ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES:

Tryouts:

Tryouts for teams are held before the season when allowed by the NJSIAA. For sports that do not have specific tryout dates built into the schedule, tryouts will occur during the first week of practice

*Attendance at tryouts is MANDATORY! Student-athletes who fail to attend tryouts will be the first cut from the team if cuts are to be made Student-athletes who do not attend each day of tryouts (unless an exception is granted by the Director of Athletics) will not be eligible to earn a varsity letter

Start of Tryouts/Practices: (Start dates change yearly)

The New Jersey High School Athletic Association (NJSIAA) establishes the dates on which each team may hold tryouts and begin the athletic pre-season and competition seasons. Because the entire state follows the same schedule, the Academy is required to follow these dates. Every year, all student-athletes are required to try out for the team. Past participation on a team does not guarantee a spot in future seasons. Athletic teams will be chosen each year based on their current skills and performance. Seniority is also not a factor in earning a spot on a Varsity level team.

Participation:

AOSE student-athletes may only participate in one AOSE sport per season. If a student-athlete quits or is asked to leave a team after the first contest date, she cannot participate in another sport during the competition season. A student-athlete may not try out for a team once the official roster has been submitted to the Athletic Department for grade level and eligibility verification This rule does not apply to transfer student-athletes Exceptions will also be made for student-athletes who have been cut and wish to try out for another team during the pre-season Every student-athlete must have participated in a minimum of six practices (not sessions) before the first scrimmage or game unless she has participated in a state championship contest in the preceding season, or within three days of the previous season, as per the NJSIAA.

School and Class Attendance:

Participation on an athletic team is a privilege granted after a student's academic responsibilities are met. Attendance in the classroom is an important requirement for a good education, as is attendance at all team-bonding activities Attendance requirements for participation in a sport are as follows:

● Student-athletes will attend all classes regularly and be on time

● Any student who is not signed into school by 10:30 a.m. will not be permitted to participate in any athletic activity that day (practices or competitions)

*Exceptions due to extenuating circumstances may be granted by the Director of Athletics

● Student-athletes will not use a sport as an excuse to miss a class unless the team is departing early from school In the case of an early dismissal, every student-athlete is responsible for any material or class time missed

Attendance at Practices and Games:

Attendance at all practice sessions and games, including those held during the summer, is REQUIRED. Student-athletes must remember that they are making a commitment to their team, and they must be loyal to their teammates and coaches. Please keep in mind that all practices, including tryouts, are MANDATORY (see the Tryouts section above)

Captains are held to higher attendance standards due to the critical role they play in the team's success Team captains should review the "Role of the Team Captain" section below and be aware that they are responsible for attending every practice session during the season

Physical conditioning and game readiness are major concerns for athletes who miss games and practices for any length of time during the season The greater concern, however, is the health and safety of those student-athletes who miss games, are no longer in peak physical condition, and cannot compete at the highest level

Student-athletes who will be absent or tardy for a practice or game for not school-related reasons must notify the head coach before the missed practice or game. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to notify the Head Coach of any missed practice or game Non-compliance with this rule may result in suspension or dismissal from the team.

Every student-athlete must be signed in by 10:30 a.m. to practice or compete in the afternoon competition (Exceptions due to extenuating circumstances may be granted by the Director of Athletics) If a student-athlete is sent home sick, she will be unable to attend or participate in the afternoon contest.

Any team member, regardless of level, who misses a game or practice may be stripped of playing time or a starting spot. Student-athletes who have been practicing daily with their teammates will be rewarded.

Please keep in mind that tryouts, practices, and games occur throughout the summer, including August. During the Thanksgiving, Christmas (Winter), Easter (Spring), and Memorial Day holiday breaks, athletic activities will also be held. Plan family vacations during the off-season or the No-Contact Period in August whenever possible.

When considering trying out for a team, please keep in mind the intensity of a high school athletic schedule, as it is critical to honor the commitment you are making to your team.

Practice & Games Schedules:

All team practices and scheduled contests can be viewed on the rSchool Activity Scheduler’s website: http://www.nwjerseyac.com You are encouraged to download the rSchool App and sign up for notifications for your athletic teams in case of changes to the practice or game schedule Every effort will be made to announce schedule changes due to inclement weather by 1:00 p m on the day of the change In the event of an official school closing, the status of athletic contests or practices will be determined later in the morning.