Athletics

Section Navigation
Skip Section Navigation
Protect the nest in white letters on a blue background

Important Updates to Student-Athlete Participation Requirements

New Required Student-Athlete Registration (get them in EARLY, as it could take up to 24hrs for approval).

Parents/guardians must register their student-athlete online to participate in PWCS school sports.

  • Parents/guardians must create or update their Arbiter account to complete the online athletic registration process for the 2026-2027 season. 
  • Concussion training is now done through the Arbiter registration.

New Sports Physical Exam Forms

A state law that took effect on July 1, 2025, resulted in significant changes regarding sports physicals.

  • Student-athletes must use the updated PWCS Middle School Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Evaluation Form (says revised May 2025 in the top left corner).
  • Sports physicals using the new form will be valid for 14 months.
  • Schools will no longer accept paper sports physical exam forms; only scanned/digital copies submitted through the student's online athletic registration will be accepted.

Athletics

Eligibility and Participation

To be eligible to participate in athletics, all PWCS middle school athletes must:

Athletic Registration

PWCS is continuing to the use of Arbiter for the 2026-27 school year. 

Student-athlete registration

Continuing this year, parents and guardians must register or update their student-athletes online to participate in PWCS athletics. This process is mandatory for all middle and high school athletes.

  • Arbiter account required: To complete the online registration, families must create or update an Arbiter account, the official platform for PWCS athletic registration.
  • Student-athlete education included: What was previously known as concussion education is now part of the online registration. This ensures that all student-athletes receive essential safety training before participating.

New sports physical exam forms

A new Virginia state took effect July 1, 2025, introduced significant changes to how sports physicals are handled:

  • Updated form required: Student-athletes must use the revised sports physical forms beginning July 1, 2025.
  • 14-month validity: Physicals completed using the new form will be valid for 14 months from the date of the exam.
  • Digital submissions only: Schools will no longer accept paper copies of physical forms. All physicals must be uploaded as scanned or digital copies through the student’s online registration portal.

Parents/Guardians of student-athletes intending to participate in athletics MUST upload their students’ most recent physical to ensure eligibility for participation. We have simplified this process through online digital registration.

Please follow these steps:

  1. Create an Arbiter Registration account (you only need one account for your whole family).
  2. Activate your Arbiter Registration account using the activation link that will be automatically sent to your email. (Note: this email may go into your junk folder).
    • If you are having trouble creating your account, receiving the activation email, or logging in, you may contact support at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-311-4060.
  2. Complete your pre-participation registration
    • Select the Pre-Participation for Athletics 2025-2026 program from the Gainesville Middle School Registration Site.
    • NEW THIS YEAR: Families now only need to upload page 3 of the physical form. This form includes the doctor's approval and signature. 
    • Once you have completed your registration, you will receive an email notification confirming we have received your registration.

Learn more

You may register for sports by visiting the Gainesville Middle School Registration Site. If you need assistance with your online registration, please reach out to Arbiter Registration Support at 1-800-311-4060 or [email protected].

For additional details, please refer to:

Tryouts

  • How many days do tryouts last?
    • Tryouts will be held over 3 days, and athletes are expected to attend all of them. If they cannot, this should be discussed with the coach before tryouts begin. Email addresses are provided above.
  • What should my child bring to tryouts?
    • Clothing suitable for the sport and water. If they have additional equipment, they may bring it, but it is not required until after teams are formed.
  • What happens if my child can’t attend a day of tryouts?
    • Athletes have 3 days; if they miss a day, they will be evaluated based on the days they do attend.
  • I registered on Arbiter. How do I know if my child has been approved?
    • You should have received an approval email from Arbiter. To double-check, please email our athletic director at [email protected].
  • How many athletes will make the team?
    • That depends on the team, and it will be communicated to all athletes.
  • How will we know if my child makes the team?
    • Tryout results will be posted on the GVMS website under that sport on the last day of tryouts.
  • How will my child know where to go?
    • Announcements will be made at the end of each day. Classroom teachers will also remind students.
  • When can I pick my child up?
    • Please review the staggered release schedule sent out in the Hawk Highlights. Tryouts typically end between 5:00 and 5:20.
  • Am I allowed to watch tryouts?
    • We do not permit parents to watch tryouts. Your presence can make it harder for your child and may distract the athletes and coaches.

Fall Sports

Tryout dates: August 25 -August 28

Winter I Sports

Tryout dates - 11/5-11/9

Winter II Sports

Tryouts begin- 1/20 for Wrestling and 1/22 for Girls Basketball

Spring Sports

Tryout dates - 3/23 - 3/25