Academic Eligibility: Potential student-athletes must be academically eligible during the athletic season. To be academically eligible to participate, potential student-athletes must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better and no failing grades.
Student athletes will have their grades periodically monitored by the athletic director’s office and the school’s teaching faculty. Upon grade checks, any student athlete who has an overall grade point average below 2.0 in their core classes or an “F” in any subject area will become ineligible to participate in any competition(s) for 1 week (5 school days). However, s/he will be allowed to practice. After 1 week, if the grade point average is below a 2.0 and/or if there are still failing grades, s/he will be removed from the team for the remainder of the season.
Attendance at School: Students are expected to be in school every day. In order to participate in a try-out, practice, and/or game, students must be in attendance at least the second half of the school day, from 11:10 a.m. to dismissal. The principal or Athletic Director may grant an exception depending on circumstances.
Student Behavior Requirements: Student athletes are to conduct themselves in a manner that exhibits safety, respect, and responsibility to themselves and towards others during the school day, as well as while at practice and games. A student athlete who fails to meet these expectations is subject to disciplinary action that can include, and may not be limited to, suspension from the team. In addition, all code violations (see V.) are subject to immediate disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will be determined by the school administration and/or athletic director.
Detentions: Student athletes are not excused from after-school detentions because of participation in an athletic contest or practice.
Suspensions: A student athlete may not participate in practice or a game if they are suspended from school.
Practice and Game Attendance: Student athletes are expected to attend all practices and games. They must be excused from practice by the coach only. Parents/guardians should communicate to the coach any foreseen absences. An unexcused absence could result in decreased playing time or being ineligible for the next contest. Two or more unexcused absences may result in removal from the athletic team.
Early Release Days: Students may stay after school during early release days. Students will be provided a quiet location with adult supervision and are expected to remain in that supervised location from the beginning time until dismissal to practice. Students are to abide by the same behavioral expectations set out in item “C.”
If a student is sent home after school, (s)he should arrive at practice by the normal start time.
Personal Appearance: The student athlete’s personal appearance not only reflects his/her attitudes, but also those of the school that they represent. If there is a question concerning any of the above items, a conference with the parents of said athlete, the athlete, the coach, and the administration will be held to discuss the matter.
Equipment: All student athletes are responsible for the equipment/uniforms that are shared with them for the specific athletic season. Student athletes are responsible for handling the item(s) with care. Any student-issued equipment/uniform that has been carelessly handled, neglected, or lost will be the responsibility of the family to replace. An invoice for the replacement cost will be provided. A student athlete may be held from participating in another athletic activity or receiving athletic awards until the equipment/uniform has been replaced. Athletic clothing and equipment issued by the school cannot be worn or used for personal use unless the coach has given authorization.
Athletic Fee: A $20.00 athletic fee will be charged per student athlete for each sport s/he participates in, with a maximum of $100.00 per family per school year. Fees will be collected at the beginning of each season. Once a family’s total fee payment exceeds $100.00, please contact the school’s athletic director.
Transportation: A school bus will be provided to transport students to all out-of-town contests, unless the contest falls on a Saturday or prior communication has been sent out by the athletic department. Please note that the school will not provide any return transportation home from any contest. A student will not be allowed to travel on the school-issued bus until the student-athlete's guardian has completed the bus transportation form and submitted the athletic fee. After the contest is completed, the student must ride home with their parent/guardian, and provided that the parent/guardian signs a “Bristol Transportation Form” handed out by the coach.
Squad Size: If the number of student athletes trying out for a team is more than the facilities, equipment, and coaches can accommodate, selection will be made based on ability shown during initial practices/tryouts and the attitude displayed by the student.
"A” Team and “B” Team: The “A” team is a competitive level of play. Student athletes are preparing for possible high school competition by developing more advanced game strategies and fundamentals. Playing time is determined by a number of factors, including ability, knowledge, and other criteria specified by the individual coaches. “A” team athletes are not entitled to playing time nor guaranteed a certain number of playing minutes. The coach decides the amount of playing time each “A” team player receives. The “B” team is a beginning level where players work on fundamentals and then are given the opportunity to practice those skills in a game situation. The “B” team is viewed as a building block for future “A” team competition, fundamental skill development, and learning to develop team play. While playing time might not be equal, all student-athletes playing on the “B” team will be allowed to perform in the contest. If a sport does include a “C” team, the same view will be held as the “B” team; however, all student athletes will have as equal playing time as possible.
Parent Concerns: We understand that there may be times that come up when parents have concerns regarding various aspects of a sports season. Parents should immediately contact the coach if there is a concern regarding the child’s health or absences. All other concerns should be expressed to the coach after a 24-hour waiting period. Coaching contact information can be found on the Bristol Athletics Web Page. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches include playing time, play calling, team strategy, or other student-athletes. If you feel it necessary to express these concerns, please contact the athletic director, and an appointment can be arranged.
Spectators: Being a spectator at a school-sponsored event is considered a privilege. Proper spectator etiquette includes the following:
- Respect officials, coaches, and players and extend all courtesies to them.
- Positively cheer at the contest.
- Conform to accepted standards of good sportsmanship and behavior.
- Respect and obey the expectations of school officials, supervisors, and security personnel.
Any student staying after school to attend any school-sponsored event as a spectator must have a written note sent by a parent/guardian that gives the child permission to stay after school. Emails or text messages to coaches, the athletic director, or other school personnel will not be accepted as written permission from parents or guardians. Students will remain in a designated area before the event and be permitted to use the restroom or visit the concession stand. Students will not be permitted to leave those designated areas. LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Only students in grades 5-8 are allowed to attend school-sponsored events. Students in grades 3K through grade 4 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.