List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• 1. What grades are eligible to play sports at FCDS?

  Students in grades 6-8 are eligible to compete on middle school teams. Students in grades 7-12 are eligible to play on varsity teams. Fifth graders are not eligible to play on FCDS athletics teams, but fifth graders can serve as managers to get to know their future coaches and teammates.

• 2. How do we connect with the coaches at FCDS?

  You can reach out directly to the coach using this directory. You can also fill out the interest form for each season found on our teams page, and our coaches will add you to their distribution list.

• 3. What sports do you offer, and when do they compete?

  Please check the list of teams by season. Our fall sports season is August-October, winter is November-February, and spring is February-May. Please see the teams/seasons page for specific start dates for varsity and middle school teams.

• 4. Do students try out for teams?

  Yes. The first two days of each season provide an opportunity for student-athletes to try a new sport or just get to know their teammates and coaches. We encourage everyone to come check out any team they are interested in to see if joining the team is right for them. The two days of try-outs also give our coaches an opportunity to see how many student-athletes are interested in participating that season and determine how many teams we will need at each level. We will make every effort to provide opportunities for all of our students to participate, but in some cases, we will have to make cuts.

• 5. What if my student does not make the team?

  In each season, there is at least one team that has a “no cut” policy, so all of our students who want to stay physically active and join a team can do so. Those sports are: cross country (fall), swimming (winter); and track and field (spring).

• 6. How do student-athletes get uniforms and practice gear?

  Boys’ and girls’ tennis, golf, and swimming all purchase their uniform each season with the assistance of our BSN Sports representative and the coach, and they keep their uniforms at the conclusion of the season. All of our other sports will have a game uniform distributed to them at the beginning of the season and collected at the end of the season. Each team will have a team sport pack website set up by BSN so they can purchase optional sport-specific apparel for each season. Some teams may require items to be purchased to participate, but those required items are limited in scope and will be less than $100. BSN also has a website that is available all year for families to purchase custom FCDS athletic apparel.

• 7. Are there costs associated with playing sports?

  Some teams may require sport-specific apparel/equipment to participate that the student-athlete will keep at the conclusion of the season (for example, baseball requires a hat; soccer requires socks). These items can be ordered on the team sport pack website or may be purchased by the department and billed to the student’s account. Those required items are limited in scope and will be less than $100. When our teams travel for competition, the only expense our student-athletes incur is for their meals. FCDS will pay for group transportation and any costs associated with accommodations or entry fees.

• 8. How does my child get PE/activity credit? What is required?

  In middle school our students take a Wellness class composed of PE, health, and guidance each year. While it is pass/fail, it is required for each student to move to the next grade level. There are no additional PE/Activity requirements for middle school students.

   

  For upper school students in the classes of 2023-2025: To graduate, students need one PE credit. Each athletic season (JV, varsity, or manager) counts as a half credit. Strength and Conditioning or another Wellness course (semester course) counts as a half credit. Students can also apply for an OFF-CAMPUS pre-approved activity to get a PE credit.

   

  Class of 2026 and beyond: To graduate, students need two Wellness credits. Each athletic season (JV, varsity, or manager) counts as a half credit. Strength and Conditioning or another Wellness course (semester course) counts as a half credit. Students can also apply for an OFF-CAMPUS pre-approved activity to get a PE credit.

• 9. Do you offer Esports or student broadcasting?

  We offer an ESports team in the Fall season. Please reach out directly to the coach using this directory.

   

  Our Fury Broadcasting Network (FBN) is responsible for all of the social media posts on our FCDS Athletics social media platforms, does live play-by-play commentating for select athletic events, and hosts the end-of-year athletic awards event. Students can enroll in a department assistantship to participate in FBN and receive course credit. Please reach out to Doug Esleeck if you have interest in FBN.

• 10. Do you live stream your games?

  Yes. All contests at William Taylor Field, Smith Field, in the Childress Activities Center, and Livengood Gym are all live streamed on NFHS. This is a subscription-based service, and our families can sign up for a month or a full season on the NFHS Network website.

• 11. What are your athletic facilities like?

  FCDS boasts the premiere athletic facilities in the Piedmont Triad:

  • 3 gymnasiums
  • 3 athletic stadiums
  • 6 playing fields
  • 8-lane newly renovated track and field facility
  • 9 newly renovated lighted tennis courts
  • Newly remodeled weight training facility.