Athletics and Physical Education

Athletics

Athletics at St. Luke’s play an integral role in the whole development of the student experience. St. Luke’s athletic program has a strong tradition of excellence among independent day schools in New England, Westchester County, and lower Fairfield County. Over the past five years, St. Luke’s has won 26 athletic championships. Many of our student-athletes move on to play at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as on competitive collegiate club teams.

It is our philosophy that all students should have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics where sportsmanship, leadership, and a commitment to team and self are emphasized. St. Luke’s offers competitive teams at the Middle School, thirds, junior varsity, and varsity levels. At the Middle School level, teamwork, participation, and skill development are the focal points. At the varsity and sub-varsity levels our student-athletes compete at the highest level, and are encouraged to continue playing at the next level.

We generally offer varsity teams in cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, squash, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, skiing, baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, and tennis. Our teams compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) divisions. Our highly dedicated and professional coaching staff are committed to providing the finest athletic experience for all of our student-athletes.

At St. Luke’s, we honor the three-sport athlete and encourage all of our students to try new sports, learn from different coaches, and most importantly enjoy their athletic experience. For more thorough information on the School’s athletics offerings, schedules, and policies, please consult the School’s website.

Eligibility and Participation

Students are required to have current physical and immunization records on file to participate at St. Luke’s. The Athletic Department and Sports Medicine Team provide a day each June for students to have their physicals on campus. Students may also submit physical forms completed by their family physicians.

Participation is required in the fall and spring seasons and is encouraged, but optional, in the winter season for students in grades five through eleven. Students in grade twelve may request an exemption from participation in one of the three seasons. In exceptional cases, waivers of the activity requirement may be granted for students who demonstrate a substantial commitment to a

sport that the School does not currently offer. Students should see the Dean of the Middle School or the Upper School Dean of Students for information about waivers.

For further information on the athletic program, policies, and information, please refer to the Student Athlete Handbook on the website.

Excused Absences from Physical Education or Athletics

Any student who is to be excused from physical education or athletics must bring in a medical excuse signed by a doctor and present it to the School Nurse. For the first day of an excused absence from physical education, a parent note is acceptable. For excused absences from physical education for more than one day, a doctor’s note is necessary. Once a student is cleared to participate in Athletics and/or physical education, a doctor’s note is required to once again to confirm their clearance.

FAA Sportsmanship Policy

As members of the The Fairchester Athletic Association, St. Luke’s abides by the League’s Sportsmanship Policy.

The FAA League promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The League expects all spectators to respect the efforts of the players, coaches, and officials by positive cheering throughout the entire event. The use of inappropriate language, racial or ethnic slurs, or personal insults will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the athletic event.

Spectators should not address the opposing coaches, players, or officials before, during, or after the athletic event. Noisemakers are not permitted. Spectators, coaches, and players are expected to respect the facility rules of the opposing school. Play Hard - Play Fair - Play With High Values.

Communication

Please refer to the Athletic Calendar on the School’s website which is updated regularly, or call the Main Office for last minute changes due to weather and daily events.