Teams are selected by the coaching staff. Participation in school athletics is a privilege, not a right. In accordance with our philosophy of education, we encourage all students to participate in some form of athletics.

St. Paul High School is a member of the C.I.F., Camino Del Rey Association and Del Rey(football, girls golf, softball, boys golf), Camino Real League (cross country, girls volleyball, girls basketball, girls soccer, track and field, boys basketball, baseball, and boys volleyball), Del Rey League (girls golf, softball, boys golf) and the Santa Fe League (boys soccer) and is subject to their Constitutions and bylaws. The school fields eight sports for boys (football, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, soccer, baseball, golf, and track and field) and seven sports for girls (volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer, softball, golf, and track and field). Traditional competitive cheer is a CIF sport and is independent of a league.  Varsity song is considered a sport at St. Paul High School and both pep groups comply with the CAA and CDRA standards as set by each entity.​

The St. Paul High School philosophy adheres to the philosophy of the Catholic Athletic Association Gold Book Code of Ethics. It is the duty of all concerned (students, coaches, parents, and spectators) with high school athletics:

• to emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.

• to eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.

• to stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.

• to show cordial courtesy to visiting teams and officials.

• to establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.

• to respect (refrain from verbally abusing) the integrity and judgment of sports officials.

• to achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.

• to encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by the players on a team.

• to recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the individual players.

• to remember that an athletic contest is only a game-not a matter of life or death for the player, coach, school officials, fan, community, state, or nation. In addition, Catholic interscholastic activity should assist participants in developing:

• an ability to keep sports competition and associated activities within the proper Christian prospective.

• a desire to develop and properly utilize their God-given physical and mental abilities.

• a willingness to accept responsibility both as an individual competitor and as a contributing team member.

• a capacity for self-discipline, so vital to leading a Christian adult life.

• an ability to properly control emotions during periods of stress.

• an appreciation of the efforts of others, whether they be teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, or spectators (good sportsmanship).

• a Christian environment of school and community spirit and loyalty.