Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tryouts for sports teams or can everyone who signs up join the team?

Due to the increasing enrollment at PHS, tryouts are now necessary for sports. Last year there were tryouts for Golf, Girls’ Water Polo, Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse. There are teams specifically for freshmen in Football, and Girls’or Boys’ Baskeball. Some freshmen are selected to be on Junior Varsity or Varsity teams. Students who are not successful in a tryout for one sport should consider another sport in the same season and contact the coach immediately. It is possible that some students will not be chosen for sports teams. PHS has the number of teams and the levels of teams equal to competitive opportunities in our athletic league.

How do students sign up for a sport?

Incoming 9th graders should initially sign up for fall sports at the spring orientation given by the Athletic Directors. Fall coaches will contact these potential athletes during the summer about tryout dates or practice dates. Potential athletes may also call the Athletic Directors’ office during the summer to sign up for sports. Information will be passed on to the coaches. Telephone numbers for Athletic Directors are 594-2744 (women’s) or 594-2640 (men’s). You may also call the Principal’s office at 594-2625. During the school year, coaches will make announcements prior to the start of the winter and spring seasons about preseason meetings and sign-up dates.

Who is eligible to play sports at PHS? Is there probation for incoming freshmen?

To be eligible to join a team, a student must have attained a grade point average of 2.0 (C average) in the grading period before the start of the season and must have no more than one “U” citizenship grade. Incoming freshmen with less than a 2.0 grade point average or more than 1 citizenship “Us” on their final 8th grade report card may request a probationary eligibility period during the first quarter of the 9th grade year only. Interested freshmen should apply to the Principal, Mr. Richard Kitchens, by writing a letter and sending it to the high school office by August 8.

Do athletes need a physical examination?

Yes. No student will be allowed to practice or play a sport without a physical examination. A Medical Examination Report signed by a physician must be on file with the coach. Valid physical examinations for the school year will be those that have been administered after May 15 of the previous year. Students should show up on the first day of practice with the signed medical report. Medical Examination Reports are kept on file throughout the year, so only one exam is required even if athletes play more than one sport a year. It is highly recommended to keep a copy at home as a backup procedure. Forms are available on the PHS Athletic website and in the high school office.

What schools does PHS compete with in sports?

PHS is a member of the Bay Shore Athletic League, the BSAL. Competing schools are:

• John Swett (in Crocket)
• Kennedy (in Richmond)
• Albany
• St. Patrick-St. Vincent (in Vallejo)
• St. Elizabeth (in Oakland)
• St. Joseph’s (in Alameda)
• St. Mary’s (in Berkeley)
• Holy Names (in Oakland)
• Salesian (in Richmond)

What kind of transportation is available to “away games”?

Depending on the sport and the size of the teams and distance, students are transported to away games on buses or in carpools. Parent drivers are responsible for carpools, and arrangements are made by each coach. Students may be allowed to drive themselves to games in emergency situations only with prearranged Principal approval.

Yes, we are a competitive program. What does that mean?

• Everyone does not make the team. Every level and every team have specific rules, policies, and expectations. Check with your coach for specifics.
• Coming to practices and games is mandatory.
• Playing time is not equal.

Are there any costs to players who are members of athletic teams?

School uniforms are supplied for most sports teams. Athletes are required to pay for jerseys, socks, T-shirts or other sport items that they will keep after the season. Students will be billed for uniform items that are assigned to them but are not returned at the end of the season.

When teams practice, what are “double days”?

Practices for field sports generally begin right after school each day and last about 2 hours.

• Field Sports: Football, Cross Country, Track, Golf, Tennis, Softball and Baseball are generally after school. Soccer and Lacrosse are staggered throughout the season.
• Gym Sports: Volleyball tends to be after school but Basketball has staggered times.
• Aquatics: Swimming and Waterpolo are in the evenings, except matches which are after school.

Some teams will have two practices a day, this could be before school starts, Saturdays and even holidays. This practice is called “double days”. Coaches decide if double practices are appropriate and set the schedules.

What is the school mascot? What are the school athletic colors?

The school mascot is a Highlander. School colors are purple and white. Learn more about school spirit and traditions.

Will athletes miss school to play sports?

Yes. In order to travel to other schools, athletes will sometimes miss classes 6 and 7. With the block scheduling there is an advantage in not missing one class all the time. Most sports will have 2 games a week during the season; they vary home and away and therefore release time from school is different for each game.

What about vacation days?

The Athletic Department schedule and the school year do not necessarily match. Every athlete is expected to attend practices and/or games during vacations, on Saturdays, and even before the school year begins. The only days guaranteed to be off are Sundays! Check with your coach for specific schedules.