Tryout Information

Our goal is for every athlete to be fully cleared and ready to participate on the first day of tryouts and practices. Completing the required steps before the season begins helps ensure your student doesn't miss valuable practice time or experience delays in becoming eligible for competition.

Approximately two months before each sports season, parents and students will receive an email outlining the requirements and deadlines for that season.

To be eligible to participate in tryouts, all required items must be completed by the Final Clearance deadline. Athletes who have not completed every requirement by the deadline will not receive Final Clearance and will be unable to participate on the first day of tryouts and practices.

Planning ahead is the best way to ensure your athlete is ready to start the season on time!

Family Registration

All athletes are required to complete the High School Sports Registration form located in Focus for each season and every sport played that season. Please see our Online Athlete Registration Instructions for Parents document for step-by-step instructions on how to register your student. Only person listed as Contact # 1 will be able to see and complete these forms. If you are logged in and do not see the forms, then you are probably not listed as Contact # 1.

ImPACT Tests

All athletes are required to have a current ImPACT test and they are required every two (2) years. Generally speaking, freshmen, juniors, anyone new to sports or Timberland, and transfers will need to take an ImPACT test. 

Physcials

New physicals are required every two years per MSHSAA guidelines and must be done on this form.

• All physicals are valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. For example, if the physical date is 03/15/2024, then the physical will expire on 03/15/2026.
• Once you turn in your physical to the Activities office or upload a PDF copy of your MSHSAA Physical packet to your Family Athletic registration account, then you do not need to get another physical for a new season of sports during the same school year.
• Make sure to schedule physicals well in advance of the Final Clearance cut-off date for the season you are trying out for.
   

Pay All Fines

All students must pay all outstanding fines by the first day of tryouts. Fines are available to view on the Focus Parent Portal. Library fines can be paid in the library, and all other fines can be paid in the main office by the Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janelle Weicht.

Final Clearances

Final Clearance is processed through Focus. If your registration status shows Approved, your athlete is fully cleared and ready to participate. If your registration is not approved, you will receive an email explaining what requirements are still missing. Once all required items have been completed and approved, your athlete's status will be updated to Approved in Focus.

Student-Athlete Attendance for Participation in Competition

MSHSAA requires all student-athletes to meet specific eligibility standards, including school attendance.

• Attendance: To be eligible to compete in a contest, student-athletes must attend 100% of the school day on the day of the competition. For contests held on a Saturday, students must attend 100% of the school day on the preceding Friday.

• Absences: If a student has an unavoidable appointment that will require missing part of the school day, the Activities Office must be contacted at least 24 hours in advance to request an attendance exemption for athletic eligibility. Please contact Mrs. Erin Willhite (Activities Administrative Assistant) at erinwillhite@wsdr4.org or Ms. Emily Hoehn (Activities Director) at emilyhoehn@wsdr4.org. Please note that leaving a voicemail or sending an email does not automatically excuse the absence. Each request is reviewed individually. A student-athlete is considered excused only after receiving confirmation from the Activities Office. Examples of absences that may be approved include physician or other medical appointments. Whenever possible, we encourage families to schedule appointments on non-school days or outside of practice and competition times to help ensure student-athletes remain eligible to participate.
   

Transportation To & From School Sponsored Activities & Sports

Please take note of School Board Policy 5625 written below regarding transportation to and from sports. If students are transported from an activity by someone other than their parent/guardian, then the Parent Consent Forms for Transporting Students will need to be completed & given to the coach ASAP.