Among Lynbrook’s competitive sports teams, no-cut teams foster inclusive communities, vital yet often overlooked parts of the school’s athletics. These teams do not cut students, providing students opportunities to collaborate, exercise and develop as athletes, regardless of skill or background.
At Lynbrook, some no-cut teams that don’t require tryouts are cross country, track and field and swimming. Other no-cut sports teams, like water polo and floor hockey, require tryouts to determine JV and varsity members. While sports such as cross country, track and field and swimming have historically been no-cut, other sports are no-cut due to fewer students trying out.
Students lacking sports experience can participate in a no-cut sports team without worrying about getting cut. The low barrier to entry allows students to explore different sports to find one that they love.
“The great thing about no-cut sports teams is that students don’t know they’re good at the sport until they try it out,” cross country coach and social studies teacher Luca Signore said. “Students dread tryouts because the fear of rejection is prevalent, especially at Lynbrook.”
No-cut sports teams are often composed of members from all grades and genders, in contrast with a varsity sports team which is usually made up of experienced upperclassmen. No-cut sports foster the development of diverse communities.
All Lynbrook sports teams employ a strike system to ensure that students remain committed, including no-cut sports teams. Not participating in meets and games along with three unexcused absences for practices can result in removal from a team. This allows no-cut sports teams to be inclusive while keeping only the students who are willing to commit to the team.
“I’ve been doing cross country since sixth grade,” senior and girls cross country team captain Jennifer Chua said. “It has helped me build mental strength and commitment because I have to run every day, even if I don’t want to. I’m able to apply that discipline to other parts of my life.”
Bridging the gap between cut-sports and traditional physical education, no-cut sports are a middle ground, granting equal opportunities for students to exercise and participate and providing an alternative to taking a PE class.
A mainstay of the school since the school was founded in 1965, Lynbrook’s football team has transitioned to a no-cut sports team due to a lack of sign-ups. Despite these setbacks, the no-cut nature of the team has given the sport the number of players needed to have a team and host its yearly homecoming game.
“High school sports are a great experience for everyone to take part in,” senior and football captain Nathan Ye said. “You improve in many aspects, not just in the sport, but off the field as well. You bring what you learn in sports to everything in life such as academics. Most of all, you meet a lot of great friends.”
