Modified Sports Questions & Answers
Who can participate in Modified Sports?
This program is available to all Blind Brook seventh and eighth-grade students. (Please note that 6th graders are not eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at any level.)
What does “Modified” mean?
The term “modified” simply means that rules have been tailored to meet the needs of our middle school students. Rules are “modified” to allow for maximum participation in a safe environment.
What is the Modified Athletics Philosophy?
At this level, the emphasis is on participation, safety, social/emotional growth and teaching fundamental skills to young athletes.
What Sports are offered and when?
Fall Season:
Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Football, Boys and Girls Soccer, Volleyball, and Girls Tennis
Winter Season:
Boys and Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, and Ice Hockey
Spring Season:
Baseball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Boys/Girls Track & Field, and Boys Tennis
Are there “cuts” in Modified Sports?
The goal of Modified Athletics is maximum participation. However, there are times that the number of students trying out exceeds our coaching staff’s ability to safely supervise and instruct. In this situation, reducing team size may be necessary.
What type of time commitment is involved in Modified Sports?
Team practices are usually held five days a week. It is the expectation that students attend every practice. Practice sessions begin after school. Furthermore, on days of competitions, students will participate later than 5:00 pm. Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation from the competition on those days.
When does each season begin?
Sports seasons during the current and upcoming school year are dependent on NYS Athletics and Section 1 Athletics schedules. The current and upcoming school year dates are listed on our Athletic website here.
What steps need to be taken in order to be eligible to participate?
To participate in a Blind Brook Interscholastic team at the Modified, Junior Varsity or Varsity level, each student must have a physical exam within the last 12 months on file in the Health Office. All required documents can be uploaded to the FamilyID portal which is open 30 days prior to the 1st day of tryouts. NYS Health Exam form can be found on our Athletic website. It is important for families to stay up to date on the daily information communicated via email from the Athletic Department and our Athletic website. Should your child make the team, a parent meeting will be held and sport specific information will be shared by the coaches.
What is Selection Classification (APP)?
The Athletic Placement Process is used to determine a Middle School student-athlete’s readiness to compete at a higher level of competition, Varsity/JV High School sports. Any 7th or 8th grade student wishing to try out for a JV or Varsity team must first complete and successfully pass the Athletic Placement Process. The APP is aimed at the few, select students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness.
If a student athlete is not approved to move forward with the fitness portion of the APP or is not selected for the Varsity/JV team they registered for, they will have the opportunity to register for the modified team now.