The Greens Farms Academy Middle School athletic program is designed to develop strong bodies as well as strong minds, and to develop skills and maintain physical well-being at a level that is appropriate for the individual. Our goal is to help students become comfortable with and cognizant of their physical abilities through challenging them in both intramural and interscholastic activities. These opportunities for appropriate athletic competition allow for students to develop self-confidence and sport-specific skills while learning the benefits of exercise as an element of a healthy life.
The Middle School program provides chances for students to compete against our peer schools in grades six through eight. Students are placed at a level that is appropriate to their abilities and are given the chance to learn both skills and confidence through competition. When possible, teams are created to allow each student to be challenged at his or her own level. This program coordinates with the high school coaches to allow for a seamless transition between the Middle and Upper School programs.
In some seasons, a student may prefer to learn lifelong skills and habits that do not connect with interscholastic athletics. In these cases, the students may choose to skate, do a fitness program, or learn kickboxing or yoga. These options can help students learn habits of a healthy lifestyle.
Sixth Grade
In Grade 6, all students are required to participate in the athletic program all three seasons, and are given the opportunity to develop their skills and to learn about the rules and strategies in the majority of the sports offered at GFA. The students have the opportunity to compete against other schools on teams geared to their level. These activities are:
Fall –
Girls Teams: Field Hockey and Soccer, Volleyball
Boys Teams: Soccer
Winter –
Girls Teams: Basketball
Girls Recreational: Games, Fitness
Boys Teams: Basketball, Wrestling
Boys Recreational: Games, Fitness
Spring –
Girls Teams: Lacrosse, Softball
Boys Teams: Baseball, Lacrosse
In order to gain experience in interscholastic competition, each student has the opportunity to participate in games scheduled with area independent schools with similar programs, all three seasons.
Practices - Required practices occur year-round, Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 11 :55 p.m. - 1:05 p.m.
Games - Interscholastic games generally occur on Mondays through Thursdays after 3:00 p.m.
Seventh and Eighth Grades
Each student is required to participate in the GFA athletic program all three seasons. In at least one of those seasons, the student must be on a team. Moreover, the Middle School adheres to a “no cut” policy whenever possible. Specific limitations (number of tennis courts, student sign-up, coach availability) have occasionally forced us to a “cut” system in a few activities. We will make every attempt to provide students with their second choice when such a situation arises.
Sports offered in grades 7 and 8
Fall –
Girls Teams: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball
Boys Teams: Cross Country, Soccer
Winter –
Girls Teams: Basketball, Squash
Girls Recreational: Skating, Fitness, Kickboxing
Boys Teams: Basketball, Squash, Wrestling
Boys Recreational: Skating, Fitness, Kickboxing
Spring –
Girls Teams: Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis
Boys Teams: Baseball, Lacrosse, Tennis
Practices - Sports practices occur year-round, Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1:15p.m. - 2:30p.m.
Games - Teams in each sport play a schedule of interscholastic games with area schools.
Students are required to attend all practices and games, for the integrity of the program and for the quality of the students’ experience. Games generally occur on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after 3:00pm. Outside appointments (including doctor’s appointments) and activities (including town travel and premier teams) should not conflict with school games or practices. Should there be any unavoidable schedule conflicts, parents should write a note to, or contact, the coach and Director of Middle School Athletics, well ahead of time when possible.
The Athletic Department offers a non-team program each during the winter season. A qualified instructor organizes games and activities that teach skills in a variety of sports, and provide opportunities to increase fitness and have fun.
If a student wishes to pursue an athletic activity not offered by GFA, an Independent Study may be requested.
Athletic Independent Study
An Athletic Independent Study is normally granted to a student who wishes to participate in an athletic activity not currently offered at GFA. Past examples have included participating on a club’s crew team, a YMCA swim team, a club’s organized horseback riding program, or a dance school’s program. These must be structured athletic programs that meet regularly for a minimum of 3 weekdays and in which the athletes are coached and given opportunities to compete or otherwise utilize their skills. A student can fulfill his or her “team requirement” if the Independent Study involves a fulltime commitment to a team sport. An Athletic Independent Study is not normally granted for taking “lessons” in a sport or athletic activity (e.g., tennis, swimming, horseback riding, karate, etc.)
Athletic Independent Studies are normally granted for just one season each year. In the Middle School, they are granted only in exceptional situations and require the approval of the Grade Dean as well as the Director of Middle School Athletics.
An Athletic Independent Study may be requested by submitting the Independent Study Request Form (available from the Athletic website) as soon as possible. After consultation, the Athletic Department will determine whether it approves the request, and the student will be notified. At the end of the season, to receive credit for fulfilling the independent study, the student must submit the Independent Study Follow – Up Form (available from the Athletic Director to the activity’s coach/instructor) and return it by the appropriate deadline. Failure to do so will result in the student’s receiving no credit for the independent study, and may also jeopardize future independent study requests.