Varsity Letter Requirements

Earning a varsity letter is a major accomplishment in the world of high school athletics. It is evidence that a student athlete has excelled not only in their sport, but in the classroom as well.

The requirements for earning a varsity letter vary from sport to sport. Student athletes are reminded that the varsity letter is a recognition award determined by the head coach in conjunction with the Athletic Department.

The varsity letter award is presented to athletes at the varsity level that have reached the athletic criteria that has been set forth by Bishop Feehan High School. Student athletes must meet the criteria that is set forth for each varsity sport.

Those who earn a letter are awarded with a certificate and a varsity letter (first year only) and a sports specific pin or a pin for their 2nd-4th varsity seasons. All other members of the team will be awarded a varsity participation certificate.

General Requirements for Varsity Awards in All Sports

Must be in good athletic standing, academically eligible, and complete the season.
Injured players may receive a letter award if in the opinion of the head coach he/she would have participated enough if they had not been injured, and also served the team in some capacity while injured.
Attend all practices, games, meets, matches, or competitions unless excused by the coach or doctor.
Be of good character, a teammate, and team player.
Must adhere to all team rules and regulations set forth by the coach.
Be a positive force and contribute to the team's success.
Regular member of the varsity team. (Regular members of the varsity team who do not meet the sport specific guidelines listed below, may be awarded a varsity letter if the Head Coach determines (with consent of the Athletic Director) they were an integral member of the team, demonstrating Feehan values of mercy, sportsmanship, and excellence)
All seniors on the roster will receive a varsity letter.

Individual Sport Requirements

In all sports it is required that the student athlete receive the recommendation of his/her head coach to be awarded a varsity letter. This requirement is in addition to the following standards specific to each sport:

Baseball

Must participate in at least 50% of the scheduled varsity contests. Participation includes activities such as pinch runner, pinch hitter, bullpen catcher, and other contributions defined by the head coach. Pitchers (starters or relief) must participate in at least 15 innings.

Basketball

Play in at least 25% of the total varsity quarters. Checking into a quarter counts as playing in the quarter.

Cheerleading

Cheer at all the fall or winter home games and all away games to which cheer travels. Must also cheer in all competitions (unless injured).

Cross Country

An athlete must be a scoring finisher in at least 50% of dual meets or qualify for the divisional meet (including alternates)

Fencing

Participate in at least 50% of all the dual meets or tournaments and/or win as many varsity dual meet bouts as the total number of dual meets fenced by the varsity team.

Field Hockey

Must play in at least 50% of the scheduled varsity contests. Playing any amount of time in a game counts as playing in a game.

Football

Must play in 50% of the varsity games playing on either offense, defense, or special teams OR participate in scout team roles vital to the success of the varsity team and up to the discretion of the head coach.

Golf

Must be a starter in at least two varsity matches.

Ice Hockey

Must participate in 50% of the scheduled games. Playing any amount of time in a game counts as playing in a game.

Lacrosse

Must play in 50% of the scheduled games. Playing any amount of time in a game counts as playing in a game.

Soccer

Must play in 50% of the scheduled games. Playing any amount of time in a game counts as playing in a game.

Softball

Must participate in at least 50% of the scheduled varsity contests. Participation includes activities such as courtesy runner, designated player, flex player and other contributions defined by the head coach.

Swim & Dive

Must compete in at least 50% of the scheduled swim meets. Must also qualify for the MIAA postseason meets (i.e. sectionals, states) and/or score 30 points from individual events during dual meet season.

Tennis

Must participate in 50% of matches and win 25% of their matches.

Track

An athlete must compete in the varsity heat (or finish among the top 3 Feehan athletes for events without distinct varsity heats) in at least 50% of the meets.

Volleyball

Must play in 50% of the scheduled games. Playing any amount of time in a game counts as playing in a game.

Team Manager/Statistician

Managers and statisticians may be awarded a letter after one season if the Head Coach determines they have performed all their managerial duties.