ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

Revised 7/00

In this program of team participation, athletes not only develop mentally and physically, but also broaden their concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship.  With these thoughts in mind, interscholastic athletics have been included in the total educational program at St. John the Baptist School.

SCHOOL CONFERENCE: CYO - Catholic Youth Organization

SCHOOL NICKNAME: Raiders

SCHOOL COLORS: Blue and Gold

• Girl's Volleyball 5th - 8th Grade

• Girl's Basketball 5th - 8th Grade

• Girl's Soccer 7th - 8th Grade

• Girl's Track 5th - 8th Grade

• Girl's Softball 7th - 8th Grade

• Cheerleading 5th - 8th Grade

• Boy's Football 4th - 8th Grade
• Boy's Basketball 5th - 8th Grade
• Boy's Soccer 7th - 8th Grade
• Boy's Track 5th - 8th Grade

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CYO Policy

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

St. John's School is committed to offering an athletic program that facilitates the spiritual, emotional, and physical growth of our young athletes.  We will provide our athletes with the opportunity to:

• Utilize the talent and ability that God has given them
• Develop good sportsmanship, teamwork, and individual responsibility
• Develop as a Christian young man or woman
• Learn integrity and quality in all that they do.

St. John's School offers a variety of athletic programs, each which have goals of their own. However, all programs share the following philosophy:

At the FOURTH, FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE LEVEL, our goals include:

1. developing basic skills
2. maximum participation is encouraged
3. learning the value of team play

At the SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE LEVEL, our goals include:

1. enhancing skills and techniques
2. developing specific positioning and game skills
3. learning the value of each role on a team
4. preparing for high school - skills, positioning, and discipline

*Coaches at the 7th and 8th grade level are dedicated to preparing our athletes for high school athletics

Under specific circumstances, the St. John's 7th grade athlete may be given the opportunity to play at the 8th grade level. The reason is to allow this player to continue to grow at the level he/she needs. The opportunity is initiated by the coaches involved. It must then be accepted by the athlete, parents and the Athletic Board.

At all grade levels, grades may be combined only if additional athletes are needed to complete a team.

CONCERNS: If at any time during the season there are concerns about the sports programs, PLEASE CONTACT THE COACH FIRST. Most concerns are handled more efficiently and effectively at this level. If this does not prove to be effective, please bring your concerns, using the concerns form, to an athletic board member, or present your concerns at an Athletic Association meeting. Athletic Association meetings are general held the third Tuesday of each month during the school year.

ATHLETE'S CODE OF CONDUCT

You are responsible for developing the necessary self-discipline to attain and maintain the appropriate mental and physical condition required for peak performance. Another responsibility you assume as an athlete is to your school. Since more is expected of you than other students in matters of school citizenship, leadership, and personal sacrifice, athletes will be expected to make a sincere effort to achieve and maintain a satisfactory scholastic standing in the classroom. 

As an athlete, you will have to sacrifice in terms of time, effort and other outside activities. Frequently, your conduct and attitude both on and off the field contribute to judgments made by students and community about our school. Such a responsibility requires that you engage only in activities which bring credit to yourself, your family and your school. You may quickly recognize that you are a model for younger athletes and as a model, it is natural that they emulate your attitude and actions.

The following are specific responsibilities for each St. John's athlete. Additional responsibilities may be given by each individual coach.

1. CYO POLICIES: As a St. John's athlete, you must adhere to all CYO policies.
2. GOOD STUDY HABITS: Education is the key to success for your future. Adequate study time is required for good grades. Your primary responsibility is to fulfill your highest potential as a student first and athlete second (See Eligibility Rules).
3. PRACTICE ATTENDANCE:   a) When accepting the responsibility of participating as an athlete in any of our sports, you are responsible for being present at all set meetings, practices, and games unless excused by a doctor or have prior consent from your coach; b) Having an unexcused absence could result in disciplinary action by the coach.
4. INJURIES: Injuries should be given immediate attention. Please notify coaches of any injuries or illnesses as soon as possible.
5. DRESS AND APPEARANCE: Take pride in your appearance. You should look as well off the field as on. Whenever you are before the public, you reflect school and community. Your appearance shall be clean and neat and conform to the sport and individual rules.
6. GOOD CITIZENSHIP: As a member of an athletic team, you are expected to be a lady or gentleman in class, around school, and away from school.
7. ATTITUDE: Your appearance, talk, and actions may influence people's opinion of you, your team, and your school. Once you have volunteered to be a member of our team, try to do what you are capable of and what is expected of you.
8. SUBSTANCE ABUSE: The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and non-professionally prescribed drugs or medications cannot be a part of the athlete's life either during or out of season. The harm you do by the use of these substances is not only to your health. You may harm the team, the sport and your school. No drinking of alcoholic beverages, use of tobacco, or possession of narcotics will be tolerated at any time during season or out of season. The guidelines regarding this are listed in the Student Handbook. Substance abuse will result in disciplinary action taken by the Principal, as well as discipline taken by the coach, and athletic board.
9. QUITTING A TEAM: If an athlete quits a team during the season for other than an injury related cause, they will not be recognized at the annual Sports Recognition Night as participating in that sport.

All St. John's athletes should conduct themselves in a Christian manner. Respect, in word and action, for teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials is expected at all times. All athletes will follow the school, team and CYO rules. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action from the Principal, Coach or Athletic Board.

ELIGIBILITY

All students at St. John's are eligible to play sports. They will become ineligible if they receive a failing grade (below 70%) or any Unsatisfactory (U) on their progress reports or report card. Teachers in grades 4-8 will review the athletes' grades two weeks after the date that progress reports or report cards are sent home. If the grade has not improved in that time, the student will be ineligible until the next progress report or report card. It is the students' responsibility to check with the teacher two weeks after he has received his grade report. If the student is passing and/or conduct has improved substantially, the teachers will give the students a new grade and/or conduct marks and the student will come to the Principal's office. The Principal will then let the Athletic Director know that the student either has/has not regained eligibility according to the established guidelines. At no time is the student who is failing allowed to participate in games or at practice until the coach has received the principal's permission.

Students on disciplinary probation may be ineligible to play sports during the probationary period.

Fall sport athletes who received a failing grade and/or a (U) in conduct at the end of the previous school year must sit out the first two weeks of the academic school year. After the first two weeks of school have been completed, the students' grades will be reviewed by the teachers and the eligibility process will be followed as usual. Fall sport students who have failed and/or received a (U) in the previous quarter are allowed to practice before school starts, up and until the first day of school, then they must serve their two-week probation. The principal will receive a list of team players and a schedule from the coach at the beginning of each sport season.

GENERAL ATHLETIC INFORMATION

1. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS - All athletes are responsible for all uniforms and equipment received. If uniforms or equipment are lost, athletes are responsible for replacing the lost items. Participation in the next eligible sport will not be allowed until an athlete's uniform or equipment has been accounted for. A uniform return night will be held at the end of each sport for the return of all equipment/uniforms.
2. SPORTS RECOGNITION NIGHT - is held for all athletes at the end of the school year. Athletes and their parents are invited.
3. PHYSICALS - Sports physicals are mandatory for all students in the St. John's Athletic Program. Athletes (cheerleaders are included), must complete and return a physical form before they are allowed to participate in their sport. One physical will suffice for all sports for a school year. Any exceptions to sports participation should be noted on the form.
4. FUNDRAISERS are an important aspect of the athletic program at St. John's. The cost of the athletic budget is partially defrayed by a fee per sport per athlete. This fee helps cover equipment and uniforms. This fee needs to be paid prior to issuance of any equipment/uniform. Checks should be made payable to St. John's Athletic Association. Refunds will only be issued prior to the first game of the season. Additional fundraisers are begin planned to subsidize the St. John's Athletic Program. Volunteers will be needed throughout the year to assist with these events.

DISTINGUISHED ATHLETE AWARD

The Distinguished Athlete Award is given to an 8t grade boy and an 8th grade girl who excel in four categories: Leadership, Academics, Sportsmanship, and Athletics. Voting is conducted on a four point system with 4 being the highest and 1 the lowest. The head coach of each sport will nominate a maximum of three 8th grade athletes (male and female). The coach will vote on the categories of sportsmanship and athletic ability. Only the head coach will vote for the Distinguished Athlete Award. The principa; and one junior high teacher will vote on the categories of leadership and academics. Voting is confidential. The Athletic Board will tally the sealed votes after all ballots have been received. The winners will be announced at the Sports Recognition Night held each year in May. The top three male and female nominees will be identified, with the two runners-up receiving plaques and the distinguished athletes receiving trophies.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The St. John's Athletic Association consists of four (4) elected officers. Officers are President (Athletic Director), Vice President and CYO Representative, Secretary and Treasurer. Election of officers take place in the spring.

The Athletic Board shall:

1. establish and govern athletic policy for the entire interscholastic athletic program
2. approve and recommend the annual athletic budget
3. hold open forum meetings for the discussion of the athletic concerns of the coaching staff and student athletes
4. annually update the Athletic Handbook

PRESIDENT (ATHLETIC DIRECTOR)

The primary responsibility of the President (Athletic Director) is the administration and supervision of the interscholastic athletic program in St. John's School. He/she will probide the leadership necessary for the day-to-day operation of the athletic department.

The President (Athletic Director) shall:

1. direct the operation of the athletic program
2. assist in approving and supervising coaches
3. evaluate the athletic program and the athletic staff
4. act as a School Board liason
5. verify athletes academic and physical eligibility
6. maintain lists of coaches and team rosters
7. plan and coordinate all athletic association's functions

VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President probides assistance in organization and communication with the coaches and athletes.

The Vice President shall:

1. assist in approving and supervising coaches
2. provide communication to coaches
3. collect athletic fees from coaches
4. serve as CYO representative
5. serve as fundraising chairperson

TREASURER

The Treasurer is primarily responsible for the tracking of moneys that flow through the Athletic Association.

The Treasurer shall:

1. coordinate annual athletic budget
2. approve expenses
3. maintain income and expense records
4. maintain uniform records
5. prepare annual reports

The secretary assists the Athletic Director with all athletic association functions.

The secretary shall:

1. maintain calendar and notes on all athletic board functions
2. maintain updates to Athletic Handbook
3. distribute minutes and other communications for newsletters, bulletins, coaches, etc.

All coaches at St. John's are volunteers. Coaches shall be responsible to the Athletic Director for the total operation (collecting all physicals, fees, etc.) of their respective sports programs. All coaches shall act as official representatives of the school as they carry out their interscholastic athletic responsibilities. All coaches will be responsible for the normal duties required of interscholastic competition, those duties described in the coaches' job description, and/or any duties delegated by the Athletic Director.

The head coach/assistant coach shall:

1. represent the school in interscholastic activities
2. conduct their work within the framework of the goals of the school, the policies and procedures of the depratment of athletics, diocesan policies, and state statutes
3. determine team selection fairly
4. strictly enforce eligibility rules
5. consider athletics as part of the total educational program, encouraging athletes to work to their maximum ability in academics and Christian behavior, as well as in sports
6. exhibit proper and exemplary behavior at all times
7. implement the Code of Conduct for all athletes
8. be entirely responsible for the supervision and guidance of students in their charge
9. pray before and after every game

**CYO Policy has been reprinted exactly as it is given to us by the CYO office (Revised 11/2007)

Article I- Mission

This athletic program is to pr../../SPORTS_Athleticsovide reasonable physical education, to instill a Christ-like code of sportsmanship, and to give an opportunity for participation in athletics at the grade school level.

Article II- Theme

The underlying theme of every program shall be: “It is not important who wins; it is important youth play.”

Article III- Eligibility

Section 1- Age: any player 16 years old on or before August 1, is ineligible to play in the CYO program that school year.

Section 2- Gender: Boys must play in boys sports and girls in girls sports.

            Clarification of Boys and Girls sports:

Boys football, Girls volleyball, Girls Cheerleading, Boys basketball, Girls basketball, Boys soccer, Girls soccer, Girls softball, Boys track, and Girls track

Section 3- School: A student must be registered in the school they are playing for and have not completed the eighth grade.  Any student added to the school squad after the season starts may become eligible in the CYO League, provided all other rules are observed and the student’s name is submitted to the CYO office by the coach.

Section 4- Multiple and Single Teams: This policy applies to varsity (7^th & 8^th) teams.

A- For a school that enters 2 teams in any sport: Each athlete may play on a higher grade level team BUT MUST stay on that team for the duration of the season and tournament.

B- For a school that enters only 1 team in any sport: Each athlete may play on a higher grade level if the school does not have enough players to make a team.  That same athlete MAY also compete on a team of his/her own grade level.

C- Please see individual sport rules for exceptions to these 2 rules.

D- A player may only play on one tournament team with the exception of Rule B.

E- One team per grade level can be entered in tournament play.

F- The name of any player that will be moving up (Per Rule A and B) and reason must be submitted by the Parish Representative to the CYO Office for approval.

Section 5- Scholastic Suspension: It is the CYO Policy for the Pastor/Principal to handle all discipline and scholastic problems.

Article IV- Team Requirements

Section 1- CYO Consent Forms: CYO Consent Forms MUST be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the CYO Office by the date given for each sport.  Only one consent form per year.

Section 2- Physical forms and Player Fees: Each player must have a physical form on file with their school.  Also, a player fee per sport (including cheerleading), must be turned into the CYO Office prior to the start of each season.  Violation of this rule will result in the athlete not being allowed to play until the situation has been corrected.

Section 3- Team Roster: In the 7^th & 8^th grade division each team may dress a total of three complete teams for any game, however more players may be carried on the roster.

Section 4- Awards: All awards will be presented after the championship tournament game of each division.

Article V- Miscellaneous

Section 1- Game Changes: ALL game changes must be arranged through the CYO Office.

Section 2- Division:

A- Enrollment figures will be used for division placement if more than one division is required.

B- A Team may request to move up or down a division (based on ability).  Final decision is the responsibility of the Executive/Divisions Committee.

C- Combining of Schools: Schools wishing to combine with another school(s) to create a combined team must submit a formal request through their Parish Representative to the CYO Board.  The following criteria will be considered: enrollment, geographic location, and number of available athletes.

Section 3- Determining Regular Season Tie-Breakers:

A- Two-way ties: Head to Head winner

B- Three-way ties: 1. Head to Head, 2. Team with the most net points against the other two tied teams, and 3. Coin toss

Section 4- Adult Supervision: The CYO recommends a Female adult be present on the bench, in the locker room, and suggested to be at all practices if a girls’s team has a male coach or coaches.  Vise versa if a boy’s team has a female coach or coaches.

Section 5- CYO Workers: Priority of workers will be given to students of the Catholic High Schools.

Article VI- Penalties

Section 1- Protest Rules: There is no protest rule in the CYO.  The official’s game decisions are final.  A grievance of any nature must be submitted in writing to the CYO Office.

Section 2- Penalty of eligibility: Infractions is an automatic forfeiture of all games in which the player or team participated in.

Section 3- Unsportsmanlike Conduct: any use of profanity, gestures, physical display of temper or verbal/physical harassment of officials, coaches, player, or spectators will constitute unsportsmanlike conduct.

Section 4- If a player, coach, or spectator is ejected from a game, they will be suspended from the next scheduled CYO game.

Section 5- any ejected player or coach may appeal this ruling within 48 hours of the incident with a written request to the CYO Office.  The Parish Representative will file this request.  The official will also file a report.  The officers will then make a decision as to whether the player or coach may be reinstated for the next game.  The findings of the officers will be final and binding.  If the official’s report is not submitted within 48 hours, the suspension form the next CYO game will not be upheld.

CYO Nov. 13, 2007

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS WITH ATHLETIC CHILDREN

1. Make sure your children know that win or lose, scared or heroic, you love them, appreciate their efforts and are not disappointed in them. This will allow them to do their best without a fear of failure. Be the person in their life they can look to for constant, positive reinforcement.

2. Try your best to be completely honest about your children's athletic capability, their competitive attitude, sportsmanship, and actual skill level.

3. Be helpful, but don't coach them on the way to the rink, pool or track or on the way back or at breakfast and so on. It's tough not to, but it's a lot tougher for children to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and often critical instructions.

4. Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying", to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help them to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.

5. Try not to relive your athletic life through your children in a way that creates pressure; you fumbled too; you lost as well as won. You were frightened; you backed off at times; you were not always heroic. Don't pressure them because of your lost pride.

6. Don't compete with the coach. If the coach becomes an authority figure, it will run from enchantment to disenchantment with your athlete.

7. Don't compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your children with other members of the team, at least within their hearing.

8. Get to know the coach so that you can be assured that the philosophy, attitudes, ethics, and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under this leadership.

9. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before overreacting.

10. Make a point of understanding courage and the fact that it is relative. Some of use can climb mountains and are afraid to fight. Some of us will fight but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomfort. The job of the parents of athletic children is a tough one, and it takes a lot of effort to do it well.  It is worth all the effort when you hear your youngster say, "My parents really helped, I was lucky in this."

    Center for Sports Psychology, Colorado Springs, Colorado