Athletics

Athletic Questions and Answers

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: Are there fees for participation?

    There are no direct fees to participate in athletics. However, you could see some additional costs for athletic apparel items purchased in our Bengal Bookstore. Additionally, if your varsity team stays overnight, you could see some additional charges for hotel costs.
  • Q: I missed the deadline for ordering my child's team items. What do I do?

    The benefit of ordering before the Team Store closes is that items offered are discounted. The store needs to close in order to get the items consolidated and shipped to arrive by the start of the season.

    GDS will purchase team apparel prior to the start of the season and bill the student's account for the required items.

    For additional questions related to orders, please reach out to Craig Ashley, Director of Athletics, at craigashley@greensboroday.org.
  • Q: Will there be try-outs for the teams?

    At Greensboro Day School we encourage all students to participate within our athletic program. There are not set try-outs, but we often have pre-season workouts to help gauge student interest and abilities. We will align student-athletes to a level of play that will allow them to see the greatest success and development of their abilities.
  • Q: Will there be cuts from the team?

    Greensboro Day School athletics prides itself on a no cut policy.  From the middle school teams to the varsity teams, we work diligently to see that all students have the ability to participate. At times however, transportation limitations may restrict students traveling to away games.
  • Q: At what age can my child begin athletics at Greensboro Day School?

    Athletic Participation can begin as early as fifth grade. Specific grades for each sport are posted on the seasonal team list on this page.
  • Q: Are there athletic restrictions for poor academic performance?

    Our coaches put academics first and will strive to stay alert to any academic concerns. Coaches are willing to work with the student, teacher, and family to do what is best for academic success and continued participation.

    The following is taken from the GDS Family Handbook:

    Academic Probation
    If a student receives a grade of 70 or below at the end of a semester, he or she will be placed on academic probation. In addition to the steps taken above, students placed on academic probation will:
    • Attend a parent-teacher conference facilitated by the student’s advisor
    • Adhere to an academic action plan to address areas of ongoing concern
  • Q: Is my child guaranteed equal playing time?

    There is no guarantee of equal playing time at any level within the athletic program. On a middle school team, the focus is on skill development and an opportunity to participate during competition.  Everyone will be given an opportunity to participate during a given season.
  • Q: What if my child is injured in athletics?

    Greensboro Day School as a nationally recognized Sports Medicine care program for our athletes. Please visit the Sports Medicine page for further information. Our Sports Medicine staff works closely with our school nurses and local physicians. We are fortunate to have Murphy Wainer Orthopedics as our Team Physician group.
  • Q: If my child is late to school, can they still attend and participate in athletics?

    From the GDS Family Handbook:

    Athletes who are absent from school on game days (i.e., who arrive at school after 10 a.m. and so are present for less than one-half of the day) are not eligible for that day's game. 

    *Some situations such as doctor visit or college visit could be excused by the administration.
  • Q: Why am I not getting the team announcements or alerts?

    There are two reasons you may not be getting the team information:
    1. Your child is not listed on the roster for the team. If this is the case, reach out to the coach or to the Director of Athletics (craigashley@greensboroday.org).
    2. You may not have your notifications turned on correctly in myGDS. Please login into myGDS and find your name in the top right corner. Select the drop-down menu, click Settings, then Select Notifications on the far left. This will provide you with the opportunity to edit what information you receive and how you receive it. The Announcement section must be edited and you must select "My Child's Groups" and then Athletics. If you need help, please reach out to chrissyolson@greensboroday.org.
  • Q: How will coaches be communicating with my child?

    We strive to have pre-season or early season parent meetings with each and every team to aid communication and set expectations.  Please know that coaches are instructed to communicate via the team Page in myGDS. This allows players and parents to receive the same information in a timely manner.
  • Q: If my child is athletically talented, can they move up even as a MS student?

    Our goal is to provide each student with the opportunity to play and compete at the level best suited for their skill level.  If a seventh or eighth grade student has the skill sets to move to a JV or varsity team, a meeting to discuss moving up will be set with the parents, the Middle School Director, the Athletic Director, and the coaches involved. Many factors play into these decisions, including overall maturity (mental and physical), academic performance, and time commitments. Each case is handled on an individual basis.

    The NCISAA does not permit students below seventh grade to compete on varsity teams. Students below seventh grade may practice with varsity players but are not permitted to play in games.
  • Q: What does my child need to do in order to begin participation?

    For details, please see the Required to Participate section on this page.
    • Current PPE (Pre Participation Exam) Form in Magnus
    • Completion of all student athlete forms in Magnus via myGDS.
  • Q: Is Greensboro Day School in a conference?

    Yes, we participate in the Piedmont Triad Athletic Conference (PTAC). We compete against Caldwell Academy, Calvary Day School, Forsyth Country Day School, High Point Christian Academy, Westchester Country Day School, and Wesleyan Christian Academy.
  • Q: Is Greensboro Day School part of an athletic association?

    Yes! Greensboro Day School is a member of the NCISAA or North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association.

    GDS is a Class 3A school.
  • Q: I have a question that is not listed. How can I get it answered?

    Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Friendship - Scholarship - Sportsmanship
Greensboro Day School develops the intellectual, ethical, and interpersonal foundations students need to become constructive contributors to the world.