Ready, Set, Go
You're dismissed for athletics at 3:15. What time should you be changed and ready to start practice?
Answer: 3:25 START!
Note: 10 minutes to get from class, to locker room and change, and to practice location.
Your team has an away game. What time are you dismissed from school to get ready?
Answer: 2:30
Note: Do not tell your teachers that you need to get dismissed earlier to change; any special early dismissals will be relayed through the athletic department.
TRUE or FALSE: Athletics is an optional after-school activity at BDS.
Answer: FALSE
Note: Athletics is a subject and a required part of the school day, Monday through Thursday.
A teammate makes a mistake that costs your team a goal or point. What does a great teammate do?
Answer: Pick them up, encourage them, and move on to the next play.
Notes: Everyone in this room is going to make mistakes. How you respond to someone else's mistake says a lot about what kind of teammate you are.
Finish this sentence:
"Every student is an ______."
Answer: Athlete
Notes: This is what BDS Athletics is all about; helping you find or enhance the athlete inside you!
Where do you change for athletics?
Answer: 6th (Barn), 7/8th (Downing)
Note: Everyone should be using the locker rooms. ALL OTHER BATHROOMS ARE OFF LIMITS FOR CHANGING.
You're dismissed at 2:30 for an away game. What time is the GOAL for the bus to depart BDS?
Note: You have 10 minutes to get changed and onto the bus.
You're injured and can't physically practice. Do you still go to athletics?
Answer: YES
Notes: Injured students are expected to remain engaged whenever possible. Encourage teammates, Help the coach, Scorekeep, Keep stats, Be a leader, Take another team role
A referee makes a TERRIBLE call against your team. What TWO things can you still control?
Answer: ATTITUDE + EFFORT
Notes: You can't control the referee. You can't control your opponent. You can't control everything your coach does. But you always own your attitude and effort.
Name ALL SIX of Belmont Day's six Core Values.
Answer: Excellence, Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Caring, Joy
Notes: We have weekly Core Value awards in which your coaches may nominate you for an award if you demonstrate one of the core values exceptionally well throughout a given week.
Name THREE things you may need to bring to athletics each day.
Answer: Water bottle, Athletic clothing, Sneakers, Cleats, Sport-specific equipment, Weather-appropriate clothing
Note: Being prepared is YOUR responsibility. Your coach shouldn't have to remind you every day.
TRUE or FALSE: You can use your phone or personal electronics on the bus to an away game.
Answer: FALSE
Note: The same rules during the academic portion of the school day apply.
You know ahead of time that you're going to miss athletics for an appointment. What should you do?
Answer: COMMUNICATE AHEAD OF TIME.
Notes: Because athletics is part of the school day, appointments should also be scheduled outside athletics whenever possible.
Which player would BDS rather have?
PLAYER A:
The most talented player on the team but complains, blames teammates, and shows poor effort and body language.
PLAYER B:
Works hard, listens, encourages teammates, and puts the team first.
Answer: Player B
Notes: Talent matters. But character, effort, attitude, and how you treat people matter more.
The referee gives your team possession, but you know you touched the ball last. You tell the referee. Which BDS Core Value are you demonstrating?
Answer: Honesty
Note: Doing the right thing when doing the right thing might actually hurt your team is a pretty good test of character
TRUE or FALSE: If your sport uses cleats, you should also bring sneakers.
Answer: TRUE
Note: Students in cleated sports are expected to have sneakers available for indoor practice.
Your parent is meeting you at an away game and wants to take you home. Can you just leave with them?
Answer: NO. It should be arranged in advance, and you must check out/be released by your coach.
You're unhappy with your team placement or playing time. What's the BEST thing to do?
A. Complain to your teammates
B. Stop trying
C. Talk respectfully with your coach about what you can do to improve
D. Have your friends complain for you
Answer: C
Notes: We WANT you to advocate for yourself. Ask your coach: What can I work on? What can I do to improve?
Students seeking feedback regarding team placement are encouraged to speak with their coach and/or the Director of Athletics.
You're interested in being a team captain. What do you need to do, and how are captains selected?
Answer:
1. Fill out a captain application and return it to Coach Marks.
2. The team votes/provides input as part of the process.
3. The coach and Athletic Director make the final decision.
Notes: NEW THIS YEAR...Being captain isn't about being the best player or the most popular person on the team. If you're interested, take the first step and apply. Your teammates have a voice in the process, but the team vote doesn't automatically decide the captains. Coaches and the Athletic Director make the final decision.
What's the biggest difference between JV and Varsity playing time?
Answer: JV (equal as possible) Varsity (not even)
Note: Both teams matter. They just serve slightly different purposes. JV has a stronger developmental focus; Varsity has a stronger competitive focus.
You show up unprepared for practice. What will happen?
Answer: You won't participate in the team's regular drills or activities. You may complete fitness or individual work instead.
Note: The goal isn't punishment. It's accountability. Your teammates came prepared and are counting on you to do the same.
Name FOUR things that are YOUR responsibility to have on game day.
Answer: Complete uniform, Proper footwear, Water bottle, Sport-specific equipment, Weather-appropriate clothing
Note: PLAYING TIME WILL BE ADJUSTED IF YOU FORGET YOUR UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT. Your uniform is your responsibility. Your equipment is your responsibility. Being prepared is part of being a teammate.
Your team has an early practice during the resource period. What do you do during the regular athletics block?
Answer: Study Hall
Notes: Because we have a lot of athletes and limited space, sometimes we'll get creative with our schedule.
Study Hall is just that...it is not a hangout.
A teammate doesn't play as much as you do. What responsibility do YOU have toward that teammate?
Answer: Make them feel valued, included, supported, and part of the team.
Notes: Playing time doesn't determine whether someone matters. Every person should feel like they belong on their team.
Which matters more in BDS Athletics:
WINNING or HOW WE COMPETE?
Answer: HOW WE COMPETE
Notes: Winning matters. How we compete matters more.