- 10/12/21 – I thought varsity coaches are not allowed to coach at the club level for the same age group they coach at high school? Is this something that is now allowed because there is an absolute conflict of interest! Don’t be fooled thinking there isn’t. The favoritism undeniable. This has been asked before so please give us an accurate response. – Parent
A. Shenendehowa coaches are permitted to be involved with off-season clubs, programs and camps.
Grapevine and PlainFacts Archives – Athletics
Latest Grapevine and PlainFacts Posts - Athletics:
- Will Shen consider exempting students from gym who participate in competitive sports outside of school as other districts do?
A. Shen will not be exempting students from physical education who participate in competitive sports outside of school.
- How does an athlete get a lettersmans jacket?
A. They are sold by the local apparel companies.
- Is it true that Shen football players have to pay themselves to have their names printed on their jerseys. And that there are several players who don’t have personalized jerseys?
A. Varsity football players have always the opportunity to purchase their jerseys and put their name on the back. The money from the jersey pays for the replacement jersey of that number in the next budget cycle.
- what sports qualify you for a varsity letter? JV letter? and your graduation year numbers? I have heard some JV sports don’t get letters and only freshman sports get the graduation year numbers. Do modified sports get anything? Can you buy them somewhere if you don’t receive them even when you are on a school team?
A. All sports are afforded the same in regards to letters, inserts, numerals, etc…the issue is that some sports have freshmen levels and some sports do not. Varsity athletes receive a letter the 1st year they are on the team and an insert every subsequent year. JV athletes receive a jv letter the 1st year […]
- Do modified teams compete at the same events as highschool teams? If not what do they do?
A. The modified teams compete on their own schedule. Sometimes it matches up with the high school schedule and sometimes it does not. All game schedules can be found here https://www.schedulegalaxy.com/
- Why doesn’t Shen allow varsity athletes to be exempt from PE?
A. New York State doesn’t allow athletes to be exempt from PE.
- Do girls in 8th grade have to try out for outdoor modified track in the spring, or do they just get placed on a team? Also, is there cuts?
A. There are no tryouts for modified track.
- can girls try out for the football team?
A. Yes, under commissioner’s regulations and NYSPHSAA rules regarding mixed competition Info can be found here. http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Handbook/2018-19%20Handbook/NYSPHSAA%20Handbook%20002.pdf
- Is there a modified indoor track for middle schoolers?
A. The list of sports offered at Shen can be found here: https://www.shenet.org/athletics/athletics-staff-directory/
- why does shen never cancel sports when it’s 105 outside and not safe for anyone to be outside for over 10 minutes? that’s so unsafe and ridiculous to put children’s safety at risk. safety is not first in this situation.
A. This is not accurate. Shen follows all the rules and procedures the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has for heat. Those can be found by clicking here: http://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Safety/Heat%20Index%20Procedure_1.pdf
- What is the name of the NY rules that govern which sports are NY approved for school funding? I know there are some like football, baseball, basketball are and others like cheer, gymnastics, crew that are not on that list but would like to reference which are and can’t find under athletics dept section of website. Thanks in advance.
A. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) does not govern school funding. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. is a non-profit, voluntary, educational service organization composed of public, parochial, and private schools dedicated to providing equitable and safe competition for the students of its member schools. […]
- Why is there a no cut policy for track and field but not for other teams? It’s nice to allow everyone to participate but maybe more coaching support could be provided to this sport. There are phenomenal coaches but the numbers are just stacked against them. I believe there were approximately 200 girls on the team this season. I Doubt you’d have lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football or any other teams coach implement a no cut policy without additional support. Why is it ok to for track/field? The team that always ranks in the top for both academics as well as athletic achievements
A. Because track and field is a sport made up of individual events.
- Is there a girls golf team/club at shen? If so, for which grades ? Thanks!
A. No. Girls Golf is not offered as a sport within Section 2.
- Why are physical education classes REQUIRED for students that participate in extracurricular sports? During the season for my sport, every day after school I sacrifice my time that could be used for homework (both at home and during my PE period, which could be changed to a stud hall) until 6:30, and I get home around 7, at which point I clean up and eat. Is there any room for negotiation regarding this? Thanks.
A. Per New York State, eight semesters of physical education is required in order to graduate. This goes for all students, regardless of whether or not you play an interscholastic sport.
- For sports that do not have girls’ teams such as wrestling and football are girls allowed to join the boys’ team?
A. Yes, under New York State Education Department guidelines for mixed competition.
- Do D3 Athletes get to have a signing day in the Spring?
A. We will be working with Stan Hudy from the Community News to do something for Division III Athletes in the spring. The NCAA does not have Division III Athletes participate in the National Letter of Intent signing because technically at the Division III level there are no athletic scholarships offered by colleges or universities.
- could i get recruited for by a college for doing a varsity sport senior year, or is it strictly for junior year? please respond to this, i currently can’t find anyone to contact for this info, esp. my coach or athletic department.
A. Colleges recruit student athletes during their season and in the off-season. Playing a sport does not necessarily mean you will be recruited.
- If I am participating in a after school sporting event what period do I need to be in school by to still be eligible to play?
A. You should be in school if you plan to play or practice unless you have a legal excuse.
- Is colorgaurd a sport?
A. No. Sports are based on NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) classification – http://www.nysphsaa.org/
- Is cheer a sport
A. Yes. Cheerleading is now classified as a sport by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
- can the athletic trainer do x rays
A. No, if there is a suspicion of a fracture he will send them to an orthopedic doctor or Urgent Care, if an emergency, for any diagnostic x-rays.
- While running for sports on campus, why can guys run shirtless, but girls cannot run in sports bras? It’s no more of a distraction than a boy running without a shirt! Girls sweat a lot while they’re running too and they should be able to have the same rights as boys!!!
A. We agree and this will addressed with male athletes, coaches and teams.
- If a student was charged in court outside of school for a crime such as theft or assault, would that student still be allowed to participate in school sports? I know that what happens outside of the grounds of the school is not necessarily Shen’s jurisdiction, but what steps do the athletic department take if the crime is brought to their attention? Thanks in advance!
A. Answers to your questions can be found in the Athletic Code of Conduct: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WykanY_CyGCv6jUbwNtbZHRFXkRbTirUbwzvbfXdF5k/view
- I have a question about allocation of money for sports: I have heard that football player’s uniforms are provided for them while tennis dresses, for example, cost $60 and are paid for by the athlete. Does the district regularly discriminate between sports, in terms of funds provided?
A. The tennis teams were and have been offered the opportunity to have the school buy them uniforms through the budget and bid process that all teams go through. They have chosen over the years to buy their own.
- my son wants to play shen hockey, but hes in the 7th grade. what should he do?
A. You can contact the athletic office with your questions.
- I was wondering if Shen ever had a gymnastics team, and also if the district would ever consider starting one? This seems to be one of the only sports not represented by Shen, and in such a large district, the interest would certainly be there (especially given the popularity of gymnastics as of late). Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate it!!
A. Shen had a gymnastics team that was cut several years ago due to lack of participation and lack of teams to compete against.
- Can girls join the shen football team?
A. See NYSPHSAA rules for Mixed Competition on page 132 of the NYSPHSAA Handbook http://www.nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Handbook/Handbook%20Complete/Complete%20Handbook.pdf
- Where do we sign up for sports?
A. Information about seasonal meetings for athletics can be found on the athletic web page. https://www.shenet.org/athletics/
- Why are the sports team banquets so late after the season?
A. You would need to speak to the individual coach as the time between the season ending and the banquet varies greatly from sport to sport.
- What is the policy for “senior night” games for varsity sports? If we have players talented enough to make a varsity team at Shen they should be given the respect and opportunity to at least play a few minutes of their senior night game.
A. ‘Senior Nights’ are one of the most misunderstood aspects of the entire athletic program. Senior Nights are to acknowledge senior athletes for their commitment to being part of a “team” or “program”. The idea that every senior should play on senior nights cannot be accomplished nor should it be an expectation. While our coaches […]
- Is there a rule saying that an 8th grader can’t play varsity basketball. I’m 5’2 but I can still play really good.
A. The coaches recommend middle school players to tryout.
- Can someone please advise as to why a large number of spectators are allowed to stand on the football field with the team. Some of these individuals I understand, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Culnan but not the former football players who no longer attend Shen. I counted over 25 spectators standing on the field at the last home Shen game. Then at the CBA game the same individuals were allowed on the field again.
A. Because they are invited by either the athletic director, coach or the superintendent.
- Why do parents of athletes who make the team but do not play expected to volunteer, or they are sent what could be be taken as threatening emails. Stating if you don’t step up you will be assigned, and it will be your responsibility to find someone to replace you. Some parents are not able to volunteer , or feel that they should not have to if their child does not play .
A. While it is not mandatory, we encourage all parents to support the team and volunteer at concession stands.
- My daughter has just started 7th grade. She is interested in joining cheerleading. How and when do sign ups/ try out occur? Thank you
A. Cheerleading is a high school sport. Any student in grades 7 or 8 would have to be recommended to tryout by the coach.
- Are parents permitted on the side lines of the football field?
A. People are only allowed on the sidelines if they have a sideline pass from the Athletic Department.
- Why does SHEN have so many TALENTED athletes who are GOOD enough to make a SHEN team, But are not Good enough to play in the actual game?
A. Equal playing time is not guaranteed in any sport.
- Why are Coaches children, and non team students aloud on the Football field sidelines ?
A. Some are team water boys and some are ball boys and some are just with their parents on the sidelines.
- Why can athlets wear their uniform that break dress code to school and don’t get yelled at ,but a normal kid who wears the same thing will
A. The athletes wear uniforms that conform to the dress code. They wear additional clothing under their uniforms.
- can a 6th grader play a modified sport
A. Per New York State Public High School Athletics Association rules, modified and interscholastic sports are for students in grades 7-12.
- why do they not use the scoreboard for Modified or Freshman football and is only on for JV and Varsity.
A. We put the board on to show the score, but do not use it for time at the lower levels.
- Do you think the school would allow a female football player on the Shen football team, if they happen to play good enough?
A. Females are allowed to play football under the NYSPHSAA rule called mixed competition. As part of this, females must pass a physical fitness test. For further information, contact the athletic office.
- Is there currently, or will Shen ever have a shooting sports team or club of any kind (3 position rifle, trap, etc)? I think it would be a great opportunity for students, especially given the limited number or shooting ranges nearby.
A. We are currently not looking at this as a club or sport.
- Can high school coaches, during the school season instruct specific Clifton Park affiliated sports programs for their teams? Wouldn’t that be unfair to athletes that do no play on those specific teams during school tryouts?
A. Coaches are encouraged to get involved with community and youth programs in the off-season. If a student-athlete wishes to play for a certain club or team, that’s their decision.
- I wasn’t sure I heard this correctly, though it was the answer on the grapevine. The atheletes get luxury charter busses? Which athelets? These busses are in the parking lot year round, and there are more than 2 each day. Which atheletes get to ride these?
A. It varies. Due to the bus driver shortage, athletic teams often need to use charter busses to get to away games and then get picked up by a district bus. This is not an ideal situation, however, our teams have an obligation to get to their scheduled games and contests.
- why is there not a modified team for girl’s tennis?
A. Because the Suburban Council does not offer Modified Tennis.
- What kind of oversight does Shen have over it’s coaches, and how do they get evaluated? It’s frustrating for a child in a freshman or JV program to never get direct feedback on what they need to do to get better. Many coaches feel that the players can ‘figure it out for themselves’. That isn’t often the case!
A. Every coach is evaluated at the end of every season. If there is a concern, contact the Director of Athletics at 881-0396.
