HCS Athletics Overview

HCS ATHLETICS OVERVIEW

HCS Athletic programs start at the middle school level and are generally 6-8 graders and we do sometimes open up the sports to 5th graders depending on how many students sign up to try-out, however please be aware that 5th and 6th graders have wonderful opportunities to play sports through the Hinesburg Recreation Department (HRD).  So if there are cuts after tryouts we generally start at the younger age groups based on if other opportunities exist for them but it does not necessarily mean that 7th and 8th graders won't get cut or that we don't keep younger students if they have the skills, attitude and knowledge of the game. 

TRYOUTS FOR ANY SPORT

Students should not assume that they will automatically be on the team.  Students are required to tryout.  Tryouts are based on assessment of the student during those tryouts.  So if a student doesn't go to tryouts they will not make the team unless they have made special arrangements in advance.  The assessment is based on their knowledge of the sport, their attitude, their skill level, and other criteria.   Playing on the school team does require a commitment to come to practices and games.  

Sign up for tryouts is now required.  Each student wanting to participate in any sport at HCS must have health insurance and have registered online.   Each student participating in any sport or school sponsored athletic activity must have a Wellness Exam Form filled out and signed off by their physician.   The Wellness form can be turned into the HCS Main Office or faxed directly from the physician's office to (802)482-2003 (fax).

SPORTSMANSHIP AND SPORTS

The goal of sports at the middle school level are to:

• •  Teach players about the fundamentals of the game

  • Have fun while working hard to get to the next level

  •  Empower them to make good decisions in practice and in games

  •  Focus on all aspects of the game with the emphasis on good sportsmanship

  •  Work together and communicate

  •  Be respectful to coaches, teammates and opponents

SCHEDULE GAMES AND PRACTICES

All schedules for sports are posted on the HCS Athletic page in advance to the season starting for each sport.  Schedules are subject to change and all updates are made and posted on the website.  There are many factors that affect practices and games:  Weather (too hot or too cold to practice), school closings, other schools needing to make changes.  You should check the schedules daily.  The coaches should also be communicating with you on changes and this is done through email.  So please make sure that we have a good email address to communicate with you. 

Being part of a team requires a commitment from each participating student.  They should be attending all practices and games through the season. It is really important to be involved and present, the team depends on all its teammates to know the plays, to work together and put in 100% and to be considerate to everyone.  If for any reason they can not make a practice or game they should be communicating this to their coaches as soon as they know.  It is best to email their coaches.  Parents need to make sure someone is there at the end of practice or games to pick up their child.  

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations are announced as soon as they are know.  This is posted on the HCS Athletic  Website, an email will be sent to parents and students.  It is announced on the HCS Announcements and if it is due to school closings  or after school activities being cancelled by HCS, they send out the message on the phone through the automatic message system. 

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is not always offered for all sports and it maybe only offered to the game location.  If your child needs a ride back from a location that a bus is not offered to, please let the coaches know as soon as possible, they will work with you to find them a ride.  If you child is riding a bus back to HCS, it is expected that their ride be at the school prior to the bus arriving to pick them up.  

EXPECTATIONS AFTER SCHOOL

After school dismissal, it is important for athletes to quickly change for practice or games and help the team with the equipment. Please meet your coach in the designated area for practice. Students who have later practice time must go home or go to where they usually go after school and then return to designated practice time. Students should not linger around the school unsupervised during that time. Siblings and friends may not stay after school and hang out or interact with the team during practice or games. Hinesburg Community School is not responsible for students on the property after school if they are not registered in sports or after school programs. 

COMMUNICATION

It is important for parents and students to communicate with the coaches directly.  The coaches should also be communicating to the players on a regular basis.  We try to have the players take on some responsibility for communicating things to their parents as well especially at this age.  

Thank you,
Kerri Wallis and Denise Farmer - HCS Athletic Directors

hcsathletics@cvsdvt.org