Sports Sign Ups

List of 3 items.

• Modified Sport Philosophy

  7th and 8th grade students at Mercy have the opportunity to participate in athletics at the modified level.
  
  At this level, coaches emphasize:
  

  • the fundamentals of team play
  • learning the sport’s basic skills and rules
  • creating a positive experience for all involved

  
  On some occasions, when a program does not offer a sport at the JV level, 9th grade students are permitted to participate at the modified level. 

  
  Generally modified sports avoid making roster cuts when possible. However, if the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that would be difficult to manage, pose a safety issue, or is problematic because of facility considerations, reducing team size may be necessary. Ultimately the number of teams and size of rosters will be determined by the availability of financial resources, scheduling considerations, availability of qualified coaches, access to suitable facilities, and the maintenance of a safe environment. 

  
  At the modified level, only occasionally will practices and contests be scheduled on weekends. 

• Junior Varsity Sport Philosophy

  The junior varsity (JV) level at Mercy is intended for those who display skill potential for continued development towards the varsity level. Consequently, some athletes may be cut during the tryout process.
  
  

  Although all JV teams vary, freshmen and sophomores occupy most of the roster spots. At this level, as compared to the modified level, athletes are expected to make a more visible commitment to the sport, the team, and their continued self-development outside of the traditional school season. 

  
  At the JV level, increased emphasis is placed on: 
  

  • physical conditioning, 
  • strength and endurance training
  • refinement of fundamental skills and elements
  • strategies of team play

  
  JV programs strive for balance among player development, team development, and achieving victory. Consequently, no amount of playing time is guaranteed to any player at this level. 

  
  Practice sessions are vital to a successful JV program. Participants should expect to practice and compete six days per week. While contests and practices are rarely scheduled for holidays, practice sessions are typically scheduled during school vacation periods.
  
  Becoming a varsity athlete should be the goal of every JV player, and therefore a high level of commitment and dedication is required to participate at the JV level. 

• Varsity Sport Philosophy

  Varsity competition is the culmination of each sport’s developmental program.
  
  Usually composed of juniors and seniors, the team size is typically limited at the varsity level. While contest participation is desirable, a specific amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. Some athletes may see no playing at all during a given game, or even an entire season. 
  
  

  In extraordinary circumstances, students from the 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grades may be placed on a varsity roster. In these circumstances, it is the expectation of the coaching staff that the student athlete will consistently earn significant playing time at this level. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and advanced level of game skills are prerequisites for a position and for playing time at the varsity level. 

  
  Varsity sports require a commitment of six days/nights per week. This commitment is extended into vacation periods for all sports seasons. The dedication and commitment needed to participate in a successful varsity program should be taken very seriously.
  
  Various commitments outside of the sport season may also be necessary for the optimum development of a player’s ability. Preparing and striving to win each contest while trying to develop the maximum potential of the team and each individual within it are the goals of a varsity coach.