Ramsey School District believes that the athletic program has much to contribute to the overall education of its students. The interscholastic sports program includes: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Girls Volleyball, Wrestling, and Cheer.  

Please review the District's athletic requirements carefully to ensure proper submission of all required documentation.

2024 No Contact Period: July 27th - August 4th

EACH SEASON

The fall season - Monday, August 21, 2023
The winter season –Monday, November 27, 2023
The spring season - Thursday, March 14, 2024

PRACTICE

There are practices and/or games after school every day.  Practices start at 3:15 p.m. and conclude at approximately 6:00 p.m.  Teams will also practice and/or have games on Saturdays.

SCHOOLWORK

The first priority of all student/athletes is their schoolwork.  Student/Athletes can be excused from practice to make up tests or receive extra help. They must communicate these issues with their coach.  Studies have shown that student/athletes can maintain a high level of academic performance if they make effective use of unscheduled time.  Experience indicates that “in season” student/athletes should be discouraged from working or playing other sports during a season of athletic participation.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETIC COMPETITION

The Ramsey Board of Education follows the eligibility rules of the N.J.S.I.A.A.  regarding participation in the interscholastic athletic program.

To be eligible for the fall and winter sports season, students must have passed 30 credits at the end of the previous year, (June report card or summer school if class is taken again).
To be eligible for the spring sports season, students must pass 15 credits, at the end of the fall semester, (January – February report card).
All ninth graders are eligible for the first semester of their Freshman Year.

BNC CODE OF FOR SPECTATOR CONDUCT AT ATHLETIC EVENTS

Fans, coaches, and players are expected to honor and obey all rules and regulations of the NJSIAA and the Big North Conference
Fans, coaches, and players are expected to treat the opponent, officials, and other fans with respect and courtesy. Their safety and comfort should never be endangered.
Enthusiastically encourage your own team.
Refrain from negative remarks and booing.
Accept all decisions made by the officials.
Remain in the stands while play is in progress.
Do not throw objects; use noisemakers; or display signs or banners.
Any person obviously and intentionally violating the letter and spirit of the code will be subject to ejection from the contest and will/may not be allowed to attend any further athletic contests.

GOING OUT FOR A TEAM

Any student who wishes may try out for any Ramsey High School athletic team.  The student must present a signed Parental Permission form, Athletic Medical form, Registration form, Training Rule Pledge form and a Medical History form.  These forms are available on the athletic website under family ID.

SQUAD SIZE

Maximum participation of girls and boys in accordance with interest, maturity, and ability to benefit is encouraged. However our interscholastic athletic program is recognized as a competitive program. There are occasions when it becomes necessary to “cut” students in some sports.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to and from all “away” contests is provided by the Board of Education.  Students must ride on the bus provided for all “away” contests.  Athletes’ driving to the site of an opposing school is prohibited.  Under special circumstances, travel to and from away games may require some teams to be dismissed from school early.  Students are responsible for work missed or assigned when this occurs.  Every attempt is made by the school and the league to keep these games to an absolute minimum.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Sportsmanship, the quality of fair play, is the utmost importance and needs to be given the highest priority in an athletic program. Therefore, the BNC Code of Behavior for Athletic Events must be stressed at all times.

ATHLETIC CONDUCT

One mark of a good player is sportsmanship. Fighting or the use of profanity is not acceptable. Use self-control. Do nothing which will bring discredit to your school. Win graciously; lose without alibi. Accept official’s judgment without question. Give the best that is in you for your team. Avoid any reference to color creed or nationality of your opponent.  All team cheering should be positive. There is no place for intimidating or demeaning chants, gestures, etc. All players must follow the BNC Code of Behavior for Athletic Contests. Disqualifications from a contest will result in suspension from participation in future game(s) in compliance with NJSIAA rules. The high school reserves the right to extend suspension from an athletic team for additional contests depending on the nature of the incident.

EARNING A VARSITY LETTER

 Earning a varsity letter is a major accomplishment in the world of athletics. It is evidence that you have excelled on the playing field, the classroom, and served as a positive role model on and off the field. The requirements for earning a varsity letter vary from sport to sport and from school to school. Though there are many lettering policies, in general, an athlete

• Must meet Academic and Behavioral Standards

• Be listed on a varsity roster

• Meet the practice and/or performance standards set by the coach.

At Ramsey High School, students who receive a varsity letter must meet criteria in two areas; those areas are varsity playing time and Academic and Behavioral Standards. Playing time is unique to each individual sport. Number of games, length of games, and participants per sport are all factors regarding playing time. For example, ice Hockey has 6 players on the ice and lacrosse has 10 on the field. Football substitutes players for offense, defense, and special teams while 5 basketball players play all phases while they are in the game.

 Academic and Behavioral Standards are things that stay consistent between sports. These are criteria all students and athletes should be expected to uphold.  

Criteria for Academic and Behavioral Standards include

• Good academic standing

• A positive attitude

• Contributing to the team

• Commitment and dedication to the group.

• Starting and finishing the season as a member of the varsity team

Playing Criteria per Sport

• Football - Must complete the season and play in one (1) full quarter in a season.

• Boys Soccer- Must complete the season as a member of the varsity team.

• Girls Soccer - Must complete the season as a member of the varsity team and play in 33% of the varsity games.

• Tennis – Must complete the season and play in 50% of varsity matches.

• Volleyball – Must complete the season and enter and play in 15% varsity matches.

• Cheer – Must complete the season and is a member of the varsity team

• Wrestling Must complete the season and compete in 20% Varsity matches

• Boys Basketball – Must complete the season as a member of the varsity team

• Girls Basketball – Must complete the season and play in 50% of the varsity games

• Winter Track – Must complete the season and score 1 point in a league, county, or state meet

• Boys Swim – Must complete the season and score a minimum of 25 points during the season

• Girls Swim – Must complete the season and score a minimum of 25 points during the season

• Spring Track– Must complete the season and score 1 point in a league, county, or state meet

• Tennis – Must complete the season and play in 50% of varsity matches

• Boys Golf – Must complete the season and play in at least 15% varsity matches for the season

• Girls Golf – Must complete the season and play in at least 15% varsity matches for the season

• Baseball - Must complete the season and is a member of the varsity team

• Boys Lacrosse – Must complete the season as a member of the varsity team.

• Girls Lacrosse – Must complete the season as a member of the varsity team.

• Softball - Must complete the season and is a member of the varsity team.

• Ice Hockey- Must complete the season and is a member of the varsity team. As per NJSIAA rule any player not dressed for a minimum of 50% of schools games will be ineligible for state playoff ice hockey.

INTER-COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Athletic Eligibility at the intercollegiate level is governed by regulations established by the NCAA . All students aspiring to play division 1 or 2 athletics must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, (previously known as the NCAA Clearinghouse). Below are the web addresses that will connect you to the relevant information regarding NCAA eligibility, approved courses and standardized testing. For additional information, please see your guidance counselor, Director of Student Programs, Mr. Herre, or your coach.

NCAA Eligibility Center