Dear Student-Athletes and Parent/Guardians,

Welcome to the Athletics Department at Bristol Public Schools!

Congratulations on becoming a part of the Bristol Public Schools athletics team. We would like to thank you for your anticipated commitment and dedication to becoming a positive and productive member of the Bristol Public Schools community.

As a student-athlete in Bristol, you will be held to a high standard of self-respect, dignity, and character. Expectations for positive behavior and engagement will be communicated through this handbook as well as daily by our athletic coaching staff and administration. This handbook will help detail the programs, policies, rules, and resources our athletic department maintains and provides. These details will contribute to a successful experience for our student-athletes and parents/guardians.

We are dedicated to providing the best possible support system to aid in achieving both academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes and parents/guardians. Should you have any questions or concerns, we are open to communication and productive solutions.

Thank you again for choosing to be a part of the Athletics Department at Bristol Public Schools. We look forward to working with you and having you become a positive representation of our community. 

Good luck in your academic and athletic ventures this school year.

Sincerely, 

Cera Galluzzo

Cera Galluzzo

Director of Athletics

Bristol Public Schools

(Click here for Eligibility Link)
Academic Eligibility

In order to participate on an interscholastic athletic team, an athlete must have satisfied all of the scholastic eligibility requirements prior to participation.

All Bristol athletes are subject to eligibility standards set by the CIAC and the Bristol Board of Education. Our local Board of Education has established additional policies and both sets of criteria must be satisfied.

Extra-Curricular Activities/Athletics - High School Request for Pupil Transfer within the Bristol Public School System With No Change in Residency

Any student who is granted an out of area transfer request that results in attendance at the non-resident high school is partially eligible for interscholastic athletics for thirty (30) calendar days from the first date of practice following the date of enrollment (first day of attending classes) (for students entering over the summer, the 30 days begin on the first day of practice) in the receiving school, or the first contest after the date of enrollment, if entry is after the first allowable play date in any sport the student participated in at the previous school.

Students and/or their parents legal guardians may file a waiver request with the Superintendent of Schools within thirty (30) days of notification of denial of the out of area request, seeking exemption from this policy because the out of area request is required for compelling personal reasons unrelated to athletics/ such as illness or incapacity of family members. The Superintendent of Schools shall consult with the two high school principals and/or the Supervisor of Physical Education, Health and Athletics and make a recommendation to the Board regarding the request. Should the Superintendent recommend against the waiver, the student and/or parents/legal guardian may appear before the Board, which shall issue the final decision regarding the requested waiver.

Eligibility Policy

High School Full Extra-Curricular Eligibility

Quarter 1, 2 and 3 grades will be used to determine eligibility during the winter and spring seasons. Final end of the year grades, 2nd semester and summer school grades will determine eligibility for the fall season. During the school year, student eligibility and ineligibility status is determined on the day report cards are distributed or on the fourteenth (14) calendar day following the end of the marking period.

In order to be eligible to participate in all aspects of an extra-curricular activity, a student must meet the following criteria:

Fall Season

A student is eligible when he/she:

• A student is eligible when he/she is entering grade 9 from grade 8 OR must have received a minimum of six academic credits plus .5 physical education credit from the previous school year and summer school. Students attending BTEC or transferring into a Bristol School may have the .5 physical education credit waived by the building principal.)
• Freshmen/Sophomores at the start of the school year:
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) academic credits plus .5 physical education credit during the current school year (or have passed physical education for the upcoming school year in the prior summer).
• Juniors/Seniors at the start of the school year:
  • Is enrolled in a minimum of five and a half (5.5) academic credits plus ½
• Passes all courses OR;
  • Fails one class for the year or second semester with a grade no lower than 60, not retaken or failed in summer school, regardless of a failing grade attained in summer school;
  • To maintain eligibility, the student retakes the failed course in the fall, the student must achieve a grade of 65 or higher in that failed course by the midterm of the marking period. Eligibility of these students will be determined on the third school day after the progress reporting period.

If the student does not repeat the failed course, all grades must be a 70 or better at the midterm of the first marking period. Eligibility of these students will be determined on the third school day after the progress reporting period.

• The student must be a member of the school in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12;
• The student shall not have reached his or her twentieth (20th) birthday (A student-athlete will not be allowed to start a season or compete during a season in which his/her twentieth (20th) birthday falls);
• A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition.
• Any student who has been enrolled in grades 10, 11, 12 inclusive in any school (member or non-member) shall not participate in the same branch of athletics for more than (3) seasons. A student, upon enrolling in grade nine (9) shall have 4 continuous or uninterrupted years to complete his or her athletic eligibility.

Winter and Spring Seasons

At the end of the previous marking period, the student is eligible when he/she:

• Freshmen/Sophomores at the start of the school year:
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) academic credits plus .5 physical education credit during the current school year (or have passed physical education for the upcoming school year in the prior summer).
• Juniors/Seniors at the start of the school year:
  • Is enrolled in a minimum of five and a half (5.5) academic credits plus ½ physical education credit;
• Passes all courses OR;
  • Fails one class with a grade no lower than 60;
  • To maintain full eligibility the student must achieve a grade of 65 or higher in the failed course on the progress report following the marking period in which the failure occurred;
  • If the student does not repeat the failed course, all grades must be a 70 or better at the progress report following the marking period in which the failure occurred;
  • Eligibility of these students will be determined on the third school day after the progress reporting period.
• Students with an incomplete become ineligible the day grades are distributed or on the 14 calendar date after the close of the term. The student then has 10 days to make up the incomplete. If a student does not make up the incomplete within 10 days, the student remains ineligible. A student becomes eligible when the incomplete grade has been resolved within the 10 days.
• The student should be a member of that school in grade 9, 10, 11, 12.
• The student shall not have reached his or her twentieth (20th) birthday. A student-athlete will not be allowed to start a season or compete during a season in which his/her twentieth (20th) birthday falls.
• A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition.
• Any student who has been enrolled in grades 10, 11, 12 inclusive in any school (member or non-member) shall not participate in the same branch of athletics for more than (3) seasons. A student, upon enrolling in grade nine (9) shall have 4 continuous or uninterrupted years to complete his or her athletic eligibility.

High School Partial Extra-Curricular Eligibility

Fall Season

A student placed on Partial Extra-Curricular Eligibility would be granted limited participation but will not be able to represent the school in any type of competition, performance, etc. (i.e., athletic, drama, musical etc.).

To gain Partial Extra - Curricular Eligibility, a student must meet the following criteria

• Fails one class with a grade lower than 60) or fails two classes for the year or second semester and not retaken or failed in summer school.
• Freshmen/sophomores at the start of the school year:
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) academic credits plus .5 physical education credit during the current school year (or have passed physical education for the upcoming school year in the prior summer).
• Juniors/Seniors at the start of the school year:
  • Is enrolled in a minimum of five and a half (5.5) academic credits plus ½ physical education credit.
•  The period of Partial Extracurricular Eligibility will extend to the progress reporting period of the first quarter;
• To become eligible at the progress reporting period, a student on Partial Extra-Curricular Eligibility must attain a minimum average of "65" in the subject(s) that were failed and be passing all other classes. If the student does not or is unable to retake the failed class or classes, the student must have a 70 in all subjects. Eligibility of these students will be determined on the third school day after the progress reporting period;
• Students, who qualify under the Partial Eligibility Rule during a try-out period, may try-out for extracurricular activities, with the understanding that the Partial Eligibility Rule goes into effect immediately should he/she make the cut;
• Transfer students' grades are interpreted by the standards of the previously attended school;
• The student shall not have reached his or her twentieth (20th) birthday (A student-athlete will not be allowed to start a season or compete during a season in which his/her twentieth (20th) birthday falls);
• A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition;
• Any student who has been enrolled in grades 10, 11, 12 inclusive in any school (member or non-member) shall not participate in the same branch of athletics for more than (3) seasons. A student, upon enrolling in grade nine (9) shall have 4 continuous or uninterrupted years to complete his or her athletic eligibility.

High School Partial Extracurricular Eligibility

Winter and Spring Seasons

A student placed on Partial Extra-Curricular Eligibility would be granted limited participation but will not be able to represent the school in any type of competition, performance, etc. (i.e., athletic, drama, musical, etc.).

For partial Extracurricular Eligibility, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Freshmen/sophomores at the start of the school year:
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) academic credits plus .5 physical education credit during the current school year (or have passed physical education for the upcoming school year in the prior summer).
• Juniors/Seniors at the start of the school year:
  • Is enrolled in a minimum of five and a half (5.5) academic credits plus ½ physical education credit.
• For the current school year, fails one class with a grade lower than 60, or  no more than 2 subjects at the end of the previous marking period (defined as a grade lower than 65);
  • The period of Partial Extracurricular Eligibility will extend to the date of progress reporting of the marking period following the marking period in which the failure(s) occurred. A student on Partial Extra-Curricular Eligibility must attain a minimum average of "65" in the subject(s) that were failed and be passing all classes;
  • In the event that a student fails a first semester course, which cannot be repeated the second semester, the student will be placed on Partial Extracurricular Eligibility for the third marking period and must be passing all subjects with a grade of 70 at the quarter progress report. Eligibility of these students will be determined on the third school day after the progress reporting period;
  • Students, who qualify under the Partial Eligibility Rule during a try-out period, may try-out for extracurricular activities, with the understanding that the Partial Eligibility Rule goes into effect immediately should he/she make the cut;
  • Transfer students' grades are interpreted by the standards of the previously attended school;
  • The student shall not have reached his or her twentieth (20th) birthday (A student-athlete will not be allowed to start a season or compete during a season in which his/her twentieth (20th) birthday falls);
  • A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition;
  • Any student who has been enrolled in grades 10, 11, 12 inclusive in any school (member or non-member) shall not participate in the same branch of athletics for more than (3) seasons. A student, upon enrolling in grade nine (9) shall have 4 continuous or uninterrupted years to complete his or her athletic eligibility.

INELIGIBLE STUDENT- ATHLETES

1. An ineligible student-athlete will not be allowed to participate in any team practices or contests.

Consult the Supervisor of Athletics, Building Athletic Coordinator, or Principal for other rules affecting athletic eligibility.

Attendance Eligibility

All student-athletes will adhere to the attendance policies established by the Bristol Board of Education, as explained in the Student-Parent Handbook distributed at each high school. 

Students who miss physical education for any reason will not be eligible for participation in after school intramural and/or interscholastic sports or activities. In order to participate in a sport, an athlete must attend a minimum of 3 periods on the day of a practice, scrimmage, or game. Tardiness or dismissals will only be accepted under extenuating circumstances and must be cleared through the administration the day of the tardiness or dismissal.

If the practice, scrimmage or game is held on a weekend or a holiday, the above statements will hold true for the school day preceding the weekend or holiday.

If an athlete must miss school for a portion of or for the entire day due to extenuating circumstances such as a college interview that cannot be scheduled on a weekend or a prolonged orthodontist appointment, clearance must be given by the Principal in advance of the day to be missed in order for the athlete to practice or play in a game. An athlete may be removed from a team for excessive cuts or truancy. He/she may be reinstated upon sufficient evidence of improvement.

An athlete excused from a physical education class may not participate in a practice, scrimmage, or game for that day.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to see their teachers that day before the classes they miss because of an athletic contest.  All work will be made up at the convenience of the teacher

(Click here for a copy of the CIAC PPE Physical Form)

Physical Examinations and Health

All medical and physical eligibility forms are completed through FinalForms. All forms must be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to the first practice of the season. Athletic physicals are valid for 13 months. 

1. All scholar-athletes must have an up-to-date physical from a doctor on file at the school. 
2. The physical must be either dropped off in-person, faxed, or a copy sent via email to the nurse at each school PRIOR to participation and the start of the season, including tryouts. 
3. The school nurse will review, approve, and file the scholar-athletes' physical. 

Any expired physicals, or an athlete without a physical, will NOT be allowed to participate in athletics, including tryouts, until given updated permission by the school nurse.

Required Forms

All parents/guardians and scholar-athletes are required to register for their athletic season through FinalForms. Please visit the links below for your respective schools for registration as well as view important information regarding the forms you will be asked to complete. 

1. The completed and current Health Assessment Record Form LINKED HERE is returned to the school nurse's office.
2. The athletic registration is completed online through FinalForms at:

Bristol FinalForms Athletic Registration LINKED HERE

3. Registrations include the following forms:
   1. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Student and Parent Informed Consent Form LINKED HERE
   2. Student and Parent Concussion Education Plan and Consent Form LINKED HERE
   3. Exertional Heat Illness Program and Annual Review LINKED HERE
   4. Bristol Public Schools Parent/Athlete Acknowledgement Form
   5. Bristol Public Schools Student-Athlete Handbook
   6. Permission to Participate and Permission to Seek Medical Treatment

A scholar-athlete will be permitted to practice once a current physical is listed in FinalForms AND their registration has been approved by the Office of the Director of Athletics.

Please keep in mind that a new athletic registration through FinalForms is required to sign-up for each athletic season- the only thing that will carry over through the school year is the scholar-athletes physical on file as long as it is not expired

Sportsmanship

The BPS community conducts an athletic program to enhance the personal and educational growth of its participants by providing healthy and challenging competition. All spectators are asked to contribute to these goals by vocally supporting the efforts of our athletes and by refraining from any actions toward our opponents and officials, which interfere with the realization of our stated objectives. Any spectator not abiding by the principles of good sportsmanship will be asked to leave the contest and may have the privilege of attending future contests revoked. 

Ways to Promote and Display Good Sportsmanship 

• Emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play. 
• Maintain self-control at all times, do not start up a rivalry. 
• Establish a pleasant relationship between visitors, hosts and officials. 
• Respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials. 
• Accept the results gracefully and act courteously at all times. 
• Applaud during introduction of players, coaches and officials for both teams. 
• National Anthem - Stand at attention and applaud when the anthem is finished. 
• Applaud at the end of contests for the performance of all participants. 
• Shake hands with the opponents and coaches to recognize them for good play. 
• Seek out opposing coaches and players to recognize them for good play. 
• Recognize that the basic purpose of our athletic program is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players. 
• Always show concern for injured players, regardless of which team they play for. 
• Always strive to represent yourself, your team, your school and your community with class and integrity.

Student-athletes who are participating and/or attending any athletic events should keep in mind that they are expected to behave properly and in the case of an away contest, they are guests to the host school community. Any student-athlete not abiding by the principles of good sportsmanship will be asked to leave the contest and may have the privilege of attending future contests revoked. 

All student-athletes are expected to:

• Treat opponents with respect at all times, and shake hands prior to and after contests.
• Respect the judgment of contest officials and coaches, abide by rules of the contest, and display no behavior that could incite fans.
• Cooperate with officials, coaches and fellow participants to conduct a fair contest.
• Accept the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and community by displaying a positive attitude at all times.
• Demonstrate and maintain a high level of sportsmanship established by coaches.

Bristol Central High School

David Greenleaf – AM Athletic Coordinator

Rich Brown – PM Athletic Coordinator

Kate Volpe – Athletic Trainer

Bristol Eastern High School

Briana Montoyo – AM Athletic Coordinator

TBD – PM Athletic Coordinator

Briana Montoyo – Athletic Trainer

Bristol Central High School

Fall Coaches

   Bristol Eastern High School

Fall Coaches

Bristol Central High School

Winter Coaches

Bristol Eastern High School

Winter Coaches

Bristol Central High School

Spring Coaches

Bristol Eastern High School

Spring Coaches

Dear Student-Athletes and Parent/Guardians,

Welcome to the Athletics Department at Bristol Public Schools!

Congratulations on becoming a part of the Bristol Public Schools athletics team. We would like to thank you for your anticipated commitment and dedication to becoming a positive and productive member of the Bristol Public Schools community.

As a student-athlete in Bristol, you will be held to a high standard of self-respect, dignity, and character. Expectations for positive behavior and engagement will be communicated through this handbook as well as daily by our athletic coaching staff and administration. This handbook will help detail the programs, policies, rules, and resources our athletic department maintains and provides. These details will contribute to a successful experience for our student-athletes and parents/guardians.

We are dedicated to providing the best possible support system to aid in achieving both academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes and parents/guardians. Should you have any questions or concerns, we are open to communication and productive solutions.

Thank you again for choosing to be a part of the Athletics Department at Bristol Public Schools. We look forward to working with you and having you become a positive representation of our community. 

Good luck in your academic and athletic ventures this school year.

Sincerely, 

Cera Galluzzo

Cera Galluzzo

Director of Athletics

Bristol Public Schools

Scholastic Eligibility

Middle School Co-curricular/Extra-curricular eligibility is determined by a student’s overall performance in all subjects.  Students are issued an academic and conduct grade for each subject. Incomplete grades constitute a failing grade of below 65 until incomplete grades are made up.

At the start of each school year, all students attending middle school, who were promoted to the next grade, are eligible for participation in co-curricular/extra-curricular activities for the first trimester.  Students who were retained are not eligible for participation in co-curricular/extra-curricular activities for the first trimester.  Student eligibility will be reviewed at the conclusion of the first and second trimesters.

All co-curricular/extra-curricular activities occurring outside of the school day are included in these eligibility guidelines (such as sports, cheerleading, dances, school organized club and/or events, etc).  Band and chorus activities occurring outside of the school day are considered co-curricular activities.

Full Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in all aspects of a co-curricular/extra-curricular activity, a student must meet the following criteria:

1.  Scholarship

• At the end of the first and second trimester, the student must pass all subjects with a grade of 65 or higher.

2.  Conduct

• At the end of the first and second trimesters, a student must have no more than one grade of X (64) in conduct.

Academic Restriction for Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities

A student placed on academic restriction will not participate in co-curricular/extra-curricular activities; a student on academic restriction will not be able to represent the school in any type of competition, performance, etc. (for example, sports, a school play, a school concert, parades, adjudications.)

A student will be placed on academic restriction for the second and/or third trimester when the following occur:

1.  Scholarship

• A student fails one or more subjects (grade of 64 or lower) in the first and/or second trimester.

2.  Conduct 

• A student has more than one grade of X (64) in conduct.

A student on academic restriction may not remain in school after the school day ends unless the student is under teacher supervision for make-up work, extra help, or detention.

Academic restriction will be removed upon successful completion of the second and/or third trimester, defined as the student meeting the requirements for full co-curricular/extra- curricular eligibility

(Click here for a copy of the CIAC PPE Physical Form)

Physical Examinations and Health

All medical and physical eligibility forms are completed through FinalForms. All forms must be submitted, reviewed, and approved prior to the first practice of the season. Athletic physicals are valid for 13 months. 

1. All scholar-athletes must have an up-to-date physical from a doctor on file at the school. 
2. The physical must be either dropped off in-person, faxed, or a copy sent via email to the nurse at each school PRIOR to participation and the start of the season, including tryouts. 
3. The school nurse will review, approve, and file the scholar-athletes' physical. 

Any expired physicals, or an athlete without a physical, will NOT be allowed to participate in athletics, including tryouts, until given updated permission by the school nurse.

Required Forms

All parents/guardians and scholar-athletes are required to register for their athletic season through FinalForms. Please visit the links below for your respective schools for registration as well as view important information regarding the forms you will be asked to complete. 

1. The completed and current Health Assessment Record Form LINKED HERE is returned to the school nurse's office.
2. The athletic registration is completed online through FinalForms at:

Bristol FinalForms Athletic Registration LINKED HERE

3. Registrations include the following forms:
   1. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Student and Parent Informed Consent Form LINKED HERE
   2. Student and Parent Concussion Education Plan and Consent Form LINKED HERE
   3. Exertional Heat Illness Program and Annual Review LINKED HERE
   4. Bristol Public Schools Parent/Athlete Acknowledgement Form
   5. Bristol Public Schools Student-Athlete Handbook
   6. Permission to Participate and Permission to Seek Medical Treatment

A scholar-athlete will be permitted to practice once a current physical is listed in FinalForms AND their registration has been approved by the Office of the Director of Athletics.

Please keep in mind that a new athletic registration through FinalForms is required to sign-up for each athletic season- the only thing that will carry over through the school year is the scholar-athletes physical on file as long as it is not expired.

Student Conduct - Academics

Bristol athletes are expected and encouraged to maintain the highest level of academic achievement possible. Extra help sessions and make-up work are expected to be completed as soon as possible.  On a practice day, athletes should stay after school to complete work whenever necessary.  Students should inform coaches in advance, if possible, when practice time will be missed due to academic obligations.  Once the obligations are completed, athletes are expected to report to practice as soon as possible.  If advance notification was not given to the coach, students should ask their teacher for a note explaining the tardiness.  Students arriving late to practice due to make-up work or extra help will not suffer an athletic team penalty.  On game days, if time allows, students should ask their classroom teacher if makeup work or extra help may be postponed to a practice day.  A classroom teacher may or may not grant a postponement.

Student Conduct - Behavior

When student’s athletes participate in a school sporting event, they become representatives of their city, school, and team and should act appropriately.  Bristol has a reputation for having well-behaved athletes who make a respectable appearance both on and off the playing field.  This is a positive reputation that Bristol athletes should want to uphold.  Bristol athletes have the responsibility of keeping this reputation intact through their actions.  It is also the responsibility of athletes to take pride in their sport and always perform to the best of their abilities to provide an exciting, well-played event.

As a team member, each individual has the opportunity to contribute towards the team goals by performing at the best of their ability.  Also, each team member has the responsibilities to respect the contributions of their teammates, to adhere to established team rules, and to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.  Team members have the additional responsibility of ensuring that teammates do not let the team down and act in accordance with these guidelines.

Student Conduct - Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is a number one priority at the Bristol Public Schools.

The Athletic Department expects all parties present at an event to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship.  Players, coaches, and spectators should treat opponents, game officials, and visiting spectators with respect.

All athletic events are conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the CIAC, the NCAA, or the National Federation.  Any form of taunting of officials or players will not be tolerated at any Bristol High/Middle School athletic event.  Likewise, profanity, objectionable cheers, or gestures have no place at an athletic event, be it in Bristol or at another town.

The Bristol High/Middle School administration reserves the right to warn, censor, or suspend up to one calendar year any spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any athletic event, home or away.

A display of unsportsmanlike conduct which results in an ejection from an athletic contest for violent or abusive behavior prior to, during, or immediately following the athletic contest shall not be eligible for the next athletic contest.

Chippens Hill Middle School

Katie Pepe – Athletic Coordinator

Fall Coaches

Winter Coaches

Spring Coaches

Greene-Hills School

Kevin Komanetsky – Athletic Coordinator

Fall Coaches

Winter Coaches

Spring Coaches

Northeast Middle School

Jeremy Sloate – Athletic Coordinator

Fall Coaches

Winter Coaches

Spring Coaches

West Bristol School

TBD – Athletic Coordinator

Fall Coaches

Winter Coaches

Spring Coaches