Within the last decade, our Bulldog teams have won 48 Conference Championships, 33 District Championships, and 14 Regional Championships. We have made 25 State Finals appearances, garnering Six State Runner-up titles, and Six State Championships!

*We have 16 sports, 35 teams (24 varsity), 50 plus coaches, and over 800 student athletes!*
*85% of our participants are "scholar athletes" with 3.0 GPA's or greater!*

DHS Bulldog Athletics wins State Sportsmanship Award-
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has selected DeLand High School as the 2008-2009 Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award recipient. The award recognizes the school that best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship through their student athletes, coaches, administration, and fans. DHS received the same statewide honor in 2000-2001.

DHS Student Game Hopper Athletic Pass!!!
Get your student athletic pass during orientation for $35... Hop from game to game, any day of the week, all year long, to catch all the Bulldog home games!

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), states in 11.2.1, that
"A student must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken that are required by s.1003.43(1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of each semester to be eligible during the following semester. A student whose cumulative high school grade point average is below a 2.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale, or its equivalent, in all courses taken that are required by s. 1003.43(1), Florida Statutes, at the conclusion of a semester shall not be eligible during the following semester".

The minimum 2.0 grade point average is established in Florida Statutes and cannot be waived by this Association.

Volusia County Policy 313 - Athletics and Activities Pass to Play
Eligibility for interscholastic extracurricular activities is established in Volusia County School Board Policy 13. Prior to July 1, 1999, that policy only contained the eligibility requirements set out in state law and FHSAA rules and regulations. However as of July 1, 1999, a new additional requirement went into effect.

Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, in order to be eligible for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities, students must receive a passing grade for each core course required for graduation taken after July 1, 1999. For the purpose of this policy, the term "core course" shall include courses taken in all areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts. This requirement shall be applied at the end of each grading period.

This "pass to play" requirement is in addition to the 2.0 GPA requirement that is mandated by FHSAA, state law, and school board policy.

Parent/Coach Relationship
Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in the school's athletic program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child's program

Communications you should expect from your child's coach
1. Philosophy of the coach.
2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad.
3. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
4. Team requirements, i.e., fund raising, special equipment, off-season conditioning.
5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation.
6. Discipline that results in the denial of your child's participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents
1. Communicate directly to the coach.
2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.
3. Specific concern in regard to a coach's philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the programs at your high school they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches
1. The development of your child, mentally and physically.
2. Ways to help your child improve.
3. Concerns about your child's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your child's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child's coach. Other things, such as those that follow these, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches
1. Playing time
2. Team Strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other student athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. it is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the others position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, this is the procedure you should follow:
1. Call to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, call the athletic director. He will set up the meeting for you.
3. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

National surveys indicate the majority of high school students involved in extra-curricular activities are able to successfully maintain high grade point averages (GPAs).

Many of the character traits required to be a participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life after high school.

It is our goal in the Bulldog athletic program to provide each student athlete the very best opportunity to have a positive experience. Understanding the value of being a student first will enhance that opportunity while building a solid foundation characteristic of quality athletes.