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St. Charles Athletic Handbook

(Revision 9/28/2007)

Table of Contents

Introduction and Welcome…………………………………………………...1

Athletic Philosophy and Mission Statement……..………………………….1

Archdiocese of Milwaukee Regulations…………………………………...1-2

Authority and Relationship to Parish Council…………………………….....2

Player Eligibility…………………………………………………………...2-4

Player Responsibilities……………………………………………………..4-5

Parental Responsibilities/Hours……………………………………………5-6

Athletic Staff Responsibilities

Coaches Responsibilities………………………………………………...6-7

Coaches Certification …………………………………………………...7-8

RecreationCenter Supervisor Responsibilities………………………….8-9

Admissions Worker Responsibilities……………………………………10

Concessions Worker Responsibilities……………………………………10

Team Parent Responsibilities…………………………………………….11

Sports Coordinators Responsibilities …………………………………....12

Concession Operations Coordinator ……………………………………12

Equipment Manager……………………………………………………..12

Parish Athletic Director………………………………………………….12

Parish Athletic Association Staff and Athletic Director Appointment….13

Coaching Appointments …………………………………………………..13

Sportsmanship Code of Ethics……………………………………………..14

Fee Structure..……………………………………………………………...14

Team Formation/Playing Time…………………………………………….15

Volleyball ………………………………………………………………..15

Basketball ……………………………………………………………..16-17

Track……………………………………………………………………..17

Physical Examination ………………………………………………………18

Tournaments……………………………………………………………….18

CYM Program Guidelines………………………………………………18-26

Athletic Banquet and Awards……………………………………………...26

Problem Solving Procedures……………………………………………….27

Suggestions…………………………………………………………………27

Amendments………………………………………………………………..28

Directions to WACC Conference Schools……………………………….28-29

Introduction and Welcome

Welcome to St. Charles Parish Athletic Association. We are happy to present a copy of our Athletic Association Handbook to you. This booklet has been designed to help you know your Association better. We believe it is our responsibility to keep you accurately informed of the Association’s policies and procedures. This booklet is a summary of the principles for which we stand, the benefits to which you are entitled, and the obligations you assume as a member. It is a pleasure to welcome new members and extend best wishes to those who have been a part of the program.

Athletic Philosophy & Mission Statement

Mission Statement:

To provide athletic and sports opportunities in a Christian environment for St. Charles Parish students. These opportunities will complement the schools efforts to provide comprehensive educational and growth opportunities, as well as help the students enjoy sports and recreational activities. Each individual is to be valued as a unique person, possessing in his or her own way unique gifts from God.

Objectives:

  1. To model Christian values.
  2. To include all students who express an interest in participating.
  3. To teach appropriate reactions and attitudes associated with winning andlosing (sportsmanship).
  4. Teach the rules and fundamental skills of the game.
  5. To develop team spirit by promoting teamwork and improving each player’s unique abilities.
  6. To promote the need for good physical health and fitness, as well asimprovement of motor skills.
  7. To participate in interscholastic competition.

Archdiocese of Milwaukee Regulations

  1. A student may participate currently in only one sport, on only one team in the same sport, and in only one league during the sport season. No dual participation in the same sport is permitted.
  2. Sports seasons are defined as:

Fall season: Volleyball – August 15th to November 7th

Winter season: Basketball – November 1st to March 31st

Spring Season: Track – April 1st to End of School Year

**All practices and games (independent, league and tournament) must take place during the defined sport season.

  1. A team’s entire competitive season must be completed before any member of thatteam may begin participation in another sport. This restriction applies to practices as well as games or matches.
  2. There is to be no practice, nor competition without competent adult supervision 21 or over.
  3. Travel to games must be kept at a reasonable distance especially on days preceding a school day. The player’s health and education must be safeguarded by the school.
  4. No student may participate in any phase of a school sponsored athletic program without a physical examination by a licensed physician every two years.
  5. Eligibility to compete will be determined by the player’s effort and conduct in school. Such determination will be made by the school principal after consultation with the player’s teachers. Athletes must maintain an academic average equal to their abilities. Proper behavior and attitude is also necessary for athletic participation.
  6. All coaches shall be certified in:
  7. Virtus
  8. Specific sport training/clinic.
  9. Christian coaching philosophies, risk management, injury prevention, treatment and first aid.

Authority and Relationship to the Parish Council

The St. Charles Athletic Program abides by all Milwaukee Archdiocesan policies relating to athletics and our Parish Council policies. It is accountable to the Parish Council, and receives its authority and responsibilities from the St. Charles Parish Council.

Player Eligibility

Registered Parish youth who are presently enrolled in the St. CharlesSchool or are actively participating in the St. Charles Religious Education program will be eligible to participate in all athletic programs offered by St. Charles regardless of sex or skill. Title IX of the Civil Rights Act requires that equal opportunity be provided to both sexes to participate in Athletics. However, it does allow for separation during participation in contact sports.

  1. Academics are a student’s primary obligation. However, when a student chooses to participate in extracurricular activities, he/she has made a commitment to that activity and thus, it is his or her responsibility to budget his/her time between school and the other activities.
  2. Students enrolled in St. CharlesSchool competitive sports must maintain a C or (2.0) average or better in each core curriculum subject in order toparticipate in competitive sports. Core curriculum subjects include: religion, social studies, science, mathematics, literature, and language arts.

Students who fall below a C average will be placed on athletic probation and will

have two weeks to raise the unacceptable grade (s). After two weeks, if the grade

(s) is/are still below C, student, parent, teacher, and principal will meet to

develop a study plan and an agreed upon probation extension. Student may

practice and play during probation period. Failure to improve to C average

within the extended probation period will result in academic suspension and

student will not be eligible to participate in practice or games. Exceptions may

be made by the principal on an individual basis commensurate to student ability

with the input of the principle, teacher, and parents.

  1. Christian Formation students will receive a letter from Athletics prior to the start of the sports season. This letter will explain the policy and request that their school principal or academic advisor verify that their grades are in compliance and then return the form to our Athletic Director before the first game of their season. Along with this the Director of Religious Education must approve that the athlete has been and still is actively participating in Religious Education classes at St. Charles.
  1. The end of the 1st quarter will be the “fresh start” for those on the ineligibility list from the previous year or 4th quarter.
  1. A student athlete may compete concurrently in only one sport, on only one team in the same sport, and in only one league during the sport season. A student athlete on a parish-based team who attends a public school may not play or practice on the parish team and the school team concurrently. A student-athlete may not play on a school/parish team such as a select all star, club tournament, AAU or recreation league team at the same time during the season. The student athlete’s primary responsibility is to the St. Charles programs.
  1. All student athletes must have a parental permission slip on file with the Athletic Association Board before they are allowed to participate in any athletic activity. The form gives permission to have qualified medical personnel treat the student-athlete in the event of an accident or injury during an event when the parent cannot be notified. By signing this form the parent releases the coach, the school, the parish, and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee from any and all legal responsibility should an injury occur to the student-athlete during any athletic competition or practice.
  1. All student-athletes must have a physical exam at least every two years. Thedoctor’s release must be on file with the Athletic Director before the studentathlete is allowed to participate in any athletic activity. Any emergencyinformation must be identified on this form. Coaches are given complete rosters ofparticipants on their team, along with a copy of the permissionslips tocarry with them to all games and practices.
  1. No team using the parish name, uniforms, or facilities can begin operation without the explicit knowledge and approval of the Athletic Director.
  1. All fees must be paid prior to participation. Each student-athlete will be chargeda fee at spring sign up in each sport for participation and uniform rental/purchase.
  1. Student athletes with “Special Needs” will be evaluated prior to the season by the

Athletic Association Board to determine any restrictions deemed necessary so as to protect the participants well being.

  1. At the end of each school year, parents and athletes will be given a two day sign-up period for the following school year. Fees will be due at this time. Anyone not able to signup on these dates MUST contact the Athletic Director prior to the sign-up so as to make special arrangements. Anyone not contacting the Athletic Director and missing the sign-up dates will be charged a late fee of $25. This sign-up is necessary for planning the upcoming seasons. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  1. All home school children must be enrolled in and participating in a regular basisin Christian Formation. If not enrolled in Christian Formation, the child must be given exemption from the Director of Religious Education.
  1. PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!

Player Responsibilities

  1. A player must attend all practices, scrimmages, games, and tournaments unless excused by the coach for what the coach deems to be a legitimate reason. The coach must be notified of any absences for whatever reason. Unexcused absences may affect playing time for the student athlete.
  1. A student/athlete’s school responsibilities come before practice and games. Onlystudents in good academic standing are eligible to participate in St. Charles athletics.
  1. Players are expected to conduct themselves as young ladies and gentlemen in an appropriate manner at all times whether as a participant or as a spectator. Inappropriate behavior as determined by the coach or Athletic Director may affect allotted playing time and participation in St. Charles athletics. Student athletesmust remember that they represent St. Charles Parish community and their Christian family when participating in athletics. Any player found drinking alcohol, using drugs, smoking, fighting, or in any other wayabusing their physical well-being will be immediately suspended from all teams.
  1. Inappropriate actions with regard to parish property, facilities, equipment, or uniforms will be subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Athletic Director.
  1. Respect teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. Coaches are volunteers, giving of their personal time. Officials are symbols of fair play and integrity.
  1. All uniforms and equipment must be returned clean and in good condition at the end of each sport season. Failure to return a uniform (basketball and volleyball) in good repair at the end of the season or not turning in a uniform at all at the end of the season will result in the student athlete not getting their final report card until a $75 replacement fee is paid. The final report card will be released when the uniform is turned in, repaired, or the fee for lost or worn uniform is paid. Loss of eligibility for any other sport until uniform is paid for or turned in will be enforced.

Parental Responsibilities

  1. Parents should feel welcomed and encouraged to attend practice and observe the team practices. At no time does a parent have the right to participate in coaching at a practice or a game without the coach’s permission.
  1. Parents are expected to set a good example for the student/athletes. All spectators are expected to act in a Christian and sportsmanlike manner at all times. Parents are encouraged to attend games in which their children participate. Cheer for your team, but do not abuse opponents, coaches, officials, or referees.
  1. Parent permission slips and insurance cards must be on file with the Athletic Director before any child can participate in any sport. Be sure that physical exams are scheduled early in the year so as not to jeopardize your student athlete from practice or games. A participation fee is required for each sport to help defray the costs of each activity. The fees are different for each sport and are reviewed annually. Auniform replacement fee for each sport will also be collected in addition to the participation fee when a uniform is not returned or it is not returned in good condition at the end of each sport season.

4.Each parent will be responsible for 5 hours of volunteer help for each sport their son/daughter participates in. You will be provided a schedule at the beginning of the season with your hours of volunteerism for concessions, gym duty, ticketcollection,etc….It will be your duty to switch with someone if you cannot make your respective times and dates. A parent not wanting to follow these guidelines has the opportunity to pay a $100 fee per sport, per student, to not participate in the volunteer program. Phone numbers of volunteers are in the Parish Directory, if needed. St. Charles tournaments at St. Charles will require all parents to help beyond their five (5) hours of the season help.

  1. Parents need to be responsible for getting the athletes to practice on time, as well as picking them up on time. Remember the coaches are donating their free time, so please be prompt. Coaches are also not allowed to transport your son ordaughter in any way, shape, or form unless parental consent is given.
  1. All fees must be paid at spring sign up. All student/athletes must be signed up at spring sign-up. A $25 late fee will be charged to those who do not sign up at this time. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Coaches Responsibilities & Requirements

  1. Coaches will hold a pre-season meeting with parents of all student/athletes to familiarize the parents with the coach’s practice and game schedules, player conduct expectations, playing time, and other related topics. Parents will be advised of their responsibilities in regard to volunteer time and gym duties during assigned league games and tournaments.
  1. Coaches will keep attendance records for practices, scrimmages, games, and tournaments and will be responsible for records dealing with disciplinary actions.
  1. Coaches will give players an equal opportunity to participate in practice and will follow the playing time rules as set in this athletic policy.
  1. Coaches are expected to provide coaching on the fundamentals of their respective sports commensurate with the player’s ability.
  1. Coaches will conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to themselves, their players, and to our St. Charles Parish. Coaches will be held responsible for the actions of their players during games and should set a good example in terms of sportsmanship.
  1. Coaches provide a very worthy service to an athlete. They must remember that they play an important part in the development of the student-athlete under their supervision. Coaches must conduct themselves as Christians at all times. Theymust not interfere with or impede, and must cooperate with the school’s program.

Imprudent actions on the part of the coaches are subject to disciplinary action bythe Athletic Director/Athletic Association.

  1. Coachesare expected to attend coaches’ meetings and any coaches’ clinicssponsored or endorsed by the Athletic Program.
  1. In the event that a child’s behavior warrants disciplinary action by the coach resulting in temporary suspension of playing rights, the coach will personally communicate with the parent and communicate circumstances of the disciplinary action to the Athletic Director before the disciplinary action is to take place.
  1. Coaches will provide proper supervision at games, practices, and in locker rooms.
  1. Each team will have a Head Coach and at leastone Assistant Coach.
  1. Each coach will get a set of keys to the RecreationCenter at the beginning of each season. Each coach will be responsible to sign the proper paperwork necessary for obtaining a key at the Parish Office.
  1. Coaches are responsible for arranging their own tournaments.
  1. Coaches serve as the first step in grievance procedure concerning his/her team.
  1. Any coach defying the spirit of the playing time rules will receive a warning if necessary from the athletic director. A second warning of the same nature will result in the coach being removed from his/her coaching position for no less than the remainder of the season. If his/her desires are to coach the following year he/she must be approved by the Athletic Board of St. Charles.
  1. Coaches are allowed to submit their tournament requests directly to the parish office. No approval is needed from the Athletic Director for these tournaments.
  1. Coaches are not allowed or authorized to buy anything for their particular sports team without approval from the Athletic Director. An equipment manager or the Athletic director will approve the request as well as buy the items needed.
  1. Any activities beyond the scope of normal practice schedules, or the approved tournaments, must also be approved by the Athletic Director/Athletic Board. Practice times will be coordinated between the Parish Office and the Athletic Director and any use of the Recreation Center by any team or coach must be approved and be on the Master Calendar for the Recreation Center.
  1. Each coach is to sign in and out on the forms in the equipment room whenever their team uses the RecreationCenter. This form indicates use of the RecreationCenter as well as that it is left in good condition.

Coaches Certification

  1. All coaches must be certified.
  1. The training programs for certification for ALL coaches shall include:

a.)View of the Coach’s video from the Archdiocese. (one time)

b.)Virtus training must be completed before your first interaction with the student athletes. (one time)

  1. Attend a coaching clinic of the designated sport each year.
  1. All coaches at the end of the year are subject to a coach’s review conducted by the Athletic Director/Athletic Board. Coaching a team one year does not give the coach the automatic responsibility for the next year.
  1. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR ANY COACH NOT HAVING THE PROPER CERTIFICATION.

RecreationCenter Supervisor Responsibilities