Expectations of Bullis Student Athletes

Bullis’s Athletic Department has certain rules and expectations that the student-athlete needs to abide by. Without these rules and guidelines, and the willingness of the student-athletes to abide by them, the quality of our athletic program cannot be maintained. The Athletic Department wants both the students and the parents to understand these expectations and how they apply to all of our athletes.

Absence Policy:

Every player must attend every practice and every game (including any league championship(s) and/or post-season tournaments) in order to receive credit. Excused absences from school are also excused absences from athletics. Participation in after school activities requires school attendance. If a student is absent for no more than two blocks with a legitimate excused absence (see Attendance Policy in the Student Handbook), he or she may participate in after school activities on that day. This policy is subject to the discretion of the Director of Athletics, the Dean of Students, and the Principal.

There are some programs that either have practices and/or games on Saturdays. It must be understood that Saturdays are a part of some programs, especially varsity ones. Missing practices or games for other club/AAU teams is not considered an excused absence. The Athletic Director must be informed by the coach if a student has been granted leeway with respect to missing weekend or any practices.

If an athlete is injured, he/she must see the athletic trainer. If an athlete has an injury that requires rehabilitation, then this needs to be worked out with the trainer and coach. If the trainer wants the athlete to work with him during practice hours, then the athlete is required to attend. If an athlete is unable to begin rehab right away, then the athlete is expected to attend practice and observe unless the coach gives permission for the absence.

Only the following are considered excused absences:

• Documented illness
• Religious observance
• Family emergency or event (i.e. wedding, funeral, birth)

The Athletic Department asks that the coaches be notified as soon as possible if an unexpected absence is going to occur. Notification after the absence will not be excused.

Attendance for all practices, games, and post-season tournaments/meets is mandatory in order to receive athletic credit. Failure to meet any of the requirements set forth by the coaches will result in a failing grade for athletics for the trimester and possibly the year.

Athletic Team Commitment:

• Once a student has committed to a team after one week of practice or games when school is in session, he or she is required to fulfill his or her obligation for the entire term in order to receive credit.
• If, for some reason, a student decides to stop participating on a team, or the student is thrown off of a team, then he or she will not be permitted to join or participate in any other sport for the duration of that season.
• Failure to fulfill his or her commitment, regardless of the timing (beginning, middle or end of the term), will result in a loss of athletic credit for the term.
• The Directors of Athletics will have the final say in determining athletic credit.