Game scheduling is a complicated endeavor that involves league facilities, inter-school communication, and other resource considerations. Often the schedule is not available until one week prior to the start of the first game. Additionally, conflicts or other circumstances, such as too few players on a team, inclement weather, and other factors, exist. When these occur, the league and Athletic Directors attempt to reschedule the game for a later date. This information will be provided to parents as soon as it becomes available. Teams will meet, on average, twice per week before games start and approximately two to four times per week once games begin.

We rely on Pinewood School’s Upper Campus, the school’s Activities Center on Fabian Way, the city of Palo Alto, and the town of Los Altos for facilities for practices and home games. Practice times and game schedules are dependent on availability of these facilities. The Athletic Director will make schedules available as soon as they are determined.

Pinewood competes within the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL). Schools participating in this league include Sacred Heart, Harker School, Castilleja, Menlo School, Woodside Priory, Keys School, King’s Academy, Crystal Springs Upland, St. Matthews, Woodland School, Eastside Prep, Redeemer Lutheran, Highlands Christian, and Girls Middle School. Games are played both at home and away; home games are hosted at the Pinewood Upper Campus and/or at the Pinewood Activities Center on Fabian Way, Palo Alto. The league is developmental in nature for grade 4 and becomes increasingly more competitive in grades 5 through 6.

Students are organized in the following teams: JVA, JVB, and JVC. JVA players are primarily sixth grade students and some of the most experienced fifth graders. JVB consists predominantly of fifth graders, and fourth grade students play on the JVC teams. The grade-level mix of the teams may vary, and in some cases the school may not field a team in one of the categories due to participation levels.

We need parent volunteers to help facilitate communication related to scheduling, team expectations, carpooling, unforeseen events, and snacks. The parent volunteers will work closely with the Athletic Director, ensuring that the team operates in a smooth and efficient manner.

Parent volunteers fill most of the coaching positions. Coaching experience in a specific sport and a philosophy that recognizes the importance of balance for young student athletes are requirements for these positions. Learn more about the Positive Coaching Alliance, here.