Playing in the ISL

Lawrence Academy teams compete in the 16-member Independent School League (ISL), part of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).

A strong and fiercely independent league, the ISL values spirited and fair play, as well as positive support for its teams and their players.
 
Competition in the ISL is guided by the following ideals:
 
  • Players and their coaches shall, at all times, represent themselves and their schools with honor, proper conduct, and good sportsmanship.
  • They shall understand that competitive rivalries are encouraged, but that disrespect for opponents is unsportsmanlike and lessens the values of the rivalries.
  • They shall confine the competitiveness of the game to the field and, in particular, behave properly on the sidelines and in the locker rooms, both before and after games.
  • They shall comply fully with the rulings of the officials; in no way shall they demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the decisions made.

Additionally, ISL schools will not tolerate at their athletic contests any spectators, either students or adults, whose behavior is disrespectful toward players, officials, coaches, or other spectators, nor will ISL schools permit any spectator behavior that either detracts from the proper conduct of the game or disadvantages a player or team.

Some examples of unacceptable behavior during competition, as outlined by a committee of ISL heads and athletic directors, include:

  • the use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game;
  • booing or heckling an official’s decision, criticizing officials in any way, or displaying anger or frustration with an official’s call;
  • trash-talk or yells that antagonize opponents;
  • verbal abuse or intimidation tactics;
  • disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs, gestures, signs, posters, or banners;
  • distracting activities, such as yelling, waving arms, or stomping feet, during an opponent’s free throw attempts;
  • and the use of artificial noisemakers of any kind. (Legitimate pep bands, however, are encouraged.)
Independent School League

Independent School League Motto

"Striving together through athletic competition to achieve the highest degree of integrity, sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect in preparation for good citizenship and leadership in society."

These guidelines apply equally to players, coaches, and fans. The ISL asks officials to enforce these guidelines strictly, especially with regard to players and coaches.

Schools in
the ISL

Belmont Hill School
Brooks School
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
The Governor’s Academy
Groton School
Lawrence Academy
Middlesex School
Milton Academy
Noble & Greenough School
The Rivers School
The Roxbury Latin School
St. George’s School
St. Mark’s School
St. Sebastian’s School
Tabor Academy
Thayer Academy