Choosing a Sport
Participation in sports at Penn Charter is a requirement. The choice of sport is at the discretion of the student. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of the athletic program by participating in more than one sport per year. Research indicates that student academic performance actually improves during the season that the student participates in sports. The organization of skills and prioritization of responsibilities required during a season of athletic participation frequently result in improved academic performance, a healthier student, and a student who finds his or her time to be occupied in positive and productive activities.
In both the Middle and Upper Schools, it is recommended that the parent and student discuss the various offerings and choose wisely. Sports participation is considered an integral part of a Penn Charter education. However, making a thoughtful choice offers the most promise for a positive outcome. The competitive nature of school sports and the mental and physical requirements of a given sport need to fit the personality and physical ability of the student. At the Upper School level in particular, student and parents should recognize that participation in sports is a considerable commitment.
How to choose a sport
- What prior experience at the chosen sport do I possess?
- Have I ever played the sport before? (Less important at the Middle School level.)
- What are the physical attributes necessary to compete in the sport?
- Does the sport require special equipment? What is the cost of the equipment ?
- Do I like team sports or do I prefer individual sports?
- Is there a season when I have a heavy schedule of activities outside of Penn Charter?
- Do I have friends playing the sport of choice?
- Will I make the team? (Not an issue at the Middle School level except in the racquet sports.)
- At the Upper School level, if I do not make the preferred team, do I have an alternative choice?
- Is transportation an issue? Is transportation less of an issue in one season versus another?
Special considerations
- Tennis, squash and golf
in both the Middle and Upper Schools are unique when
compared to all other sports offering. These sports
are limited by facility and number of players. Choice
and participation for these sports are always limited
when the student is a beginner. Many students in these
sports have been the beneficiaries of professional
instruction prior to their play at Penn Charter. Both
Middle and Upper School students new to these sports
might find it difficult to make the team. It is recommended
that this factor be considered when choosing these
sports to fulfill the athletic requirement. At times,
the school is able to provide on-site, out-of-season,
professional instruction in one of these sports. However,
students serious about skill improvement in these
individual sports usually seek outside lessons and/or
instructions.
- Playing Up. The
Middle School athletics program is intended for Middle
School students. However, consistent with the school's
philosophy to engage students in the most rigorous
educational program in academics, arts and athletics,
exceptional athletes may request permission to play
on an Upper School varsity team. Permission is granted
rarely, and only in cases where the student has the
ability to be a starter on the varsity team. The director
of the Middle School and the director of Athletics
must concur that "playing up" is best for the student's
overall development and will not have an adverse social,
emotional or academic effect on the student.
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