Frequently Asked Questions - Athletics
Can anyone try out for a team?
All students are welcome to try out for a sport and many teams have no cuts. In skills-intensive sports it is very difficult with a player with little or no experience to make a team. However, all students are still welcome to try out.
How can I find out when tryouts are being held or when a team starts practice?
Tryouts and/or practices start around the same time each school year for most teams. In general, fall teams begin practice mid-August, winter teams begin early November and spring sports begin early March. Within each sport, varsity teams often begin practicing a week or two earlier than their JV and modified counterparts. Announcements about tryouts are made in school and coaches hold preseason meetings to go over important information with prospective players. Parents can usually get advance notice about tryouts on the Athletic Department Web page or by calling the office of the Mohonasen Athletic Director at 356-8270.
What are the rules about sports physicals? When do I need one? How do I get one?
To play on a team, or even practice, every student must - by law - have a sports physical on file with the school nurse. The physical must be dated after June 1 to cover students through June of the following school year. The physical may be performed by your own doctor, but Mohonasen's Health Physical Form for Grades 6-12 must be filled out.
Students also have the option of having a free sports physical performed by the school physician. Sports physicals are given after school in the nurse's office prior to the start of each major season. Dates and times are publicized over the morning announcements, in the district calendar and on the Athletic Department Web page.
Note: If more than 30 days have passed since the physical date, a Health History Update form must be filled out, signed by a parent/guardian and turned in to the school nurse prior to participation in the sport.
If you're on a team, does that mean you get equal playing time...or for that matter, ANY playing time?
Rules about playing time vary from coach to coach, team to team and sport to sport. In sports like track, for example, all students participate in at least one event at every track meet. (However, not every runner travels to every special meet or invitational and students don't get to choose the events they want to participate in.) At the modified level - where the emphasis is on developing ability - most coaches for most teams will try to play every student for at least some portion of each game. As students progress up the competitive ladder to varsity-level teams, the emphasis is more and more on winning. No team member is ever "guaranteed" playing time.
Where can I get a copy of game schedules?
Mohonasen's Athletic Director gives copies of season schedules to coaches who in turn give them to players to take home. Athletic schedules are also posted on the Athletic Department Web page. Keep in mind that schedules DO change, so when in doubt, call the Athletic Office at 356-8270 to confirm dates, times and locations for games.
Where can I get directions to away games?
Directions to most of the high schools that Mohonasen competes against are listed in the Athletic Handbook that parents need to sign each season. Coaches also have directions to away games. Parents and other fans are urged to confirm directions with the coach or Athletic Office because games aren't always played on the high school campus in every district.
As a PARENT of a Mohonasen athlete, what's my recommended role?
Attend games/meets/matches/events, both home and away, whenever possible. Be your son's or daughter's biggest fan. Remember, all the research on why kids play sports indicates that most play for the sheer enjoyment of the game. Don't put unnecessary pressure on your child to start, to star, or to win a scholarship. Support them no matter what their role on the team may be. Model good sportsmanship at all games, both home and away, and keep the focus positive. Please cheer, but don't jeer. Support the decision of the coach. If you have questions or concerns, please speak directly to the coach - not ABOUT the coach to your son or daughter.
Is there an opportunity for parents to meet the coaches?
Yes. Meet the Coaches Night is held at the start of each season. This is a great opportunity to meet your son or daughter's coaches, learn about their expectations and ask questions. Dates and times are published in the district calendar and, as the time approaches, on the Athletic Department Web page.
When are students eligible for an athletic letter?
Students are eligible to receive a Varsity Letter when they successfully complete a season on a varsity team or by earning points through participation on lower level teams. After that, students may receive a varsity pin as well as other awards. These are given out at the annual Awards Banquet.
How are intramural programs advertised? Can anyone take part?
Intramurals are offered on a regular basis throughout the school year for students in grades 3-12. Offerings vary from month to month. Activities are publicized in physical education classes, on the morning announcements and via school bulletin boards. All students are encouraged to attend as their interest and schedules allow.
Who should I contact if I have other questions?
If you have any other questions about Mohonasen's athletic program, contact Mohonasen Athletic Director Joseph Scalise at 356-8270 or jscalise@mohonasen.org.
