Athletic Policies - Bryn Mawr School

Middle School Athletics

Our Middle School athletics program invites students of all skill levels to embrace the challenge of athletic growth. We push our athletes to work hard, try new things, and develop resilience. Any student who commits to practices and brings a positive, competitive attitude is guaranteed playing time.

In Middle School, all 7th and 8th graders join two "squads" each year, with at least one team sport. Squads meet during the school day during seventh period. We welcome all levels of experience to participate and grow, and every student selected for a team gets meaningful playing time, provided they attend practices and bring a positive attitude. We do make necessary exceptions with the positions of goalie, pitcher and catcher, as these positions require very specific training demands, experience and skills. Sixth graders aren't required to play but can try out for select sports when space is available.

Middle School teams meet Tuesdays-Fridays from 2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teams practice and play on campus unless otherwise noted. Games take place after school hours and, on average, teams have 8-10 competitions per season. It is expected that athletes will attend all practices and games during the season. Exceptions are the badminton and track teams, which do not compete after school, and Dance Company, which holds its performance at the end of the fall season. For Middle School, transportation is provided to all practices and competitions. In squash, the team practices and plays off-campus at Roland Park Racquet Club; therefore, the team size is limited.

2026-27 Squad Dates

Fall: Aug. 17 - Nov. 8, 2026Winter: Nov. 2 - Feb. 13, 2027Spring: Feb. 16 - May 7, 2027

Bryn Mawr School

Upper School Athletics

Champions aren't just born; they are built through challenges. Our Upper School athletics program offers a high-energy environment that tests our students' limits and elevates their fitness and skill development. Through competitive teamwork and a commitment to sportsmanship, we dare our athletes to grow, persevere, and excel both on and off the field.

Levels of Participation

Varsity: arsity teams are designed for skilled, dedicated competitors who thrive in a high-intensity environment. With a focus on fitness, skill development, teamwork, and personal growth, varsity players often train year-round. Playing time is earned and not guaranteed.
Junior Varsity: Our junior varsity teams focus on mastering fundamental skills, understanding strategy, and fostering true sportsmanship. We emphasize fitness, teamwork, and giving players the consistent game experience they need to grow. While JV serves as a vital pipeline to the varsity level, advancement to varsity is not guaranteed.

2026-27 Season Dates

Fall: Aug. 17 - Nov. 8, 2026
Winter: Nov. 2 - Feb. 13, 2027
Spring: Feb. 16 - May 7, 2027

In order to participate on a team, a student must be present for all sessions of the try-out period. Please email Coach Veprek or Coach Wolf with any scheduling or questions regarding tryout absences.

Upper School Policies

For more information on specific policies, please expand the sections below.

Practice Times and Transportation

Most Upper School teams practice from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. on weekdays, with the exceptions of ice hockey and swimming, which practice 5:45 a.m. to 7 a.m. For all sports, occasional weekend invitational or holiday practices may also be scheduled by coaches.

Transportation is provided for all practices and competitions that take place during the week. Transportation is not provided for practices that take place before the school day begins, late in the evening, or on weekends.

Off-Campus Practice Times and Transportation

Ice Hockey
Practices start at 5:45 a.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Ice Skating Rink (located off Northern Parkway). Typically, ice hockey practices in the morning five days a week. Home games take place at Mt. Pleasant Ice Skating Rink as well.

Parents are responsible for transporting their daughters to and from morning practices. Transportation is provided to and from games that take place after school during the week.

Soccer
Practices and games for varsity soccer take place at the Coppermine Norris Field from 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. Transportation is provided to and from all games and practices during the week. JV practices and competes on campus.

Softball
Practices and games for varsity softball take place at the Coppermine Norris field from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Transportation is provided to and from all games and practices during the week.

Squash
The Upper School squash teams (both varsity and JV) practice at the Coppermine Racquet and Fitness Club from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Transportation is provided from Bryn Mawr and back to school.

Swimming
The swim team practices at 5:45 a.m. at Gilman.
Parents are responsible for transporting their daughters to and from morning practices. Transportation is provided to and from meets that take place after school during the week.

Athletic Trainer

Addressing a Concern

Bryn Mawr encourages students to advocate for themselves and address any issues with the appropriate individual, whether that is a teacher, advisor, coach or teammate. When dealing with an athletic issue, athletes should talk with the coach directly, especially regarding concerns about playing time. If the issue cannot be resolved, or if it pertains to the health and well-being of a student, a meeting can be set-up with the coach, parent, AD and student-athlete.

Quitting

Alcohol Use Policy

A Bryn Mawr student-athlete represents her team, the Athletic Department, and The Bryn Mawr School. A student-athlete's behavior at any time should not reflect negatively on herself or her school. If at any time there is evidence that a Bryn Mawr student-athlete is using and/or dispensing illegal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, or abusing prescription drugs, she will face appropriate consequences as determined by the athletic director and the coach. The violation will be reported to the appropriate division director, Dean of Students, and the Head of School.

Hazing

Uniforms

Athletes have the privilege of wearing team uniforms on game days and team uniforms are provided by the school for the season. For hygienic reasons, students are responsible for purchasing part or all of their uniform for certain sports such as volleyball, track and swimming. Additional equipment (racquets, sticks, footwear, etc.) is the responsibility of the athlete. Students who need assistance with team equipment should speak to Mrs. Veprek or Mrs. Jackson, Senior Director of Enrollment, for assistance.

All Upper School athletes are required to purchase an athletics warm-up. This warm-up is the same for all US sports and can be worn as part of the sports uniform on game days. No other warm-up is permitted to be worn for travel for games or competitions. Families needing financial assistance to purchase the warm-up can contact Mrs. Jackson, Senior Director of Enrollment, for assistance.

Dr. Martinez or Coach Wolf will notify students of their team's uniform distribution and collection dates. If a player is not present for the distribution, they must contact Dr. Martinez or Coach Wolf to schedule a time to pick up their uniform.

Collection days for uniforms are based on a one day return policy. If a player does not return the uniform on the assigned day, she will receive detention unless she is absent from school. A player is responsible for any lost or damaged uniform and will be charged accordingly.

Team Clothing Orders

Aside from Bryn Mawr’s official athletics warm-up, families are not required to purchase any additional gear. Occasionally, a family or group opts to purchase additional team gear or swag, either to be kept by the athletes or collected and redistributed the next season. To clarify, all additional items are optional and athletes/families should not be expected to purchase anything.
If your family is interested in purchasing extra team gear, kindly touch base with Athletic Director, Tina Veprek before proceeding to ensure you are following Bryn Mawr’s brand guidelines and department policies.

High School NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Regulations

While high school Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts are still relatively rare, we do have student-athletes who are approached with these opportunities from time to time. Please be aware that there are very specific league rules and Maryland state laws that govern what high school athletes can and cannot enter into. Signing an unapproved contract can directly affect a student's eligibility to participate on high school teams.
If your athlete has been approached regarding an NIL opportunity, please contact the Athletics Office before signing any contracts. We want to partner with you to ensure the agreement will not inadvertently affect your child's eligibility or jeopardize our team's standing in the league.

Bryn Mawr School

Bryn Mawr Athletics Emergency Action Plan