A Note from the Athletic Director
Welcome to the Poquoson High School Athletics program: where tradition meets excellence, character is forged, and student-athletes grow on and off the field.
At Poquoson, our athletic program is more than wins and scores, it’s a developmental engine. Our purpose, aligned with the PCPS mission, is to challenge and nurture our students athletically and academically, helping them develop leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and lifelong pride
Your support, whether as athlete, parent, coach, or spectator, makes this a true community endeavor. Let’s continue to keep school and learning first, compete with integrity, and strive always for excellence.
Go Islanders!
General Information & Eligibility
Eligibility is a privilege: Participation is contingent upon meeting standards set by the VHSL, the division, and our school.
Physical exams: Required annually, valid for 14 months, must be submitted to the Athletic Director or coach.
Insurance: Adequate medical coverage is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Grades & behavior: Students in grades 8–12 may try out, provided they are in “good standing” academically and behaviorally.
Absences: Attendance is critical. Missing practices or games for unapproved reasons may result in coach-imposed consequences, including possible dismissal.
Code of Conduct & Expectations
Sportsmanship & Ethics
Uphold fairness, ethical conduct, and respect for officials and opponents. Compete with honor and humility. Winning or losing is part of the experience.
All stakeholder conduct: athletes, coaches, families, and spectators must exhibit integrity and uphold school values.
School Rules & Discipline
Student-athletes must adhere to the PCPS Student Code of Conduct. Violations, including suspensions, impact athletic participation immediately. Suspensions from school also suspend athletic involvement.
Any violation of school code, VHSL rules, or law may result in:
Game suspensions
Removal from team
Loss of awards or eligibility
Further discipline as determined by school administrators
Code of Athletic Conduct
Acts such as theft, vandalism, disrespect, discrimination, inappropriate social media use, hazing, substance use (on or off campus) are strictly against program standards and will be addressed by dismissal or suspension.
Concussions & Health
Safety first: coaches must complete the NFHS “Concussion in Sports” module before each season and submit completion certificates.
Suspected concussions require immediate medical attention and clearance from a licensed provider trained in concussion management before a return to play.
Energy drinks are prohibited during VHSL-sponsored athletic activities due to health risks and regulatory concerns.
Sportsmanship Consequences
Repeated unsportsmanlike behavior may lead to suspension from team activities at the principal’s discretion.
Ejections during contests, whether technical or official, carry suspension risks, per VHSL regulations.
Gross unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g. fighting):
First offense: ineligible for next 2 games.
Second offense: ineligible for the rest of the season
Spectator Conduct
Spectator behavior is monitored. Unacceptable conduct may lead to removal or banning from events, with possible law enforcement involvement.
Fees, Transfers & College Eligibility
Participation fee: All sanctioned athletics require a non-refundable $75 per season. It must be paid before the first official contest. Fee waivers are available for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Note: fees do not guarantee playing time
Transfers: Students transferring in or out of PCPS may have restricted athletic eligibility. Please contact the Athletic Director or refer to VHSL policies.
NCAA eligibility: Aspiring NCAA Division I or II athletes must process certification through the NCAA Clearinghouse (Form 48H) with counselor support. The fee is the student’s responsibility; third-party payment is a violation.
Why We Do It
Our mission aligns with Poquoson City Public Schools—to educate and prepare all students for success in life, college, careers, and responsible citizenship.
