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St. Stephens Lutheran School
2008-2009
Athletic Department Handbook
Gary Pruitt
Athletic Director
Contents
Philosophy......................................... I
Player Eligibility................................. II
Physicals............................................ III
Tryouts............................................... IV
Schedules........................................... V
Quitting................................................. VI
Practice Expectations.........................VII
Athlete/Parent Attitude...................... VIII
School and Game Attendance......... IX
Parent Code of Ethics........................ X
Uniforms............................................. XI
Transportation.................................... XII
Training................................................ XIII
Athletic Boosters................................ XIV
Accessories.........................................XV
Parent Concerns................................ XVI
Tournaments.......................................XVII
Conference Affiliation........................ XVIII
Awards..................................................XIX
Acknowledgement............................. XX
I. Philosophy of Athletics
It is with great pride that St. Stephens Lutheran School provides its students with the opportunity to participate in a number of sports. The focus of our athletic program is learning to display Christian sportsmanship at all times. We want to provide the student with a quality atmosphere to increase his/her skills, while learning teamwork and developing self-esteem. The Athletic Department views the opportunity to work with your child as a tool to help in their personal development as well as Christian discipleship. Athletic competition is an excellent environment to learn to lose gracefully, win with class, and that through either of those experiences that a relationship with Christ supercedes the game itself. SSLS Athletics tries to impart the mindset of Ecclesiastes 9:10a that says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all of your might..." The student will be made aware that they are a representative of themselves, their parents, St. Stephen's Lutheran school and ultimately Jesus Christ.
II. Player Eligibility
In order to participate in a sport at SSLS, the child must be enrolled as a full-time student. A new student entering the school following the year's start date may join a team that did not have a "cut" process and has not played more than 1/3rd of the season's conference schedule. The student must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of a C or better. The student also may not have a grade of an F for any subject on the Progress Report (Edline report at the 4 week point of the semester) or the Report Card. If either of these occurs before a tryout period, then the student will not be allowed to try out for a team. If a Progress Report or Report Card is administered during the course of a sporting season, and either of these standards have not been met, the student will not be allowed to participate in games for at least two weeks, or until the grade is brought above passing status or the GPA is raised. The student may attend practice for this period, but may only participate in limited activity and is encouraged to bring their homework. We want them to be able to learn the plays and be a part of the team, while learning that academics come first at SSLS. This policy is only under reconsideration for students who have been tested and deal with an IEP or similar extensive learning situation. In those cases, the parent(s) will work with the administration of the school and the athletic director to set individual standards for that student. This information will not be privy to other students or parents and therefore will remain confidential. This will be analyzed at both the Progress Report (Edline report at the 4 week point of a quarter) and Report Card periods. Students may be periodically checked by the athletic director at the request of the parent or teacher for trends of poor academic performance. In these cases, students may be asked to refrain from individual game participation.
In addition to the academic standards, a certain number of other criteria must be met for eligibility. A student may be deemed ineligible for a then named period of time due to a poor attitude, poor behavior, or disrespect to a coach or official. A student must behave properly on all bus trips and restaurant stops in addition to games and practices. A student must also have a current athletic physical clearing them to try out for any sport. Both student and parent must sign and date the attached form on the final page of the handbook and return it to the athletic director prior to the first regular practice (before the tryout date is preferred). Finally, if an athlete is receiving multiple disciplinary infractions via the school (i.e. multiple detentions, suspensions, expulsion) the student may be required to sit out of games or, in serious situations, be removed from a team. SSLS will not allow someone that cannot behave in the classroom setting to represent them in front of other schools. This will hold true no matter how talented or athletic a student may be. Behavior in the classroom is a sign of behavior out of the classroom.
III. Athletic Physicals
All students must have a completed physical form by a doctor in order to tryout for a sport. SSLS will attempt to provide a date in which physicals will be conducted on school grounds or set at a doctor's office. This may not occur each year and is simply a service to the students and parents. If you wish to use a family doctor, that is completely acceptable.
Sports Offered
Cross Country (Coed 5-8)
Middle School Girls Volleyball (6-8)
Middle School Soccer (Coed 6-8)
Elementary Cheerleading (5-6)
Middle School Cheerleading (7-8)
Elementary Girls and Boys Basketball (5-6)
Middle School Girls and Boys Basketball (7-8)
Baseball (6-8)
Fast Pitch Softball (6-8)
Tennis (Coed 5-8)
Golf (Coed 5-8)
(Grade Exceptions Can Be Made Upon Team Need
IV. Tryouts
Due to the growing number of students wishing to participate in SSLS athletics, it has been necessary to incorporate a tryout process. Trying out does not ensure the student a place on an SSLS Team. At some point in this process it may be necessary for the coach to "cut" a player from any given team. The coach will set the number of students that he/she desires to keep (with AD approval), and may cut no matter how many students are a part of the tryout process. The coach will be empowered to cut a student for the following reasons: lack of necessary skill, poor attitude, health problems, inability to come to tryouts, poor "hustle" or work ethic during the tryout process, and limit of uniforms. The previous list is not exhaustive, but gives some idea to the selection process. There are times when it is necessary to "cut" when there are multiple students that would play certain positions on the court/field. In this case, we feel it would be more beneficial to the child to be able to be involved in the local recreational program and receive necessary experience rather than working hard daily for minimal playing time. The Athletic Department believes in this process and supports the coach's decisions. The student will be made aware during tryouts what the coach is looking for in the student's performance and may receive a private explanation for their exclusion from a team. Keep in mind that "cuts" may not be needed in every tryout situation.
V. Schedules
The coach and or Athletic Director will provide the student with a schedule of all practices and games. These schedules may change frequently due to the busy nature of our school. The athletic department will attempt to keep to these schedules to the best of its ability, but your flexibility is appreciated. If a schedule is misplaced, please see the coach or Athletic Director for a second copy.
VI. Quitting
The St. Stephens Lutheran School athletic program works diligently to find coaches that will be willing to give of there time and talents to our students. When a student decides to tryout for a team, they are saying that they wish to be apart of the team. When a player has completed a tryout and been chosen by one of our coaches for a team, a serious act has occurred. That student has made a commitment to that coach and the other players to be present for the entire season at all team functions. In light of our coaches' valuable time, the expression of the student themselves to play, and the commitment to the team, quitting is entirely unacceptable.
VII. Practice Expectations
To prepare for a game properly, a team must practice. Each student participating on a team is expected to attend all practices unless excused by the coach. If it is necessary for a student to be absent from a practice, they should give prior notice to the coach. The coach is given the right to make certain team rules regarding practice and how it affects playing time in a game. Each student is expected to follow his/her team rules. He or she should go to each practice with the proper attitude. Athletes must listen and obey the coach at all times. Speaking to any coach in an unacceptable manner will not be tolerated! If behavioral problems are repeated, the student will be dismissed from the team. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from practice. The first practice after the tryout process in each sport will be open to parents only. Following the first practice, it is respectfully asked that minimal parent attendance be practiced. This is simply to keep the environment focused and practice-ready. If you wish to attend practice regularly, please speak with the coach in advance and remain very quiet in the gym in respect of the coach and team. In case of basketball and volleyball, we ask that for your safety, as well as team concentration, that parents wait outside the gym until practice has ended. Exceptions include, picking a child up early for an appointment, coaches asking for parent to be present, or a medical emergency.
VIII. Athlete/Parent Attitude
It is very important that the athlete and the parent keep a positive outlook of the school, team, and coaching staffs. A student's outlook of a situation is often affected by his or her parent's outlook. If a situation arises making it difficult to be positive, please see the athletic director; attitude equals aptitude! Parents are jointly related to the success of the athlete. Please support the coaching staff by not coaching your child (or any others) from the sidelines during an event. We also ask that the remarks be encouraging and in a positive vocal tone. It is also important that parents and students keep a Christian attitude at games. It may be necessary at times to endure poor officiating as well as obnoxious and rude fans from other schools. St. Stephens Lutheran School prides itself in sportsmanship on and off the court. We must remember to keep Christ in the forefront of our attitudes and actions at all times.
IX. School and Game Attendance
An athlete must attend one half of a school day in order to be eligible to participate in an event. The student may stay until 11:30 AM of a school day or enter school by 11:30 AM of a school day and remain for the rest of the day. This rule is also enforced for practice days. (Exceptions may include medical or dental appointments.)
It is mandatory that all athletes be present at all games. Only excused absences by the school will excuse a student from missing a game. Unexcused absences will result in an athlete being required to sit out of a game. Attending a play, concert, another sporting event or a recital, are examples of unexcused absences. Excused absences may include honoring the death of a family member, personal illness or injury, and parental discipline.
X. Parent Code of Ethics for Sporting Events
1. I will remember that the athletic event is for the children and not the adults.
2. I will do my best to make the St. Stephens Athletic Program fun for my child.
3. I will expect my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect.
4. I will encourage and practice good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials.
5. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of any personal desire to win.
6. I will provide a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free environment for the athletes during a sporting event.
7. I will remember that my child and me represent a Christian institution and will keep all comments to coaches, officials, and guests as such.
8. I will show respect by supporting the coaches with both positive words and attitudes in the presence of students, and if I have any disagreement, I will work through the proper channels for its resolution.
9. I understand that if I do not behave in a Christian manner or follow the fore mentioned regulations I may be asked to leave the premises of the athletic event.
XI. Uniforms
SSLS works diligently to provide uniforms for the students. At this time, all uniforms are the property of SSLS and must be returned at the end of the season. Any lost articles must be paid for by that student. Anyone wishing to make donations to buy or replace specific uniforms is asked to make monetary donations to SSLS Athletic Boosters. These donations are tax deductible. Extra items may be necessary to purchase by the student (i.e. jackets, shoes, socks, hats, etc...), these items will become the property of the student. Uniforms are to be cared for as valuable property and placed in a dryer sparingly. If any problem arises with a uniform, please notify the coach or athletic director ASAP.
XII. Transportation
All team players will go together as a team to sporting events in school owned/leased vehicles. No child will be allowed to go to an event with parents. Children can go home with their parent if a signed release form is provided, relieving St. Stephens Lutheran School of liability. Anyone wishing their child to go home with someone other than themselves must sign a release form stating their child is to go home with that specific person(s).
XIII. Training
A student participating on an athletic team is considered an athlete in training. Therefore, any athlete caught drinking, smoking, using drugs, or violating other laws will be banned from sports for the current athletic year. A proper diet and regular exercise are needed during all sports seasons. It is vital to the athlete that their parent be involved in the mental and emotional condition, updating the coach or Athletic Director if any concerns arise. Weekly practice will be a part of this training in every sport. These practices will likely be very strenuous. Please be advised that each coach is different, and will be in charge of setting the practice regiment. St. Stephens Lutheran Athletic Program desires to produce an efficient student athlete.
XIV. Accessories
No jewelry may be worn during any athletic event! The coach will decide if any extras may be worn such as headbands or wristbands. In some cases a coach may wish for a team to purchase something extra, such as a team shoe or jacket. In these cases, the coach will work with the team members and parents on the cost of each item, which may not necessarily be the responsibility of the Athletic Department. If there are any problems or concerns in these areas, please see the Athletic Director.
XV. Athletic Boosters
The athletic program at St. Stephens is highly dependent on the Athletic Boosters to be successful. We depend on the Booster Fund to pay officials, replace uniforms, as well as for the upkeep of our facilities and equipment. It is important that we receive help and support in the following areas: concessions, admissions gate, clean-up, fundraisers and many others. Parents wishing to take pride in our sports program and lend their services to the boosters in any capacity should contact the Athletic Director. The athletic booster club meets during the school year on days voted on by the club and is divided into yearly committees. Booster admissions and levels of status are based upon donation levels.
XVI. Parent Concerns
St. Stephens understands that each child's safety and well-being is of the utmost importance. Because some of our coaches are parents and volunteers, we ask that all concerns be directed to the Athletic Director. If a parent does not receive satisfaction, the parent and Athletic Director will together take the necessary actions to make sure that the matter is resolved, i.e., contact coach, principal.
XVII. Tournaments
Due to a policy set by the 1996 St. Stephens Lutheran Church Board of Directors, we are limited to the number of long distance tournaments we may attend. The varsity boys and girls basketball teams at SSLS will be allowed to attend only one tournament of more that 400 miles round trip per basketball season. In order for a tournament to be attended, the following criteria must be met:
1. The tournament cannot conflict with the school's schedule or the Church worship season (i.e. Palm Sunday/Confirmation).
2. The tournament may not cause a significant time of missed academia.
3. Funds must be available, raised by the Athletic Booster Fund, or donated to the ABF.
If one team-boys or girls- travels to a given tournament (i.e. Lutheran National Tournament), then that is the represented tournament allowed for that year. The final decision to which team or teams attend a given tournament will be the decision of the Athletic Director and Principals. The cheerleading squad may or may not be included in said trips. Local tournaments are not affected by this policy, although the principals have the right to dictate the number of local tournaments attended.
XVIII. Conference Affiliation
St. Stephens Lutheran School is a member of the Western Piedmont Athletic Association (WPAA). This league is a help in setting rules for our sporting events, as well as setting limits on team size, etc… If you are interested in seeing the conference rules for a specific sport, please see the athletic director or look for WPAA Rules on edline under sports.
XIX. Awards
Sports award ceremonies may be held on one night, or a series of nights during the school year based upon availability of time and space. In recent years, as many as six awards have been presented in many sports. Some such awards are: Team Before Self Award, Most Improved, Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player, Most Valuable Player, and Coaches Award. The Athletic Department also awards two special awards yearly: the Athlete Scholar Award is given to a male and female student that has played two varsity sports for their 7th and 8th grade years and maintained the highest GPA for their gender; and the Sportsmanship Award is given to a male and female student that has played two varsity sports for their 7th and 8th grade years while exemplifying excellent sportsmanship and character on the field/court as voted on by school officials, coaches, and/or teachers.
XX. Acknowledgement
Please remove, sign, and return this sheet to the athletic director prior to your student’s tryout date. It is necessary for your child to return this signed form and a completed physical form into the athletic director to be cleared for tryouts.
I have read the St. Stephens Lutheran Athletic Handbook and understand and agree to follow the content thereof.
Parent ________________________________________
Student _______________________________________
Date ____________________________
Grade ___________________________
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