Modified Sports Q&A

This program is available to all Ossining seventh and eighth-grade students. (Please note that 6th graders are not eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at any level.)

The term “modified” simply means that rules have been tailored to meet the needs of our middle school students. Rules are “modified” to allow for maximum participation in a safe environment.

At this level, the emphasis is on participation, safety, social/emotional growth and teaching fundamental skills to young athletes.

Fall Season:

Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Boys and Girls Soccer, and Girls Volleyball

Winter Season:

Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Indoor Track, and Wrestling

Spring Season:

Baseball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Boys/Girls Track & Field

The goal of Modified Athletics is maximum participation. However, there are times that the number of students trying out exceeds our coaching staff’s ability to safely supervise and instruct. In this situation, reducing team size may be necessary.

Team practices are usually held five days a week. It is the expectation that students attend every practice. Practice sessions begin after school.  Furthermore, on days of competitions, students will participate later than 5:00 pm. Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation from the competition on those days.

Sports seasons during the current and upcoming school year are dependent on NYS Athletics and Section 1 Athletics schedules.

To participate in a Ossining Interscholastic team at the Modified, Junior Varsity or Varsity level, each student must have a physical exam within the last 12 months on file in the Health Office. All required documents can be uploaded to the FormReleaf which is open 30 days prior to the 1st day of tryouts.  NYS Health Exam form can be found on our Athletic website. It is important for families to stay up to date on the daily information communicated via email from the Athletic Department and our Athletic website. Should your child make the team, a parent meeting will be held and sport specific information will be shared by the coaches.

The Athletic Placement Process is used to determine a Middle School student-athlete’s readiness to compete at a higher level of competition, Varsity/JV High School sports. Any 7th or 8th grade student wishing to try out for a JV or Varsity team must first complete and successfully pass the Athletic Placement Process.  The APP is aimed at the few, select students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness.  

To participate in this process, a student-athlete must be identified for possible advanced play by a PE teacher and/or coach. If a student has previously completed the APP for a prior season, they are not automatically eligible for advanced play in future seasons without prior approval from the Athletic Department. For example, if a student passed the APP for the winter season, they are not permitted to register for high school sports in the spring without prior approval.

If a student athlete is not approved to move forward with the fitness portion of the APP or is not selected for the Varsity/JV team they registered for, they will have the opportunity to register for the modified team now.