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Starting a Team

The Athletic Department fields questions regularly in regards to the creation of new athletic programs. In an effort to streamline information and communication, this page provides details about how new school-sanctioned athletic programs are created. This page will also have updates about specific program statuses.

Creation Process for New Teams

Students interested in sports that are not currently offered at DS should be aware of the following:
  • A program must start at the club level
  • Club programs must have consistent, adequate attendance to warrant progression in the process
    • Adequate numbers will vary by sport
  • Club teams should practice multiple times per week
  • Club teams should, when prepared, coordinate with club teams/non-varsity teams from other schools to compete in scrimmages
  • A club that can satisfy all requirements will then present at the conclusion of the club season to the Athletic Director a proposal to become a sanctioned school team
    • Details should include attendance numbers at each practice/event, number of practices total,  and number of scrimmages/contests competed in
  • The Athletic Director, on acceptance of the proposal, will initiate the process to create a school-sanctioned athletic team
    • This process includes proposal to the school committee, creation of coaching position(s), approval for funding for position(s)/team needs, and hiring of appropriate staff
  • A club team shall become a Junior Varsity-level team after all aspects of program creation have been satisfied
  • A new team must successfully compete as a Junior Varsity-level team for 2 seasons before consideration will be given to becoming a Varsity-level team
 

Sports with Student Interest

Students have expressed interest in the following sports:

  • Cheerleading
    • Minimum number for team: 8
    • Cheerleading has been an athletics program previously, and therefore maintains line items for coaching positions. If the club program can sustain the minimum number, the team would be re-instated as a Varsity program the following year.
    • A club program is currently looking for more members.
    • Update 3/21/25: A sport interest form was distributed today to gauge interest for 2025-2026.

 

  • Girls Volleyball
    • Minimum number for team: 12
    • A program would be self-funded for the first two years as a JV team. If numbers are sustained, the program would present to the Athletic Director to become a full Varsity funded program, and upon acceptance, the Athletic Director would present the proposal to School Committee for consideration.
    • Currently a club program holds practices one day a week (Monday after school in the main gym). Attendance at practices currently does not support progression to competitions.
    • Update 3/21/25: A sport interest form was distributed today to gauge interest for 2025-2026.