Dual-Sport and Multi-Sport Philosophy

For Mount Vernon to have a successful athletic program, we encourage our students to participate in as many activities as possible. We offer the opportunity for dual-sport athletes (those who participate in more than one sport in a single season) and encourage multi-sport athletes (those who participate in multiple sports throughout the year). There are several guidelines to consider in both of these areas:

Dual-Sport Athletes

In dual sport situations, the athletic department ensures balance by designating which sport is “primary” and “secondary.”  If a team sport is to be played, it must be designated as the “primary” sport, as more practice with teammates will be necessary to coordinate skills needed in competition. 

• If schedule conflicts arise that involve two different games or competitions at the same time, the primary sport will take precedence unless prior approval has been granted by the primary sport coach or athletic director. 

• Competition in a secondary sport will take precedence over practice in the primary sport.

• Region and state-level competitions take precedence over non-region competitions and practices. 

• Primary sports practice always takes precedence over secondary sports practice unless prior approval has been granted by the primary sports coach or athletic director.

• The athletic director will resolve any and all conflicts regarding the sport or activity in which the student-athlete participates.

Multi-Sport Athletes

In-season sports always have priority over out-of-season workouts. Out-of-season workouts cannot be mandatory. An athlete participating in one sport should not start training for the following season’s sport until:

(a) his/her first sports season is completed, or

(b) all coaches involved are in agreement that certain activities may be started that won’t interfere with the sport in season (for example, a winter season athlete might begin throwing a baseball as long as that doesn’t interfere with the winter sports coach’s needs).

Students cannot begin another sport in the coming season after quitting a sport in the 

current season. We want our programs to teach commitment and perseverance to our students. They may begin practice for the second season when the first season is fully concluded, even if they have left that team mid-season. 

Coaches can never claim “ownership” of any student athlete, nor can they place the student in conflict with coaches who might vie for his/her participation. Our students should be encouraged to try different sports, and no coach should encourage strict specialization in a single sport.  

The Athletic Director should be advised if a multi-sport situation occurs and should be consulted if problems arise in implementing a workable plan for the student.

Having this opportunity can significantly enhance our school programs, as well as the high school experience for our students. Coaches should always use good judgment and have a shared vision for school success. At all times, the student's interest should be at the forefront of student participation. It should also be understood that students finishing one athletic season while tryouts are in progress for another season will be given special consideration and an opportunity for a delayed tryout.