The Middle School Athletics Guidebook
Athletics Statement of Philosophy Girls learn much more than mere physical skills through their participation in athletics as they benefit from the values of discipline, dedication, selflessness and hard work derived from team participation. The collaborative experience of pursuing and attaining a common goal in athletics is unique as it is combined with interscholastic competition.
Through this experience, girls are able to develop courage as they take risks, strength while displaying finesse, competitive intensity while exhibiting generosity of spirit, and mental as well as physical endurance. While the focus is to facilitate the development of each girl’s athletic potential, the greater hope is to instill motivation to continue in life- long physical activity. Middle School Athletics Middle School Philosophy Middle School Athletics provides an opportunity for every student of varying ability -- from beginner through club player -- to participate at the appropriate level of competition. The Tigers will continue to focus on fielding highly competitive teams for the 8th grade (A Team) while continuing to provide opportunities for a novice team in the 7th grade (B Team). When the numbers exceed the regular team limit a Tournament Team will be offered for those new to a particular sport or those students who are not able to commit fully to the program.
What does this mean? This means it’s time to “get serious”. In order to properly prepare our Middle School athletes for competition in Upper School, we need to provide our girls with the tools to compete – proper conditioning, teaching of fundamentals as well as game strategy, emphasizing good sportsmanship, and the implementation of strategies in sport psychology to gain the mental edge. Put simply, we are now demanding more from our A Team as we move to gain both enjoyment of the sport and being a member of a team as well as acquiring more wins!
We still want it all! We encourage all Middle School students to tryout for as many sports as they like, with the knowledge that they are going to be placed on a team that can help them develop new skills within a supportive and learning environment. Each student is expected to take her commitment to Middle School Athletics seriously which is reflected in her attendance at practices and games as well as being attentive during practices as this will culminate in our students receiving a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Tryout days are the time for you to come out and give it a go, even if you've never kicked a soccer ball or held a basketball before! If after try-outs you decide it's not for you, no problem, just let the coach know of your decision ☺
The Commitment
Practice Time – 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball A Team – Comprised of the top 7th and 8th grade athletes, the A Team will practice five days per week. Girls are required to attend all practices and games. The A Team will offer three “passes” per season should there be a practice conflict (e.g. orthodontist appointment, family dinner). Passes are not eligible for use on game day. In order to provide a more competitive experience, the roster size for the A Team will be reduced to reflect a more appropriate limit for each sport. The A Team will continue to compete in playoffs for the Middle School Independent League (MSIL).
As the A Team is competing for the MSIL title, girls are not guaranteed playing time each game. During practice the coaches observe player success and base game line-ups and playing time on the abilities seen. While playing time is important, the greater goal is to place girls in competitive situations where they can be successful based on their current skill level.
*B Team – Only 7th graders may be a member of the B Team as per Middle School Independent League rules. Student-athletes who have had outside experience in a given sport or who have shown potential in physical education will comprise the B Team. Practices will run four days per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
*Tournament Teams The Tournament Team is for our beginning players who are interested in learning the fundamentals of their sport. Competition is deemphasized and camaraderie is the key! The Tournament Team will practice three days per week (Monday, Thursday and Friday) and play in two tournaments per season in additional to intramural competitions. Should girls wish to hone their skills further they may join the White Team practice on Wednesdays.
Changing Teams Mid-Season Girls progress in athletics at different rates. Based on this reality, girls are encouraged to communicate with their coaches should they wish to inquire about the possibility of being on another team. While team selections are done very carefully, we want to always “keep the door open” for further conversation.
*Note – B teams and Tournament teams are formed based on the number of girls trying out for a given sport.
Tennis A Team Tennis Girls who have had previous tennis experience are encouraged to participate on the A Team. Practices are on Mondays and Thursdays with matches on Wednesdays throughout the season. Tournament Tennis This team is designed for the beginning tennis player! Concentration will be on basic fundamental skills and rules of the game. Practices will be on Thursdays with the potential to substitute for a A Team member on match days (Wednesdays). Girls will compete primarily within an intramural structure, yet may have opportunities to compete with area schools when like competition is available.
Flag Football, Golf and Swimming Westridge competes in a single day fun event for flag football, golf and swimming. Girls will be exposed to football during physical education. Girls interested in golf and swimming should have basic fundamentals and some experience.
Track & Field The Tigers compete in two or three track meets per season (contingent upon spring break calendars) as a single team. All girls who are interested in these meets will practice after- school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays three weeks prior to the first meet.
Our Goal It is our intention that Middle School Athletics will achieve the following:
• Promote enjoyment of sport to encourage lifelong fitness. • Understand the spirit of teamwork. • Emulate good sportsmanship in both competition and practice. • Understand the benefits of discipline, dedication and hard work. • Improve athletic skills and learn what it is to have and play with competitive intensity. • Provide every Middle School student the opportunity to be a part of an athletics team.
Top 10 (or so) Questions Answered!
1. Which sports does Westridge offer to Middle School students and when are they played? The order for Middle School athletics seasons is as follows. Starting dates will be listed on Finalsite. The first day (or two) of practice is used to determine team placement. Athletes will be notified on the final day of team placement later in the evening.
• Volleyball • Tennis • *Basketball (first in even years) • *Soccer (first in odd years) • Track & Field • Softball
* Basketball and Soccer seasons flip annually.
MSIL Annual Tournament/Meet Dates and Playoff Tournament Dates The Middle School tournament and playoff dates will be posted by September 1. Please check Finalsite/Middle School Athletics or go to www.westridge.org for final confirmation.
2. Where do I find game schedules? Game schedules are confirmed prior to each season and posted on the Westridge Website at: www.westridge.org As schools often need to change times/dates, schedules are not posted for the entire year. The Middle School Athletics Coordinator will send a weekly email on Fridays confirming games for the upcoming week. Should there be a weather concern, a final decision will be made by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the game and an email will be sent directly to parents, faculty/staff and students.
3. Which eight schools comprise the Middle School Independent League (MSIL)? Chandler School, Clairbourn School, Flintridge Preparatory, High Point Academy, Mayfield Junior School, Polytechnic School, Rio Hondo Preparatory and Westridge School. 4. When are try-outs? Tryouts are the first day or two of practice for each sports’ season. As every girl is assigned a team, the first few days are used to determine team placement. Practice begins approximately two weeks prior to the first competition.
5. What are the expectations required of my daughter in Middle School Sports? The Westridge Middle School Sports program affords the opportunity for all students to participate on any athletic team of their choosing. While it is our philosophy to provide competitive opportunities for each student, we expect each student to take her commitment to Middle School Sports seriously. As Middle School students have myriad activities, we realize making every practice may not be feasible. Therefore, we offer students the possibility of missing up to three practices (B and Tournament teams only; A Teams have two absence passes) should they have an ongoing appointment or an extenuating circumstance. Students are required to be in attendance at all competitions. In order to exercise the option to miss practice, girls must notify their coaches at least 24 hours in advance. 6. What is the protocol for leaving class early? On Monday girls will communicate to their teachers their early dismissal schedule for the week. Students are expected to follow up with their teacher in person to find out what work they will miss due to the early dismissal. Conference periods are the perfect time to follow-up and meet with teachers regarding any missed work. Team members who are scheduled to leave class will change into their game uniform during lunch. This way coaches can give you a thorough warm-up in preparation for the game ahead. If you are not scheduled to leave class early then please change once school has ended.
7. Where will I be able to find my daughter on campus after practice or when she returns from a game? If a student's ride has not arrived by the end of a practice or game, the designated coach will take girls to the Mudd Building where they will sign-in to the After School Program. Once the parent has arrived, the student must sign herself out of the Mudd Building prior to leaving.
8. May I take my daughter home directly from a game? Of course! You will need to go to the competition site (i.e. field, gym) and directly communicate with the head coach that you will be transporting your daughter. If you have not arrived to the school where the competition is taking place by the time the bus is ready to depart, your daughter will need to return to Westridge on the bus (we cannot delay the team’s return). Students will wait with their coach at the State Street gate for 10 minutes after their return to campus, then students will be escorted to Mudd where regular after school fees will apply.
9. Do I need to buy my daughter a uniform? No, the school provides the girls with all uniforms. You may need to purchase sport- specific shoes (e.g. basketball, volleyball, soccer/softball cleats, tennis shoes) as different surfaces require different types of shoes. Generally, running shoes are not acceptable for “court” sports due to the potential risk of injury.
10. Awards Each team sport will have a celebratory pizza party after the season! At the end of the school year, a recognition and awards ceremony is scheduled.
11. Who organizes the snacks and water for the teams? Well, our parent volunteers do ☺ Parents may choose to email, call or use an online sign-up such as SignUpGenius.com. Once we have the final game schedules, the head team parent will organize the snack schedule. Healthy snacks and drinks should be delivered directly to the competition venue. Thank you parents!
12. What happens if my daughter becomes injured? Westridge has an athletic trainer, Andre Zumaeta, on campus daily to oversee taping and respond to injuries. Should your daughter become injured, you will be notified immediately. If your daughter’s injury requires medical attention, she will need a doctor’s note in order to return to practice/competition. Communication with the Health and Wellness office is imperative. Absence due to an injury will not affect your daughter’s membership on her team. Should you have questions, you may contact Andre Zumaeta at [email protected]
13. Parent Role Parents are our greatest advocates as they inspire excellence in their daughters and seek the same in our Athletics program. We encourage parents to foster their daughter’s athletic passion by enrolling them in camps and clinics as appropriate and to encourage their daughter’s to try several sports during their Upper School years. The most critical role that parents play in their daughter’s athletic development is to be a voice of positive encouragement – girls tend to be very self-critical and need ongoing positive feedback to offset this predisposed style. Girls are also acutely aware of “false-positives” which demeans their performance as it is disingenuous. While not every performance can be stellar, constructive criticism housed in positive feedback will facilitate the athlete’s development. Additionally, parents should first and foremost be parents by supporting their daughter’s efforts with positive cheering and feedback – coaching during the game should be left solely to the coaching staff.
Sport Parent Advice The best role you can play in your daughter’s athletics achievement is to be her parent. Allow the coaches to coach and the officials to officiate – be supportive, positive and gentle in your guidance.
Team Parent This year we are requesting a parent volunteer from each team who is willing to facilitate the needs of the team (e.g. snack schedule) and communicate with the Middle School Athletics Coordinator on a regular basis. The goal is to work in partnership with our parents in order to have the best athletics program possible.
14. How can I support my daughter’s development in athletics? Camps, etc. If your daughter begins to develop a passion for a particular sport, it will enhance her development to participate in Westridge summer camps and mini-clinics, area camps (e.g. Occidental College, UCLA, USC), club teams and to continue to work on her overall physical conditioning. It is highly recommended to encourage your daughter to observe high school and collegiate play for the sport(s) which she finds interesting.
Club Sports If your daughter has a passion for a particular sport, then joining a club may be a great opportunity for her. Many girls have already had years of club experience by the time they get to MS and have usually honed their fundamental skills and have experienced advanced competition. While that experience is great for some, it can create burn-out and overuse of certain muscle groups, etc. The department recommends doing some cross- training in order to allow young bodies to develop and recover properly.
Westridge Conditioning – Daily After School Opportunity While weight training and cardiorespiratory conditioning have been in place for Upper School athletes, this is the third year that our Middle School athletes will be able to take part in conditioning Monday through Friday with Olympic Coach, Kaaron Conwright! Conditioning is for those students who choose not to participate in a particular sports season, yet wish to train for an upcoming season or to simply want to get in good overall condition. Conditioning practice will run from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. No appointment necessary. Just be there!
Collegiate Athletics Does your daughter have aspirations to compete in college? Do you want to know how the process begins and how to position your daughter for successful recruiting? Melanie Horn, Director of Athletics, is a former NCAA Division I athlete and Division I and Division III coach. Please contact Melanie to schedule an appointment should you wish to discuss your daughter’s future in collegiate athletics.
15. Tigers Spirit Gear! Westridge spirit gear is available through the Tiger Tail Boutique. The Athletics Department will also email special promotions throughout the year.
16. How do I get in contact with the Athletics Department? Melanie Horn, Director of Athletics - [email protected] or 626-799-1053, x255 Edwin Scott, Middle School Sports Coordinator – [email protected] or 626-799- 1053, x228 Andre Zumaeta, Athletic Trainer - [email protected] or 626-799-1053, x350.
Middle School Athletics Directions
Directions are also linked to team schedules at www.westridge.org
Chandler School 1005 Armada Drive, PASADENA, CA 91003 (626) 795-9314 3 miles from Westridge
1. Take Orange Grove Blvd. (North). 2. Turn left on Rosemont Ave. 3. Turn right on Prospect Terrace. 4. Turn left on Prospect Blvd. Turn left on Armada Drive. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1005+Armada+Drive,+PASADENA,+CA+91003&hl=e n&sll=34.177867,-118.16004&sspn=0.007261,0.013089&z=16
Clairbourn School 8400 Huntington Drive, SAN GABRIEL, CA 91775 (626) 286-3108 5 miles from Westridge
1. Take Orange Grove Blvd. (North) 2. Turn right on California. 3. Turn right on San Gabriel Blvd. 4. Turn left on Huntington Drive. School is on right hand side. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=8400+Huntington+Drive,+SAN+GABRIEL,+CA+9177 5&hl=en&sll=34.159279,-118.163099&sspn=0.007262,0.013089&z=16
Flintridge Preparatory School (Prep) 4543 Crown Avenue, LA CANADA, CA 91011 (818) 790-1178 6 miles from Westridge
1. Take 210 West; exit Foothill Blvd. 2. Turn left on Foothill Blvd. 3. Turn right on Hampton Road 4. Turn right on first driveway; parking lot is under 210 Freeway. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4543+Crown+Avenue,+LA+CANADA,+CA+91011&h l=en&sll=34.127811,-118.085623&sspn=0.007265,0.013089&z=16
High Point Academy 1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road, PASADENA, CA 91107 (626) 798-8989 8 miles from Westridge
1. Take 210 East; exit Sierra Madre Blvd./Altadena Drive. 2. Turn left on Altadena Drive. Turn right on New York Drive. 3. Turn left on Eaton Canyon Drive (1st left). 4. Turn right on Kinneloa Canyon Road (1st right). http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1720+Kinneloa+Canyon+Road,+PASADENA,+CA+91 107&hl=en&sll=34.198457,-118.186004&sspn=0.007259,0.013089&z=16
Mayfield Junior School 405 S. Euclid Avenue, PASADENA, CA 91101 (626)-796-2774 2 miles from Westridge
1. Take Orange Grove Blvd.(North). Turn right on California Blvd. 2. Turn left on Euclid Avenue. 3. Turn left on Bellevue Drive. 4. Turn right on Waldo Avenue. Fields are on immediate right side.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=405+S.+Euclid+Avenue,+PASADENA,+CA+91101&h l=en&sll=34.174679,-118.092175&sspn=0.007261,0.013089&z=16
McKinley Middle School 325 S Oak Knoll Ave, PASADENA, CA 91101 (626) 844-7880 2 Miles from Westridge
1. Heading East on Del Mar Blvd 2. Turn left on Oak Knoll 3. School is on the right hand side http://maps.google.com/maps?q=325+S+Oak+Knoll+Ave,+PASADENA,+CA+91101&h l=en&ll=34.140225,-118.135192&spn=0.007264,0.013089&sll=34.138644,- 118.1435&sspn=0.007264,0.013089&z=16
John Muir High School 1905 Lincoln Avenue, PASADENA, CA 91103 (626) 396-5600 4 Miles from Westridge
1. Head north on Pasadena Avenue 2. Merge onto 210 West 3. Exit Lincoln Avenue 4. Turn left on Canada Avenue (first left) 5. Just past Casitas (stop sign) tennis courts on the RHS http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1905+Lincoln+Avenue,+PASADENA,+CA+91103&hl =en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.529345,53.613281&z=16
Pasadena Polytechnic School (Poly) 1030 E. California Blvd., PASADENA, CA 91106 (626) 792-2147 2 miles from Westridge
1. Take Orange Grove Blvd. (North). 2. Turn right on California Boulevard. 3. Turn right on Wilson Avenue. 4. School is on right hand side. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1030+E.+California+Blvd.,+PASADENA,+CA+91106 &hl=en&ll=34.13582,-118.128219&spn=0.007264,0.013089&sll=34.140225,- 118.135192&sspn=0.007264,0.013089&z=16
Rio Hondo Preparatory School 5150 Farna Avenue, ARCADIA, CA 91006 (626) 444-9531 13 miles from Westridge
1. Take 210 East; exit Santa Anita Ave. 2. Turn right on Santa Anita Ave., (South) 3. Turn left on E. Live Oak Avenue. 4. Turn right on Farna Avenue. School is at the end of Farna Ave. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=5150+Farna+Avenue,+ARCADIA,+CA+91006&hl=en &sll=34.13582,-118.128219&sspn=0.007264,0.013089&z=16
Waldorf School 209 East Mariposa Street, ALTADENA, CA, 91001 (626) 794-9564 6 Miles from Westridge
1. Take the 210 West, Exit Lincoln Avenue 2. Turn right onto Lincoln Ave. 3. Turn right onto Woodbury Road 4. Turn left onto Fair Oaks Ave. 5. Turn right onto E Mariposa Street http://maps.google.com/maps?q=209+East+Mariposa+Street,+ALTADENA,+CA,+9100 1&hl=en&sll=34.09992,-118.020974&sspn=0.007267,0.013089&z=16