Participation in athletics at The Hill helps students develop life-long fitness habits while encouraging teamwork and other aspects of competitive athletes. We allow students to engage in an alternative (Afternoon Arts, Community Service, Honors Independent Study) when they demonstrate passion and talent for such activities. The guidelines below allow some flexibility for students to develop non-athletic talents, while ensuring that athletics will remain a significant part of their Hill education. Please note that all students must participate in a minimum of one season of an inter-scholastic sport, but most will play two or three.
Requirements/Alternatives
Three seasons of athletics or alternative activities. At a minimum one season must be interscholastic play (third/fourth form) or interscholastic participation (fifth/sixth form may count a season as a manager or student trainer).
- A student may have one or two terms of alternative activities per year, which must be approved by the director of that activity; at least one season must be an interscholastic sport.
- No intramural play for third/fourth formers.
Alternatives include:
- Community Service Program for one term (one term for third/fourth form; one-two terms for fifth/sixth forms)
- Afternoon Arts (afternoon theatre or independent visual/performing arts project)
- Honors independent study (sixth form only -- one term if requested)
Students who pursue non-athletic activities, student managers, and student trainers must pursue an appropriate fitness program co-incidentally.
Exceptions
Students who wish for an exception to the athletic requirement must petition the Director of Athletics stating the reasons for the exception. Exceptions may include sports not offered at Hill, or truly unique opportunities to pursue an interest beyond the Hill program. The student’s talent and prior accomplishment always is crucial in deciding these requests. Exceptions will not be allowed to compromise the Mid-Atlantic Prep League and Hill emphasis on multi-sport participation, with clearly defined seasons for all sports.