Primer and the Hornet Sports Association The Hornet Sports ...

Primer and the Hornet Sports Association The Hornet Sports Association (HSA) is committed to setting the stage for an inclusive and age appropriate youth sports experience for all students in Pre-k through grade 6. Interscholastic athletics begins in 7th grade. At some point Primer families/students will have to decide when to join their new grade level’s teams. They might do it as early as the Primer year by joining Kindergarten teams at that time, and they might choose to do it later. However, if a Primer student continues with a team that is mostly from the class above, when the Primer child is in sixth grade most of his or her team will move on to interscholastic athletics. 6th grade students are not allowed to play on Middle School interscholastic teams, meaning the student could be left without a team at all, if other sixth grade teams have full rosters or have faded. During the Primer year:  When requested, HSA will place Primer students with their former teams, which will essentially be 1st grade teams.  When requested, HSA will place Primer students with Kindergarten teams.  When requested and if possible, we will assemble a “Primer only” team. After the Primer year:  When requested, former Primer students can remain with past teams, even if the team is playing at a higher grade level.  When requested, HSA will help transition former Primer students to teams within their current grade level. Essentially, the choice about when to re-align is the family’s, and HSA will work with current and past Primer families to find the right team for the child and family at that time. NOTE: some leagues form teams by grade level, others form by birth dates. Therefore, in some cases if a former Primer student is playing with his/her current grade level, his/her child’s birth date may affect the team’s league placement. Just be aware of this and work with your team manager to research ahead of time. This is not dictated by HSA; rather it is a team decision. HSA will support teams on this issue as needed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. In Healthy Competition, Michael Simpson Head of Lower School

Amber Coben Commissioner, HSA

Chad Wabrek Head of Athletics & Physical Education