Athletics FAQs

Where can I find online info about activities and sports? 

Activities and Athletics Hub. You're on the Hub right now! This site has activity descriptions, signup forms, rosters, game and practice schedules, team pages, ImPACT testing info, spirit wear link, and our off-campus waiver form. 

Watkinson Athletics Website. The Watkinson Athletics Website is specifically about sports. It contains game schedules and photos.

Where can I get some Wat spirit wear?

Watkinson BSN Sideline Store. Visit Watkinson’s BSN Sideline Store for all your spirit wear needs. Items are shipped directly to your home.

Are there tryouts or cuts for athletic teams?

Team Rosters. All students may participate on an interscholastic team. We have a no-cut policy for middle school athletics. There is also a place for any upper schooler to participate, whether at the Varsity or Junior Varsity level, based on experience level. 

What practice clothing and other gear should my child bring to school?

Clothing. Athletes should bring shorts, t-shirts and sweats to school to use for practices. Please make sure to have weather appropriate clothing. Athletes should also bring equipment specific to their sport. This includes 

• Cross Country: running shoes

• Soccer: cleated shoes, running shoes

• Volleyball: non-marking athletic shoes, knee pads

• Rowing: running shoes

• Basketball: non-marking basketball shoes

• Fencing: non-marking athletic shoes

• Golf: golf clubs, golf shoes, running shoes, collared shirt, khaki pants/shorts

• Tennis: racket, tennis shoes

• Track: running shoes, racing flats with spikes (consult with coaches)

• Ultimate Frisbee: cleats, running shoes

Water Bottles. Students should bring their own labeled water bottles to practices and games. 

How do students get uniforms?

Uniform Issue and Care. The Athletics Department issues uniforms to all athletes competing on interscholastic teams. It is the responsibility of the athlete to take care of the uniform for the entire season, including washing it and bringing it on game days.

Uniform Return. Students will return their uniforms at the conclusion of each season. The uniform should be washed and placed in a bag labeled with the student’s name. If a student loses their uniform or fails to return it, that student’s account will be billed for each missing item. Students will be alerted prior to an account being charged. Once the item is returned, the charge will be removed from the account.  

Will my child have access to a locker room?

Lock Requests. We encourage students to lock their belongings in lockers. The Athletic Department will issue a lock and locker to any middle school or upper school student who requests one. Students may email Ms. Haggerty or Ms. Baisden, or simply visit us in the Athletics offices to make a request.

Where can I find information about practice and game schedules?

Game Days. Middle school contests are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Upper school contests are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays.

Practice and Game Schedules. We communicate info about practice and game schedules, including contest times, departure and return times and locations for away games, via

• the Activites Hub Games of the Week page

• the Activities Hub Team Pages

• our public Athletics Website

• a weekly message to the “Watkinson Notices” email group for students and staff

• the school’s “Watkinson Weekly” email to parents on Sundays 

Schedule Changes. In the event of a practice or game schedule change due to inclement weather or unforeseeable circumstances, we notify the community immediately via

• a text alert to families (for day-of changes)

• an email message to the “Watkinson Notices” email group for students and staff

• a change to the Activities Hub and Athletics Website schedules

Does the school provide transportation to away games? 

Bus transportation. Watkinson provides transportation to and from all away contests, by bus or by school van. 

Going Home with a Parent. Parents may take athletes home from an away game. Parents should inform the coach before the game and should make sure to communicate again with the coach at the end of the game.

Delays in Return Time. We do our best to adhere to anticipated return times. We encourage students and parents to communicate by cell phone after games when possible so that parents have the most updated return time. In the event that a team’s return to campus is delayed significantly due to bus issues or other unforeseen circumstances, we will send a text alert to families. 

How does Watkinson provide athletic training services for practices and games?

Watkinson School employs a full time Athletic Trainer: Ryan Wagner, DAT

Dr. Wagner is licensed by the State of Connecticut and Certified by the Board of Certification (BOC).  He is also a Certified American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor. 

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians. The services provided by ATs are comprised of: injury prevention, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. ATs work under the direct supervision of physicians, as prescribed by state licensure statutes.  Watkinson Athletics and our Athletic Trainer are under the supervision of Dr. Carl Nissen, MD. 

ImPACT Testing and Concussion Awareness Education

Watkinson students playing on Upper School teams must complete the ImPACT Baseline Test at home before their first practice each school year. The test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Students who haven’t completed the activity before their first practice will complete the test on campus with an Athletic Department member before joining their team’s practice.

Click here for ImPACT Baseline Test directions.

Does Watkinson livestream athletic contests?

Yes! We livestream games on the NFHS Network for the following sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ultimate. You can watch on any device through a web browser or the NFHS Newtwork mobile app. Here's how to watch:

1. Open Watkinson's page on www.nfhsnetwork.com

2. Subscribe and follow our school

• Annual Pass- $79.99/yr

• Month Pass- $11.99/mo