Athletics

Potsdam Central School District takes immense pride in its vibrant athletics program, an integral part of the student experience. We believe that participation in school sports provides invaluable opportunities for growth, teaching essential life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.

At Potsdam, student-athletes are challenged to develop their skills, learn the importance of teamwork, build character, and foster a strong work ethic. Our diverse range of sports, spanning multiple seasons, allows students to explore their interests and discover their potential in a supportive and competitive environment.

Being a Sandstoner is about more than just winning; it’s about building camaraderie, demonstrating sportsmanship, and representing our school community with pride. We are committed to providing a positive and enriching athletic experience for all students, fostering physical fitness, mental resilience, and a lifelong love for the game.

Athletics Offerings

Sports Season Starting Dates

Fall Sports	Starting Dates
JV & Varsity Football	Monday, August 17, 2026
All Other JV & Varsity Including MOD Football	Monday, August 24, 2026
All Other Modified Sports	Monday, August 31, 2026
Winter Sports	Starting Dates
All JV & Varsity Sports Including MOD Wrestling	Monday, November 16, 2026
All Modified Sports	Monday, November 23, 2026
Spring Sports	Starting Dates
All JV & Varsity Sports	Monday, March 8, 2027
All Modified Sports	Monday, March 15, 2027

back to top

Athletics Registration & Physical Examinations

All students registering for Athletics, must have a current physical examination on file in the nurse’s office before they are authorized to participate in practice or tryouts.

To ensure clearance for participation, physicals should be completed and submitted to the nurse no later than 3 school days prior to the first day of practice or tryouts.

Physical examinations are valid for 12 months from the date of the last examination.

Athletics Registration

Athletic Placement Process

The Athletic Placement Process (APP) provides a consistent procedure for evaluating 7th- and 8th-grade student-athletes who may be ready to participate at the JV or Varsity level.

The primary consideration throughout the process is the health, safety, and overall well-being of the student-athlete, while also considering the best interests of the team and athletic program.

1. Coach Recommendation

A student-athlete must be recommended by the coach before beginning the APP process. There must be mutual interest from both the student-athlete and the coach in exploring participation at the higher level.

2. Readiness for Higher-Level Competition

The Athletic Director will work with the coach to determine whether the student-athlete is ready to be considered for higher-level competition and has the potential to make a positive impact on the team.

3. Physical Fitness Evaluation

Once recommended, the student-athlete will meet with the Athletic Director to receive the necessary paperwork and information regarding the APP Physical Fitness Evaluation.

Student-athletes are encouraged to become familiar with the required exercises and practice them before completing the evaluation with the Athletic Director.

Fitness evaluation results are not punitive. They are one part of the overall process and are used to help determine the student-athlete’s readiness for higher-level competition and guide the placement recommendation.

Important to Know

Completing the APP process does not guarantee placement on a JV or Varsity team. The process provides an eligible student-athlete with the opportunity to try out at the higher level. Final team placement is determined through the regular tryout and selection process.

Registration for a Merged Athletic Program

If you attend a district other than Potsdam CSD and are registering for a merged athletic program, please ensure there is an approved merger in place prior to registering.