Athletics

Garfield High School has a long and proud tradition in athletics. Garfield’s athletic program has had great success with teams winning State Championships and League Championships in almost every sport.

At Garfield we believe in the value of athletics for the entire student body. Coaches feel the responsibility not only to teach their players the skills and strategy behind the game, but also to instill a respect for the tradition of the game including honorable behavior and the rich history. Learning to honor the game builds a sense of responsibility and the maturation of moral reasoning. Coaches realize that what they are teaching their players carries far beyond the field into the classroom, into the home, and eventually into adulthood. Coaches encourage their players to focus on their level of effort and personal improvement in addition to the final score. Our coaches’ help student-athletes recognize that mistakes are inevitable and an important part of the learning process. The key to success is being able to rebound from mistakes with renewed determination.

Our coaches are expected to embrace two goals in all athletic endeavors: the first goal is to win, but the second, equally important goal is to teach life lessons through sports. One of the most valuable of these is an understanding of competition. Athletics are seen as an important part of the total learning experience at Garfield High School. Those lessons are invaluable and help in the overall development of an individual. Sportsmanship, commitment, teamwork, competition, cooperation, and fair play are learned when students are taught to respect the game—to bring dignity and self-control to the contest, win or lose. Athletic participation also plays an important part in helping each student develop a healthy self-image as well as a healthy body.

At Garfield, we believe that all students should have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics during their high school years. There is a place for athletes of all skill levels to represent Garfield in athletic competitions.

Successful athletic programs depend on a large percentage of student participation. This fact encourages multi-sport athletes. Our coaches will not pressure players to give up other sports in order to secure a winning season in a particular program. Maintaining a culture where positive character traits are developed in our players must come first. When the game is on the line and tensions run high, we will teach our student-athletes invaluable lessons by helping them focus on what is really important.


SPORTS REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Registration for Fall 2013 sports will begin on June 3rd. Please make sure that you are fully enrolled as a Garfield student before you submit your athletic paperwork. 

Please be sure to bring your complete paperwork (Registration Forms, up-to-date physical, and transcript if you are a transfer student or a Freshman coming from a private school) before the deadline. The Athletic Secretary requires one full day to add students to their rosters, so please allow at least 24 hours before you attend practice. If you are attempting to cross-enroll, please note that this process can take several weeks. 

Registration packets will only be accepted if you bring your registration fee as well ($150 or $75 with Free and Reduced Lunch), either in cash or as a money order. We are unable to accept registrations if your student has any outstanding fines, so please make sure you have paid your fines and/or have turned all your overdue books in.

Any further questions, please ask the Athletic Secretary in the Main Office.


REFUNDS
In the case that your student does not make his/her desire team or is unable to participate on the team (due to unforeseen circumstances), refunds are available at your request. 

The ASB fee ($50) is nonrefundable, but the Pay to Play fee can be returned. Please keep in mind that this is not an immediate process; the request must first be processed through the district before you are able to receive the money.

Refunds are granted until the end of the season for which you are registered. They must be approved by the Coach before hand. 

TRYOUTS

Football will oficially begin on Wednesday, August 21st. All other Fall sports will begin on August 26. Check back later for more information regarding tryouts.


HIRING NEW COACHES 
To review the process of hiring new coaches at Garfield, click here. 

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Garfield offers various inter-school sports at the 4A level. 

To participate in Garfield sports you must achieve the following: 
(1) have earned a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in the previous semester
(2) have passed 5 classes [2.5 credits] in the previous semester

For Fall semester, academic eligibility will be based on last Spring's grades (even for Freshmen). If students are below the required GPA, they are allowed to participate at practice, but will not be allowed to play in games until the first Grade Check. If, at that time, the students meet the academic requirements, they will be allowed to play in games. 

Click here for district information about district Pay to Play Fees. Please see below for more information on what Garfield requires for payment.

The first sport for students costs $150; the second sport is $50, the third sport is Free. A Free and Reduced Lunch discount is available (verification may be requested). All sports payments must be made in cash or money order at the time of registration. 

All students must complete sports papers (see links below), have a physical exam and obtain/provide medical insurance prior to turning out for a sport. All students and parents must also complete the participation contract which must be submitted to their coach. Varsity teams are fielded in all sports.  Freshman and/or Junior Varisty (JV) teams are offered in many others. For details see policies.

Athletic Secretary: Maria-Elena Velasquez, call 252-2270
Athletic Directors: Lenora Lee and Ed Haskins, call 252-2314

Athletic Eligibility, Policies & Information:

It may be through a team meeting or through a letter home. As a parent you should know the coach’s philosophy. You should be made aware of the coach’s expectations not only for your child, but also for the team. You should be made aware of any practices that may occur over vacation periods well in advance of that break. You should also be made aware of any disciplinary action that results in your child being denied participation.

Being a parent of an interscholastic athlete can be a very rewarding experience. Parents’ participation with their son/daughter can and should be an enjoyable experience. As a parent, be positive and remind your child that it is the effort put forth, not winning, which is most important. Do not let playing time dictate your child’s happiness. Make every effort to be supportive when things are not going well for your son/daughter, or for the team. 

Be supportive of the coaching staff in front of your son/daughter. If you have concerns to discuss with the coach, please call him/her directly to arrange an appointment.  Please do not discuss concerns with a coach immediately before, during or after a game or practice. If for some reason the coach cannot be reached, please contact the Athletic Director.

FAN EXPECTIONS
Our athletes thrive on positive cheering! The support of the Garfield Community helps our athletes succeed and excel! Your positive cheering and encouragement is needed; great sportsmanship (from both the athletes and the fans) is crucial. Negativity towards opposing teams is discouraged and has the potential to jeopardize the eligibility of our Bulldogs.