Mission Statement
The mission of HPS Athletics is to provide opportunities for students to compete, grow, and succeed, on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, healthy habits, and pride in representing our schools.

Code of Ethics
Coaches and student-athletes are expected to act with integrity, fairness, and honor at all times. Misconduct, unfair play, or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.

Thoughts on Success 
Success in athletics begins with commitment, desire, and hard work. Setting goals, staying dedicated, and maintaining a positive state of mind make the difference between potential and achievement.

True Meaning of Athletics (Original)
A — Ambition
T — Training
H — Honesty
L — Loyalty
E — Eligibility
T — Trustworthiness
I — Integrity
C — Courage
S — Stick-to-It Attitude

Sports Offered

Hattiesburg High School

N.R Burger Middle School

Multiple Sports: Athletes are encouraged to participate in more than one sport. Coaches should support multi-sport athletes and resolve scheduling conflicts fairly.

Quitting a Sport: Athletes wishing to leave a team must meet with the head coach and Athletic Director. Midseason transfers to another sport are not permitted without approval.

Squad Selection: Each coach posts tryout policies and evaluation standards in advance to ensure fairness and transparency.

Rules & Guidelines: Being a Tiger athlete is a privilege. Student-athletes are expected to maintain good sportsmanship, follow school and MHSAA rules, attend practices and games, and respect coaches, teammates, and officials.

Locker Room Policy: Locker rooms must remain safe, clean, and supervised. No hazing, horseplay, or unattended valuables.

Social Media & Publicity: Team accounts must be approved and monitored. Students should use personal accounts responsibly, remembering they represent HPS.

Parent–Coach Communications: Parents may discuss concerns about their child’s welfare, academics, or improvement opportunities — but not team strategy, play-calling, or other athletes. Meetings should be scheduled in advance, not directly after games.

MHSAA Requirements: Athletes must meet age, enrollment, and residency rules, have a certified birth certificate, and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Academic Standards: Students must be passing four major subjects per semester and remain in good behavioral standing.

Attendance: To compete on game day, athletes must be present for at least 63% of the school day (excused school absences do not count against eligibility).

Concussions: Any athlete showing signs of a concussion must be removed immediately and may only return after medical clearance and a gradual re-entry process.

Emergency Plans: Every team has a written action plan for practice and games.

Athletic Trainers: HPS employs certified trainers to provide prevention, care, and rehabilitation, though coverage may not be available at every event.

Insurance: All athletes must provide proof of insurance; HPS carries supplemental coverage.

Weight Room Rules: Proper attire, no horseplay, equipment returned after use, and adult supervision required at all times.

Minor Offenses: Tardiness, disrespect, missed practices, or improper dress may result in verbal correction, loss of playing time, or parent conferences.

Major Offenses: Fighting, theft, drug use, abusive language, or defiance of authority may result in suspension or permanent dismissal from the program.

Drug Testing Policy: Students in extracurriculars are subject to random drug testing. First offense results in suspension and counseling, second offense in suspension for the semester, third offense in 180-day removal. Refusal equals 180-day ineligibility.

Booster Clubs: Parent/community groups provide financial and organizational support under district policy. All booster activities must be approved by the school and funds accounted for properly.

Coaching Clinics: HPS supports continued professional development to ensure staff stay current on best practices.

College Prep: HPS assists student-athletes with NCAA eligibility requirements, registration with the Eligibility Center, and guidance on scholarships and recruiting.

Expectations: Coaches are role models. They must model good sportsmanship, support student academics, plan purposeful practices, supervise students at all times, and maintain certifications.

Evaluations: Head coaches and assistants are evaluated annually on program leadership, athlete development, and adherence to district policies.

Job Descriptions: Each coaching role; head, assistant, or middle school head, carries defined responsibilities for instruction, safety, and student support.

Travel: Teams travel in approved district vehicles. Parents may sign athletes out after away games with written consent.

Facilities & Equipment: Coaches and athletes are responsible for proper care and reporting of district property.

Scheduling: Coaches coordinate with administration to ensure safe, efficient, and fair use of district facilities.

Required Forms: Every athlete must complete parental permission, physical exam, insurance proof, drug screening, and concussion forms before participating.

DragonFly: All forms are submitted online. HHS code: ZSELCR. NR Burger code: L4DQHJ. Parents create an account, add their child, and complete required uploads.

Sportsmanship Course: All athletes complete the NFHS “Sportsmanship” online course.

Additional Forms: Yearly summary, coach evaluations, dismissal/withdrawal notifications, and district contact lists are available through the athletic office.

Tiger Athletics is about more than winning. It’s about building ambition, discipline, integrity, courage, and perseverance, qualities that last beyond the game.

As HPS athletes, students represent not just themselves but their families, schools, and community. Our actions reflect our pride, our values, and our commitment to excellence.