Athletic Policy

Introduction

We are a member of a coalition of private schools formed for the express purpose of athletic competition. Participation in a school sponsored sport is a privilege. Sports are important components in our total education program. Successful participation requires a high level of commitment, energy and maturity.

As our athletes will be representing our school, their standard of behavior should be one that exhibits pride, politeness, responsibility and good sportsmanship.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the sports program at St. Paul's Catholic School is to help young people develop…

  1. Physically, by learning sport skills, improving physical conditioning, developing good health habits, and avoiding injuries.
  2. Emotionally, by learning to control emotions and to develop feelings of self-worth.
  3. Socially, by learning how to cooperate in a competitive context and by learning appropriate standards of behavior (sportsmanship).
We practice to win, we play to win, and we are winners regardless of the score, if we have done our best.

A Christian Sports Code

As a player, coach, cheerleader, fan, or official, I will:
  1. Positively represent the Catholic Community of St. Paul's at all times.
  2. Never attempt to abusively rattle an opposing player.
  3. Play fairly and according to the rules.
  4. Present proper appearance. (i.e. shirts tucked in.)
  5. Accept the official's judgment at all times.
  6. Enter the games as ladies/gentlemen and leave the same way. Actions speak louder than words.
  7. Be a team player.
  8. Keep our Christian attitude. No profanity or unsportsmanlike actions.
  9. Encourage each other; don't criticize.
  10. Do your share to keep team spirit up whether on the bench or on the playing area.
  11. Shake hands with our opponents after the game - win or lose.
  12. If you have the opportunity, thank the officials after the game.

Absences

Athletes must be committed to the team and be at all practices and games. If an athlete is absent for two or more consecutive practices for any reason, they may not start. In order to play, students must be in attendance at school on game days. Three unexcused absences will result in termination from the team.

Athletic Physicals

A current certified physical examination is required before any student may practice in volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball, track, or cheerleading. A physical examination must be current (within one year) and not to expire before the end of the season in which the athlete is playing. Students and parents are also required to sign a medical waiver every year. This is an official document and must be notarized. Proper forms are available 0n pages 39-41 or from the school office.

Coaches

Every effort will be made to maintain two coaches per team; a head coach and an assistant coach.  The head coach will determine  the final roster of the team (try-outs will be based on athletic ability, conduct, attitutde and desire).  The head coach will also dtermine the starting line-up and substitutions as needed.

Commitment

Commitment is a desirable lifelong trait.  Participation in a team sport is a season long commitment and must be followed through to completion.

Detentions

If a player is assigned detention on a practice or a game day, the detention will take precedence and the student will have an unexcused absence.

Dress Code

Players must wear designated sports uniforms during games.  Shorts and t-shirts must be worn for all practices.  At the discretion of the principal and athletic director, athletes may wear the team uniform to class on a game day provided all other dress code stipulations are followed.

An athlete is financially responsible for all equipment and uniforms issued to him/her.  At the end of ech season, laundered uniforms and all equipment must be proptly returned to the athletic director, or a loss/damage fee will be assessed.

Eligibility

Eligibility for sports and cheerleading includes good academic standing. To be eligible to participate in athletic events, students must have attained a "C" average or better in all subjects.  Eligibility for the fall sports will be based on grade point average at the end of the third week of school.

Proper behavior must be maintained at all times.

Membership may be suspended or terminated as a result of a fall in grade point average or improper behavior determined by the principal and athletic director.

In order to be eligible to play a sport, all required forms must be completed and on file with the office as well as a copy to the athletic director.  This includes a completed physical form signed by a physician, a notarized medical waiver, a permission form, Athletic Policy agreement and a release that all fees have been paid.

Expenses

There is a $35.00 sports fee per student per sport.  Should a player be unable to pay the fee, the principal should be notified so that arrangements can be made.

Game and Practice Procedures

For safety purposes, supervision of athletes is required at all times.  Students must attend study hall before practice or a home game begins.  Players may not leave school with any other adult beside their own parent after school without the expressed written parental permission.

If students are not picked up immediately after practice, they must go to after school care until their parent arrives.  Likewise, parents are expected to pick up their athelets immediately after a game.  The coach and or athletic director must remain until all team members have been picked up.

Practices

Athletes must be at all practices.  If, for some unforseen reason, an athlete cannot attend practice, the athlete is responsible for personally contacting the athletic director immediately.  If no initiative is taken on the part of the student, the missed practice will in all likelihood be conunted as unexcused.

If an athlete must leave prior the end of practice, he/she must inform the coach before the practice begins.

Only the individual coach, athletic director or principal will have the authority to cancel a practice or a game.  When a practice is cancelled, athletes may use the office phone to call home to arrange for a ride.  Students will be expected to go to After Care at the parents' expenses until their ride arrives (leeway of 20 minutes will be given, before charges will occur).  Rain does not necessarily cancel practice.

Parent Involvement

Parental involvement in encouraged and applauded.  Conduct for all athletes and parents must be above reproach and should always be of a positive nature.  Respect must be shown by both students and parents to adults, coaches, referees and players.  Failure to maintain appropriate sportsmanship and conduct will result in censure.

If a problem occurs, please use the following procedure to resolve the issue:

  1. Please first calmly discuss the matter directly with the Coach.
  2. If there are still questions, you may then go to the Athletic Director.
  3. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may then go to the Principal.