WESTPORT — While hundreds of kids have already done so, interested Staples High School athletes are encouraged to get their registrations in by the end of today — Thursday — in order to play for fall sports.

“Sports teaches kids all the skills needed to succeed in life,” said Marty Lisevick, longtime athletic director at SHS.

According to the SHS athletic department, late registrants are not guaranteed the opportunity to participate.

Requirements include a completed form, available through http://staplesathletics.com.

This will be followed up with by several waivers and agreements, which must be completed, including a “Mandatory Covid Waiver Agreement.” Physical examination forms must also be on file with the school’s health office or sent in with registration.

Eleven different sports are offered this season, with chances good at least for the moment that thte leagues won’t face the same shutdowns seen during the pandemic.

“I think the limited quarantine rules, specifically to vaccinated kids, will definitely help teams continue to play and help eliminate the need to stop or shut down seasons,” Lisevick said.

He said he is looking forward to outdoor sports played without mask restrictions.

“Being able to have fans attend at full capacity is a great thing as well,” he said.

As of Tuesday, there were 111 students who had registered for football, 71 for boys soccer, 60 for girls soccer, and 58 for field hockey.

Ninety-five students have registered for the two cross country squads, including 40 girls and 55 boys.

Other numbers include 38 registered for girls volleyball, 36 for girls swim/dive teams, 32 for boys water polo, 25 for cheerleading, and 13 for boys golf.

Lisevick said sports offer students another venue to be part of something “greater than themselves — part of a team.”

“It is something that you can’t get in a classroom and as a result, our kids want to be part of,” he said.