Athletics/Activities
Participation in extracurricular activities can be an integral part of the student’s educational
experiences. This participation is a privilege that carries with it a responsibility to the school, to
the group, and to the student body, as well as to the community and to the student him/herself.
When Rutland Town students choose to participate in extracurricular activities, they are
representing all of these groups. All extra-curricular activities present challenges in terms of
time commitment and self-discipline. Sportsmanship, respect, and fair play should be the
guiding principle for all participants.
Athletics, in particular, can be a very demanding and vigorous activity that requires a
tremendous amount of stamina and endurance, and because of this, students should strive to
be in good physical condition. The expectation is that students who begin a sport will commit
for the entire season.
The following team sports and activities are offered (may be subject to change based on the
number of interested students):
Boys and Girls grade 7 and 8
Soccer
Basketball Field Hockey
Baseball Basketball
Lacrosse Lacrosse
Cross-country Cross-country
Rock climbing Rock climbing
Softball
Student Council Chorus
Jazz Band Marching Band
Rainbow Club Green Team
Spelling Team
NOTE: If there are not enough students to field a team, students in 6th grade may be allowed
to participate.
A. Students must meet requirements and observe rules as directed by the Vermont Principals
Association of which Rutland Town School is a member. Additionally, please see the Rutland
Town School Athletics webpage for more information.
B. Students participating in sports must be in good standing with administration, teachers, and
athletic director to maintain athletic eligibility. Students may be placed on a two week
probationary period where no school athletic activities (practice or games) will take place.
Steps needed to regain eligibility will be communicated home. Students may remain ineligible if
the committee continues to find a student is not in good standing. Criteria may include but is
not limited to; work habits as outlined on the proficiency based report card, positive academic
effort and academic progress.
C. Each participant must submit to the athletic director a physician’s statement, proof of
insurance, and a parental permission slip, prior to attending the first practice. The school will
attempt to make available student accident insurance that may be purchased at a reasonable
price.
D. Students need to be in school for at least half of a day 8:00-11:30 or 11:30-3:00 to compete
in practice or games, unless excused by the principal during the day.
Academic Eligibility for Middle School
Eligibility will be based on Habits of Work (Students demonstrate behaviors that help
maximize their learning) and missing assignments. These areas we feel students have 100%
control over and when displayed satisfactorily are positive character traits that will lead to
successful school achievement.
Eligibility will be monitored and assessed on the start of each sports season and during each
season. This also means that students have the ability to either be removed from game play or
added back on to game play at a more frequent rate.
The habits of work are as follows:
Engagement/Participation: Students will stay on task when learning independently and in
groups, and put their best effort into their work.
Preparedness: Students will submit completed work on time, and bring all required materials
and arrive on time.
Responsibility: Students are respectful of others and the learning environment, and follow rules
and instructions.
The report system will be: 4, 3, 2, 1
Students are ineligible to play sports when they receive three grades below a 2.0 on any given
“HOW” assessment. Eligibility will be determined upon the next assessment.
Example:
Math: Assessment of 1 in Engagement/Participation
PE: Assessment of 1 in Responsibility
English: Assessment of 1 in Preparedness
Students are ineligible to play sports when they have three or more missing assignments.
Eligibility will be determined after all missing assignments have been submitted.
While ineligible to play, one cannot practice or play in games until eligible. During the 2 week
ineligibility period, if all eligibility requirements have been met, the student can return to the
team. If after the 2 week ineligibility period, the student has not become eligible, they will be
ineligible for another 2 weeks.
TEAM COMPOSITION / PLAYING TIME
The Administration and School Board believe that each team should be managed in a manner which will reflect the district’s philosophy. Granting team members opportunities to enhance their skills while promoting the team concept will be emphasized. Playing time received by each team member shall be determined by reference to stated expectations, reflecting the level of commitment and performance demonstrated by each team member during practice and game situations. Within this framework, all team members will be given meaningful opportunities to play.
If there are enough students to warrant two teams at the 7th and 8th grade levels, there shall be a 7th grade team and an 8th grade team. If there are enough students for two teams at one grade level, separate teams shall be established based upon ability level. Each team shall play a separate schedule of games to be arranged by the Athletic Director.
If there are not enough students to run a successful athletic program at the 7th grade level, 6th grade students will be allowed to participate with Administration approval. When the number of 6th grade students wanting to play is excessive, a try-out for the team may be held. 6th grade students may also be eligible to play on a team if that program is not offered through the Recreation Department (i.e. Field Hockey, Golf, and Cross Country Running).
If there are not enough students to field a team from RTS, VPA rules allow Member-to-Member agreements between schools so that students at both schools have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports. The AD and Administration are responsible for entering into these agreements.
EQUIPMENT
Athletes may be assigned a uniform at the beginning of the season for a particular sport/activity. He/she will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining that uniform while it is in his/her possession.
School equipment is for the use of students and coaches engaged in school-sponsored activities only.