SAAS Athletics FAQ

We offer a wide range of athletic opportunities across three seasons. Visit our Sports page page to explore which teams are offered each season. 

The Seattle Academy Upper School is a member of the Metro League, consisting of eighteen schools within the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) District #2. League membership establishes guidelines and regulations for scheduling games and practices, equalizes competition, conducts league meetings as well as determines championships and advancement to seeded allotments in the district tournaments. The league provides Seattle Academy the opportunity for competition with schools of similar size, location, and programs. Membership requires that participating schools abide by all league rules and regulations.

The Middle School athletic teams compete in the Cross Town Middle School League and in some sports, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) league.

Additionally, several Seattle Academy teams participate in sport-specific leagues:

• Ultimate competes in the DiscNW League.
• Lacrosse competes in the following leagues:
  • SMYLA (Seattle Metropolitan Youth Lacrosse Association) for Middle School Boys
  • WSLA (Washington Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association) for Middle School and Upper School Girls
  • WHSBLA (Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association) for Upper School Boys

We believe that athletics provide a place for students to participate, grow, and excel. Every student—whether brand-new to a sport or competing at the highest level—has a place to belong and thrive.

Starting in Fall 2025, SAAS athletics has shifted its approach to team placement. To create the most effective environment for growth and competition for our student-athletes, we will no longer operate as a universal no-cut program for all teams in the Upper School. This change supports skill-building and appropriate levels of challenge across teams.

These changes do not apply to Middle School athletics, which will continue to prioritize broad participation and development for all students.

See our SAAS Athletics: Participation and Excellence at Seattle Academy message sent on December 23, 2024 for more information. 

In Upper School for 2025–26, the following sports remain no-cut:

• Cross Country (Fall)
• Wrestling (Winter)
• Track & Field (Spring)

We will continue evaluating ways to expand no-cut offerings that support player development and participation.

Note: Middle School athletics will continue focusing on participation at appropriate levels for all students. 

See our SAAS Athletics: Year-End Wrap Up and Exciting Changes Ahead message sent on June 9, 2025 for more information. 

• Middle School teams are designated by our school colors to help distinguish our teams: Red, Black, Grey, White (and occasionally Yellow).
• Upper School teams follow more traditional designations: Varsity, Junior Varsity (JV), Junior Varsity C (JVC), and/or Freshman.

Each team level has a different time commitment. Once placed on a team, students are expected to attend all practices and events unless excused by a coach or administrator.

• Upper School Varsity teams typically practice or compete 5–6 days/week.
• Other Upper School teams (e.g., JV, JVC) may have 1–2 days off/week.
• Middle School teams meet 3–4 times/week for practices or games, depending on the team. 

View and Print the Physical Form - required for any student participating in dance or athletics

Please review the Impact Testing information under the next tab to see if your student-athlete might be required to complete testing.

By Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) requirements, student athletes must have had a physical to participate in sports activities. The Physical Form (linked above) must be signed by the student’s doctor and filed with the school before the student can be eligible to participate in practices and games. Physicals are valid for 24 months. A completed Head Injury Form and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form are also required each year for ALL student athletes. All health forms are available on our secure, online student medical record database August Schools. 

Login to August Schools to Review Your Forms ***Additional forms may be required depending on the league and sport. 

The school conducts impact testing on all Upper School athletes once a year. The test provides a baseline comparison for each athlete.The test is completed on campus by our athletic trainer at no cost to families.

In order to participate in after school activities, students are required to be at school by the second block of the day and participate in their scheduled school day.

Students should come prepared with:

• Athletic wear: shorts, t-shirts, appropriate footwear.
• Sport-specific gear: e.g., shin guards for soccer, knee pads for volleyball.
• Water bottle, snacks, and warm layers for outdoor sports.
• A garbage bag is great for wet gear after rainy-day practices.

Uniforms are provided by the Athletics Department. These should be returned washed and labeled with the student's name clearly marked on the bag at the end of the season.

• Middle School athletes meet in assigned rooms before practice. They change in the restrooms and head to their meeting room by 3:00 PM.
• Upper School athletes change and meet their coach and bus at designated pickup spots on 12th or 16th Ave.
   

• All teams are transported by SAAS buses to and from practice.
• Middle School athletes walk with coaches to buses or to nearby practice sites.
• Upper School athletes follow a similar protocol based on location.

Pickup locations vary by team. Refer to the team calendar for the exact location.
If you choose to pick up your student at the practice site, please:

• Arrive on time - note the “end time,” not “return time”
• If you’re more than 5 minutes late, your child will return to school with the team, and you'll need to pick them up there.

All team news, rosters, and schedules are available on our Team pages. 

Yes—for Upper School students only.

• Each SAAS sports season counts as 1 PE credit, provided the student completes at least 75% of the season.
• Club activities (e.g., Flag Football, Bouldering) do not count.
• For sports outside SAAS, students must get Registrar approval prior to participation.

The Community Chest helps make extracurriculars accessible for our student-athletes by covering costs not included in tuition or financial aid. This includes:

• Team gear (e.g., t-shirts, sweatshirts)
• Sports equipment (e.g., cleats)
• SAAS-hosted sports camps

Visit the Athletics Leadership page or coach and staff contacts. Or email athletics@seattleacademy.org.