Middle School Athletic Handbook

Since the Middle School and Upper School programs differ dramatically in both the expectations of the participants and the type of competition, we felt that a guide explaining the philosophy and offerings available in our middle school sports program would be appropriate.

The Middle School athletic program at Lincoln School offers a blend of competitive and non-competitive sports. Middle School sports are as much about participating as they are about learning basic skills. We encourage each student to try a new sport and we give every student the opportunity to participate at some level. Below is a listing of the six sport offerings available to the Middle School student at Lincoln School. The number of teams and level of competition for each sport will depend on the number of participants. Prior to the start of each season sign-up sheets are posted to allow students to choose the sport in which they would like to participate.

For daily updates or in the event of inclement weather, it is best to call the athletic line at 331-9696 ext. 2 to be sure games and practices are being held. I hope you will encourage your daughter to be a part of Lincoln's strong athletic tradition. If you have particular questions or concerns, please contact Ronnie McFarland, Director of Athletics, during school hours at 331-9696 x3138.

We hope you find this to be a helpful guide as you and your daughter plan for her involvement in our middle school athletic program.

Middle School Sport Offerings

Fall	Winter	Spring
Soccer (team & recreational)	Basketball (team & recreational)	Lacrosse
Field Hockey	Swimming	Tennis (recreational)

Team Sports

The middle school field hockey, basketball and lacrosse interscholastic teams play both an A & B team schedule and participate in a small A team round-robin tournament at the conclusion of the season. Teams that play an A&B schedule usually play games back to back, which on game days make for a longer time commitment. Due to the length of soccer games most schools in the area play only a one-team schedule with a tournament at the conclusion of the season. Interscholastic teams will be selected according to ability and playing experience

Our recreational soccer and basketball teams combine the development of skills and the excitement of intramural games.

Individual Sports

Swimming is the only sport in our upper school athletic program that also includes middle school students. The middle school girls who participate in this program have a five-day a week practice schedule and compete and train with our upper school athletes. A sport fee is assessed for this choice.

Tennis is a recreational sport offered in the spring and includes skill development and intramural challenge matches for both singles and doubles play.

Length of Seasons, Schedules and Time Commitments

Fall Season		September- October
Winter Season		December - February
Spring Season		April - May

Schedules of practices and games will be issued to all athletes at the beginning of each season. Updates and changes to the schedule are available on line or on the athletic line at 331-9696 x 2.

Middle school teams practice three or four days a week for 1 to 1&1/2 hours per day. Practice takes place on the Lincoln Campus, Faxon Farm or at The Fox Point Boys and Girls Club (swimming)

Athletic Training

All student athletes must have a current year medical form on file with the school in order to participate in any practices or games. If there has been an injury or apparent change in the athlete's health, the Athletic Trainer may request an updated health form from the student's physician. If a student is injured, she should report the injury immediately to the Athletic Trainer. The Athletic Trainer will evaluate the injury to determine the course of action needed to be taken. The Athletic Trainer will then contact the parents of the athlete to discuss the injury. If an athlete needs emergency treatment, first aid will be administered and the parents will be contacted as soon as possible.

Any athlete who has not been able to participate because of an injury or illness will need to be evaluated by the Athletic Trainer before resuming participation.

Sport Fees

The Lincoln School Athletic Department offers a wide variety of choices for interscholastic and recreational sports. Most of our sports are offered either on the Lincoln Campus or at our facility at Faxon Farm. Some, however, need to be held at off campus sites. Specifically, swimming is offered at The Fox Point Boy's and Girls Club. If your daughter chooses to participate in the sport of swimming a fee is charged to your account and applied toward the cost of renting the facility.

Code of Sportsmanship

Students

Lincoln School student athletes are expected to live up to a high standard of sportsmanship established by the school, leagues, and coaches. Lincoln School expects all of its athletes, coaches and spectators to behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all contests. All opponents and officials should be treated with respect and all athletes should accept seriously the privilege of representing the school and the Lincoln Community.

Parents

Parents are expected to maintain a manner of conduct that supports the standard for sportsmanship within our community.