Seasonal Information

Awards
School awards may include participation certificates, letters, or other types of recognition.  Schools also have programs to recognize scholar-athletes.  Check your local school for more information.  All-District, All-Region, All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-American recognition is not done at the school level.  These recognitions come from coaches’ associations, newspapers, and local, state, and national associations.

College Recruiting and Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded for outstanding academic achievement, significant athletic accomplishment, recognized potential, and significant community involvement and grades.  It is the responsibility of the parent to “market” his or her student.  For sports information, consult “A Guide for College-Bound Student Athletes and Their Parents” for more information (NFHS Customer Service, 800-776-3462).

Tryouts
Interscholastic sports are competitive by nature.  Some teams have finite numbers and have a selection process.  The criteria used and the process of selecting a team is in writing and is available at each school.  You must have an annual physical examination (PDF format) (dated after May 1, each year), have medical insurance and have an FCPS emergency care card completed and turned into the school before tryouts.  These forms must be collected and reviewed by the school before a student may try out or participate.  Forms are available at the school and on the web (www.fcps.edu).  If you can not afford a physical or do not have insurance, contact your local DSA for more information.

Dual Participation
According to the VHSL Handbook, students have the right to simultaneously participate on a school team and a community team.   However, in the event of a scheduling conflict, the school team commitment must come first.  A high school coach may not have a rule about this matter, or suggest to athletes that they not participate on an independent team.

Additionally, it may be possible (check local school policy) to participate on two high school teams simultaneously.  However, this is very rare; the student will be responsible for fulfilling all the athletic requirements of each sport to remain in good standing.  If you desire to be involved in two school teams, you must discuss local school practices with the two coaches and the DSA first.  A high school coach may not have a rule about this matter, or suggest to athletes that they not participate on an independent team.

Fees and Expenses
There is no participation fee to try out or participate on an interscholastic sports team.  The only general expenses associated with athletics are for the annual physical, insurance, shoes and socks, a mouth guard (required in some sports; recommended in most sports) and appropriate undergarments.  There may be additional expenses for spirit wear, optional team travel, or personal items the team has chosen to purchase. There are fees associated with the club sports crew and rifle.  A booster membership is strongly encouraged.  Some financial aid may be available; see your DSA for more information.

Insurance
A student must have personal medical insurance to participate.  Dental insurance is strongly recommended.  Contact your local activity office for more information.

Varsity Team
Varsity teams are the highest level of interscholastic competition.  Teams may be open to all high school grade levels.

Junior Varsity (JV) Team
JV teams are competitive developmental teams.  Teams are open to freshmen and sophomores.  At the coach’s discretion and in accordance with local school policy, a junior may be selected to play JV.  As JV programs are developmental in nature, seniors do not play on a JV team.  Eighth graders are not eligible for Virginia High School League (VHSL) activities in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Freshman Team
Freshman teams are competitive developmental teams.  These teams are only open to freshmen.  Eighth graders are not eligible for VHSL activities in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Managers
Team manager selection is at the discretion of each school, sport, and coach.  Any student who is interested in being a manager should contact the school.  Managers are expected to abide by all team rules and time commitments.  Managers should not participate in practice activities or events.  Schools should make managerial opportunities available to all students and not just to future prospective athletes.

 Practice
To be competitive, interscholastic teams may practice six days per week, sometimes three hours per day.  Practice may be scheduled on Saturdays and over school holidays and vacations.  Discuss with your school the practice and event schedule as you consider playing high school sports.  Sport seasons are defined by the VHSL and do not necessarily follow the FCPS school calendar.  Fall sports begin in August, winter in November, and spring in February.  Some practice locations are not limited to the school campus.  Every effort will be made to provide school transportation to off-site locations, but, on occasions, private transportation will be required.