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Athletic Mission

Mission Statement

The mission of the Vance County High School Athletic Department is to aid in the academic, emotional, and physical development of our student-athletes through teamwork, sportsmanship, character-building, and athletic competition. The VCHS athletic program is curated with the whole child in mind. This program seeks to instill self-confidence and self-discipline in student-athletes and encourage them to contribute positively to our school community.

Athletic Programs Offered

Fall Sports (July – October)

  • Girls and Boys Cross Country
  • Volleyball
  • JV / Varsity Football
  • Women’s Golf
  • Men’s Soccer
  • Cheer

Winter Sports (November – February)

  • Cheer
  • Wrestling
  • Girls and Boys Basketball

Spring Sports (End of February – May)

  • Men’s Golf
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Flag Football
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Men’s and Women’s Track and Field

Coaching Staff

Vance County High School Coaches are an intricate component of the athletics program. They serve as both teachers and active program participants. Coaches are responsible for modeling behaviors and characteristics that best motivate and inspire student-athletes. To be effective, Vance County High School Coaches must:

  • Be knowledgeable in their sport.
  • Prepare detailed and well-managed practices.
  • Motivate athletes and make adjustments during competition.
  • Work effectively under the authority of the athletic director and school leadership.
  • Be certified by NFHS Coaching Education.

Parents’ Role

Parental support is crucial to student-athletes reaching their full potential. Parents are expected to:

  • Prioritize academics over athletics.
  • Support and encourage their child’s sport.
  • Promote the benefits of participation regardless of performance.
  • Insist their child abides by the athletic department's rules and expectations.
  • Encourage fair play and sportsmanship.
  • Respect coaching decisions regarding strategy, playing status, and playing time.
  • Avoid “coaching” from the stands or sidelines.
  • Ensure their child attends all practices and contests and is picked up on time.

Student-Athletes

Expectations

VCHS student-athletes must embrace the pursuit of education and always prioritize academics. They should:

  • Be diligent in preparation and effort.
  • Maintain personal discipline and self-control.
  • Show humility and sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
  • Demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, and officials.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must receive a yearly medical examination.
  • Academic eligibility status is determined at the beginning of each semester and remains for the duration.
  • The principal/designee checks academic status each semester.
  • Eligibility is determined by attendance, with no more than nine unexcused absences per semester.
  • Students must be in school on the day of the contest to participate.

Age Requirements

  • Students must provide legal birth documentation.
  • Students cannot participate in 9th-grade athletics if they turn 16 on or before August 31 of that school year.

Students with Identified Disabilities

  • Students with IEPs or 504 plans must meet the same athletic eligibility requirements as other students.

Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness

All student-athletes, parents, and school representatives will receive concussion information.

  • In case of a concussion:
    • If an athlete shows signs of a concussion, they will be removed from play immediately and not allowed to return the same day.
    • Student-athletes should self-report symptoms or report concerns about teammates.
    • A medical professional must evaluate the student-athlete before returning to play.
    • A completed and signed NCHSAA Concussion Return to Play Form is required for participation after a head injury.

All injuries should be treated with caution. Parents will be contacted regarding all injuries and consulted on treatment decisions.

 

Conduct & Discipline

Vance County High School Athletics reserves the right to remove any student-athlete whose behavior negatively impacts the team or school community.

Suspension/Detention

  • Athletes with in-school or out-of-school suspension may not participate in or attend any athletic events, including practices.
  • Repeated disciplinary infractions may result in suspension from games or removal from the team.
  • Final decisions regarding suspensions and dismissals will be made by the Athletic Director.

Student-Athlete Expectations

Student-athletes are representatives of the school and must:

  • Remain academically eligible.
  • Act responsibly and maintain a positive image.
  • Arrive on time for all practices and games.
  • Show good sportsmanship and respect toward officials, coaches, and fellow athletes.
  • Take care of all issued athletic equipment.
  • Give their best effort in both practice and competition.
  • Treat teammates and opponents with dignity and respect.

Failure to comply with expectations may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the team.

 

Attendance at Practice & Games

  • Student-athletes must attend all practices and games unless excused for emergencies (illness, family emergencies, etc.).
  • Absences should be communicated to the coach in advance.
  • Three or more unexcused absences may result in loss of playing time or dismissal from the team.

Team Selection Criteria

Due to roster limitations, some teams require tryouts. Team selection is at the sole discretion of the coach and is based on:

  • Positive behavior and attitude.
  • Good sportsmanship and teamwork.
  • Physical fitness and skill level.

Transportation Policy

  • Student-athletes must travel to all athletic contests on the team bus.
  • If a parent/legal guardian wishes to pick up their child from an away contest, they must sign a student release form.
  • Students must have reliable transportation home from practices and games.
  • Walking home after practices or games is not permitted.

 

This serves as a guide to ensure the success and well-being of our student-athletes at Vance County High School. By participating in athletics, students, parents, and coaches commit to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.

Go Vipers!