If you are interested in trying out or participating in any of the athletic programs for our school, you must a have current physical (after April 1, 2024) on file. Please use this Athletic Packet.

We, at Kennedy Middle School, believe athletics teach students many invaluable, intangible traits-- necessities for productivity in our society--such as, but not limited to, self-discipline, personal commitment, loyalty, sportsmanship, teamwork, the value of preparation, and a hard work ethic. We believe participation in athletics enhances student academic performance and school attendance. We believe athletic activities have a positive effect upon the participant’s self-image, mental alertness, social competence, and ethical awareness. We believe that the spirit of competition and the will to excel--necessary elements associated with athletic activities--are valuable to the development of a healthy mind and a productive citizen. We believe in teaching the skills and fundamentals of the game; that athletes are here to learn how to play, then how to win as best we can. Student athletes are highly visible persons and representatives of our school. Public opinion is formed about the school and the individual by their attitude, appearance and behavior. We strive to develop students who compete both academically and athletically. We are Eagles!

Aiken County Public School Middle School Athletic Policies & Contract

1. The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) determines eligibility.

2. Each season begins on the official SCHSL starting date.

3. A student-athlete must be in good academic standing at the discretion of the coaches, athletic director, and administration.

4. A student-athlete is expected to be committed. A student who quits one sport may not participate in another sport without the approval of both coaches of the teams involved, the athletic director, and the principal.

5. A student-athlete is expected to attend school. A student-athlete must attend school at least half of the scheduled school day to be eligible to participate in any athletic event on that day. (A proper excuse must be provided.)

6. A student-athlete is expected to behave. A student-athlete recommended for expulsion will not be permitted to participate in any sport for the remainder of the year even if the student athlete is re-admitted to the school.

7. A student athlete is expected to behave. A student-athlete suspended from school (ISS/OSS) cannot practice or participate in any athletic event or practice until the next day after, the student athlete has completed the suspension.

• A student-athlete who is suspended in-school suspension (ISS) 2 occurrences within a season will not be permitted to participate in MS athletics for the remainder of the sport’s season.

  1. 1st Offense – Full Game Suspension – (Next Scheduled Game/Competition)

  2. 2nd Offense – Dismissal from the team

• A student-athlete who is suspended out-of-school suspension (OSS) 1 occurrence within a season will not be permitted to participate in MS athletics for the remainder of the sport’s season.

• A student-athlete who is suspended 3 or more (occurrences) of either ISS or OSS in a year will not be permitted to participate in MS athletics for the remainder of the school year.

8. A student-athlete is required to comply with additional rules that govern practice, games, and participation, which have met with the joint approval of the head coach, athletic director and the principal.

9. A student-athlete must be aware that inappropriate social media behavior may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the MS athletic team.

10. A student-athlete is expected to bring honor to ACPSD Middle School Athletics. Misconduct, whether or not occurring on school premises or at school-related events, which bring dishonor to a school or team merely by the association of the student so charged with the school or team. Such misconduct is considered unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action ranging from short-term disqualification to total exclusion from participation in athletics. All student- athletes are governed by Aiken County Board policy JJIC-R.

*The South Carolina High School League website is www.schsl.com.

**A suspension is defined as in-school suspension (ISS) or out-of-school suspension (OSS).