (914) 220-3310 or the district athletic office at (914) 220-3160. Taking care of the required paperwork before the season starts will help to avoid any unnecessary delays once the season begins!

Pre-Season Meeting

One of the most important ingredients for a successful sport season is effective, open and appropriate communication between the coach, parents/guardians and the student-athlete. In order to ensure that this communication takes place, pre-season meetings are scheduled by the athletic department and/or individual coaches. Topics of these meetings include athletic department policies, individual team expectations, sports rules, the health and safety of the student-athlete and a variety of other subjects.

When pre-season meetings are scheduled, student-athletes are required to attend with a parent or guardian.

Practice Sections

Student-athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practice sessions and games unless excused by the coach in conjunction with the parent. When deciding to participate on an outside or club team, student-athletes must realize that their commitment to the school sponsored program must take priority (practices & games). The importance of practice is clearly stated in the Philosophy portion of this handbook.

It is important to note that fall practices for varsity and junior varsity teams begin in the month of August, usually around the third week (football & cross country may begin a few days earlier as these sports require more practices prior to the first contest).