Athletics: Philosophy
Foote’s athletic program provides the opportunity for every 7th, 8th and 9th grader to play on an interscholastic team. (Sixth graders may join the swim team.) The competitive sports program is optional, but as many as 80 % of our Middle School students participate most seasons. Several sports have both varsity and junior varsity teams.
Our program stresses sportsmanship, skill-building, perseverance, increasing self-confidence and teamwork. Our focus is on participation and cooperation so that all team members have regular opportunities for playing time.
SPORTS PROGRAM
In the fall, field hockey and boys and girls soccer are offered. Winter sports include girls and boys basketball and co-ed swimming. Spring choices are co-ed tennis, girls softball or lacrosse and boys baseball or lacrosse.
Foote teams play a full schedule of 10 to 15 games against other school teams in Connecticut, including: Choate, Cheshire Academy, Chase Collegiate School, Hamden Hall, Hopkins, Rumsey Hall, Renbrook School, Kingswood-Oxford, Fairfield Country Day, Pine Point, and The Country School of Madison. Teams also may participate in tournaments.
PRACTICES
Practices are held Monday through Thursday from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. and on Friday from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. During winter term, when the Hosley Gymnasium must accommodate more than one team, the practice schedule differs. Swim practices and home meets are held at the Albertus Magnus College pool, a quarter mile from campus. Parents and students are advised of the schedule at the start of each season.
When students join a team, they are expected to honor their commitment and attend practices and games. Students who participate in other activities such as music, dance or drama may make arrangements to miss practices or games by talking with their coaches.
GAMES
Games may fall on any week day and typically last from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. depending upon the location of the game. Game schedules are distributed at the beginning of each season and are posted in Week-at-a-Glance. In addition, weekly schedules are posted on the bulletin board in the gymnasium and are available to team members at the beginning of each week.
Cancellations/Postponements
Decisions to cancel or postpone a game are posted on the school's home page by 1:00 p.m. on game day so arrangements for rides home can be made. A study hall or indoor practice session is held for students who stay beyond the close of school on the day of a cancellation or postponement.