Athletics Today

LOWER SCHOOL
Every student in Beginners through Grade 5 participates in a Physical Education class instructed by our faculty. In the Fourth and Fifth Grades the program introduces students to a variety of skills in anticipation of team sports. The fundamental aspects of teamwork, sportsmanship, and competition are taught in a familiar and safe environment. Plans are currently being made to include a basic Health component for the upper grades. Every one of our Sixth Grade students participates in an intramural program. The teams practice in the morning during School, and play their games after School on Wednesdays.

Participation and enjoyment continue to be the cornerstones of the Lower School experience, and at this stage it is crucial that the students are playing and having fun. We also want to ensure that the students are learning the appropriate fundamentals at this stage of their School life.

Grade 6 Athletics/Health & Fitness Intramural Sports Program

Fall: X-country; Field hockey (girls); Flag Football (boys); Soccer. Winter: Basketball; Ice & Floor Hockey (coed); Volleyball/Rowing (girls); Wrestling/Rowing (boys). Spring: Baseball (boys); Softball (girls); Lacrosse; Tennis.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
In the Middle School the program makes a minor shift to a more competitive team program. Without abandoning the principles of participation and enjoyment begun in our Lower School, we start to allow for individual differences among student athletes. All students are expected to participate in the Middle School athletic program for all three seasons, game days are Tuesdays and Fridays. We feel that being involved on a Middle School team, at some level, is a valuable experience for all students.

Every Middle School student may choose his/her sport option during three seasons. When enrollment allows, teams are selected by ability because it is important to place a student on a team where his/her confidence will be strengthened. We understand that certain students are involved consistently and regularly in programs outside of School. We ask, however, that they find ways to balance this involvement with participation in School programs during the Middle School years in order for them to participate fully in the life of the School.

There may be circumstances when an eighth grade student has extraordinary skills in a certain sport and will be offered the opportunity to try out for an Upper School team. When this situation occurs, we consider the overall educational needs of the student while following a careful process lead by the students' advisor, the Middle School Director and the Athletic Director.

MS Alternative Athletic Programs
This alternative does not include novice instruction. Students with demonstrated ability and a major commitment to training for a sport/activity that BB&N does not offer (ie: riding, swimming, figure skating), may apply for an Off-Campus Athletic Program Waiver, for one season each year. All such proposals, and any additional season requests, must be approved by the Athletic Department.

Grades 7-8 Athletics/Health & Fitness Offerings
Fall: Football (boys); Soccer; Field Hockey (girls); Cross Country; Tri-Sport Winter: Wrestling (boys); Basketball; Ice Hockey; Dance; Volleyball (girls); Tae Kwon Do/Fitness Spring: Crew; Baseball (boys); Softball (girls); Tennis; Lacrosse; Running Club/Yoga

Middle School Athletic Offerings:Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Ultimate Frisbee, Wrestling, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Tae Kwon Do, Volleyball, Crew, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Running Club & Yoga

UPPER SCHOOL
While sub-varsity teams (Third and Junior Varsity) are more developmental in nature, our Varsity programs are quite competitive. Along with enjoying the sport, the other constant is a valuable participatory experience for each athlete. That may mean being an All-League caliber player or a substitute who plays a supporting role.

In keeping with the BB&N philosophy that athletics is an integral part of a student's curriculum, your child should plan his/her participation with the help of his/her advisor. This discussion will help everyone gain a better understanding of each child's overall school program.

With the exception of a few Third teams, Upper School teams are selected by ability. The Varsity teams are made up of those students who have demonstrated, through the try-out process, that they can successfully and comfortably compete at that level. The Third teams will be made up of students from the ninth and tenth grades.

Grades 9-12 Athletics/Health & Fitness Offerings
Fall: Cross Country; Field Hockey (girls); Football (boys);
Soccer; Health & Fitness; Aerobics*; Team Manager;
Health & Fitness
Winter: Basketball; Downhill Skiing; Ice Hockey; Volleyball (girls); Wrestling (boys); Health & Fitness Education*; Aerobics*; Fencing; Team Manager
Spring: Baseball (boys); Crew; Lacrosse; Golf; Sailing;
Softball; Tennis; Track & Field; Health & Fitness Education; Aerobics*; Team Manager
* Grades 10-12 only

Upper School students are offered the following at competitive and/or recreational levels:Aerobics, Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross-country, Fencing, Field hockey, Football, Golf, Health and Fitness, Hockey, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling

ALTERNATIVES TO THE ATHLETIC REQUIREMENT
Athletic Waiver for Artistic Interests: Students with a major commitment and demonstrated ability in the arts, including tech and drama, may request an exemption from the athletic requirement. Waivers will be considered on a season-by-season basis. Proposals, available from the Head of the Arts Department, must also be approved by the Athletic Department.

Alternative Athletic Programs: This alternative does not include novice instruction. Students with demonstrated ability and a major commitment to training for a sport/activity that BB&N does not offer (ie: riding, swimming, figure skating), may apply for an Off-Campus Athletic Program Waiver, for one season each year. All such proposals, and any additional season requests, must be approved by the Athletic Department.

Community Service Exemption: Students in Grades 10-12 may elect to make a significant contribution to a community service project for one season. During that season, the student may opt out of the athletic requirement. The Community Service Coordinator must approve this arrangement.