Philosophy
The Keys After-School Sports Program focuses on sportsmanship and skill-building as well as friendly competition with our neighboring independent schools. We emphasize the team relationships, coaching in a positive manner, and recognition of everyone's individual contribution and effort. All students who wish to participate are placed on a team, provided there are enough players to form a team. We do not conduct tryouts and we do not “cut” players.
New Athletic League
Beginning Fall of 2008 Keys School, along with ten other independent
schools will launch the newly formed West Bay Athletic League. We are
very proud and excited to be a founding member of the new WBAL. We have
the tentative sports season outlined and are currently reviewing other
team opportunities.
Keys’ after-school sports program is open to students in grades fifth to
eighth but may offer limited fourth grade team opportunities beginning
next year. Basketball and Soccer might be the two sports available for 4th
graders and the new league is currently determining other options.
Keys’ After-School Sports Program is open to students in grades four to eight. Teams compete with other schools as part of the San Jose Catholic Athletic League. Students who participate must commit to attending practices. Keys’ emphasis is on teaching beginning skills, components of team play, and the enjoyment of competitive play.
League, Sports and Teams
Girls’ Sports
- Softball (late Aug-Oct)
- Soccer (Oct-Dec)
- Basketball (Jan-March)
- Volleyball (March-May)
- all-league track meet (May)
- all-league swim meet (Oct)
Boys’ Sports
- Flag football (Aug-Oct)
- Basketball (Nov-Jan)
- Soccer (Jan-March)
- all-league track meet (May)
- all-league swim meet (Oct)
Both girls and boys play at two league divisions: Junior Varsity (grades 4 to 6) and Varsity (grades 7 and 8). Within each division, teams are formed by grade level and by the number of participants from each grade. Determining the make-up of a specific team(s) at Keys is guided by league rules, the number of participants, and in some instances, experience and skill level may move some players to “play up” with an older team.
Because Keys is a school with a smaller enrollment, occasionally a team cannot be fielded. Combining players from many different grades and/or skill levels to field a team, or combining with players from other league schools to form a team may also occur.
Team formation occurs a month or two prior to the start of the season. Sign-up sheets are located in the front office and communication regarding the upcoming season is included in the school’s Wednesday Newsletter as well as periodic emails.
|
Gordon Iki
-Our Athletic Director |
Practices & Games
Practices for all teams are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, immediately
following school. Practice sites include Hoover Park (behind Keys School), Cubberley Center and other local public school and parks. Games are
scheduled during the week and/or on weekends, depending on the sport. Keys does not have a field or gym so all games are played “away” at the other
league schools in Los Altos, Mt View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Hillsborough, San Jose, Woodside and Portola Valley
Parent Support
Keys expect parents who attend games to model polite behavior and to show support for effort and good play. Keys’ coaching staff and referees need to be treated with respect at all times. Most teams will require parental assistance with transportation, communication, snacks, etc.
Athletic Director
The Athletic Director is responsible for managing the Keys School After-School Sports Program. Responsibilities include; planning the recruitment, rosters, and team formations, hiring and supervising coaches and assistant coaches, attending league meetings, facilitating player transportation, uniforms, rules and schedules, coaching and assistant coaching where needed, and coordinating communication with coaches, parents, and school staff regarding the program.
You can contact Keys’ Athletic Director, Gordon Iki at giki@keysschool.com
