Athletic Handbook PREFACE

            The purpose of this material is to provide a resource for parents, coaches, and children.  Parents need to take the time to carefully read and discuss the contents with their children.  Coaches need to be familiar with the philosophy and policies included and discuss them with their players.

READ THIS HANDBOOK! 

 See if you can find the answers to these questions

• o What is the philosophy of athletics at B.S.S.?
• o What is expected of me? (child, parent, coach)
• o What sports are offered at B.S.S,
• o What do I do if I have a problem?

 We thank you in advance for taking the time to read this material.

Blessed Sacrament Athletic Committee

PHILOSOPHY

            The goals of teamwork, good sportsmanship, skill development, fun, and positive self-esteem are of primary importance in athletics and will enhance the competitive experience.  At Blessed Sacrament, we believe that athletics should:

• Be a complement to the Parish educational program.
• Provide experience to help boys and girls develop a Christian attitude toward competition and cooperation.
• Help boys and girls develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Develop a sense of teamwork and cooperation. 

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

The Athletic Committee is composed of the following people:

• Athletic Director
• Chairperson
• Treasurer
• Secretary

There are 2 committee members for each grade.  Each represents boys and girls.  Committee members serve a minimum of two years.  This term is renewable as agreed upon by committee members.

The Athletic Committee is a subcommittee of the Education Commission, and meets approximately once each month, September through May.  Its members are appointees and volunteers, and serve in a variety of ways.  This committee is responsible for:

• Finding coaches
• Fundraising
• Supervision of programs provided
• Communicating information about athletics to families
• Coordinating coaches meetings for each sport at the beginning of the season.

COACHES

            Blessed Sacrament School coaches are recommended to the athletic committee and principal for their approval before they begin participating.  All are expected to be familiar with Blessed Sacrament and Diocesan guidelines.  All coaches attend the Blessed Sacrament coaches meeting and Diocesan meeting.  All coaches and assistants are required to attend "Virtus" training (this includes a background check).

MAISL SPORTS OFFERED AT Blessed Sacrament School

The following sports are available at Blessed Sacrament School:

*Club Sport, non-MAISL

Our school colors are black, white and gold.  We want to show pride in our school and that can be reflected in what is worn to the games.  Jerseys or t-shirts are supplied and must be worn to the games or your child will not be allowed to play in the game.  Black shorts will need to be purchased and worn for all games.  These need to be athletic shorts for both boys and girls.  For girls, spandex shorts may be worn to practice only, but not in games.  If girls or boys are wearing a t-shirt under their jersey, it needs to be white, unless the boys are wearing the black jersey in which case they will need to wear a black t-shirt.

FORMS

Parental Permission Slip:  A signed parental permission slip and physical form must be on file each year for all students participating in any sport prior to play/practice.  Students will not be allowed to practice/participate until these forms are on file.

SCHEDULES

            Teams generally practice after school - early evening hours, twice weekly.

            Games schedules are arranged by the MAISL scheduling committee, and given to parents via the coaches.  Children play an average of two games/week.  According to Diocesan regulations, schedules should be complete before the season begins.  In addition, all schedules should be available to parents in a timely manner.

PLAYING TIME

At this age, playing is what makes a child feel part of the team.  At Blessed Sacrament School, all children that participate in scheduled practices, and who are not sanctioned (disciplinary, academic) need to play in each game.

            As stated in the Diocesan regulations, "a goal to work toward is that each child should play a minimum of one-fourth the total game".  Coaches should not let "winning" influence their discretion in determining actual playing time.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS

Parents should:

1. Display and exemplify Christian values, emphasizing teamwork, good sportsmanship, fun and self-esteem.
2. Emphasize that sports are only one part of life, and winning as well as losing are opportunities for learning.
3. Have children to practices/games on time/pick up children on time.
4. Inform coaching staff of any special concerns you have about your child relating to athletics.  (I.e. asthma, injury, etc.)
5. Watch your child play, and encourage their teammates!
6. Let the coaches do the coaching and running of the team.
7. Work with the coaches to resolve disciplinary problems.
8. Realize that this is an all-volunteer organization, depending on participation.  There are a variety of ways that parents can involve themselves, making use of their talents and abilities.

EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES

Coaches should:

1. Display and exemplify Christian values.
2. Promote healthy competition, encourage enjoyment of team sports, emphasizing teamwork, good sportsmanship, and the development of skills and self-esteem.
3. Treat each player as an individual, remembering the wide range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
4. Provide players and parents with an orientation meeting at the beginning of the season to explain rules and regulations of the game.
5. Explain to players/parents at the beginning of the season, (preferably in writing) their expectations regarding conduct, practice, facility use, and responsibility.
6. Inform parents in a timely manner, of unresolved problems regarding their children, and enlist their support.
7. Find a parent rep for their team.
8. Work with the parent representative to solve problems and communicate with parents.
9. Explain to parents the "winning" is not the sole factor in determining actual playing time.
10. Use discretion and respect confidentiality when dealing with the individual athletes and parents.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

            Children need to understand that athletics is a privilege, not a right.  To earn that privilege, children should:

1. Act in a Christian manner with coaches, team members, opponents.
2. Have fun, be a good sport and play to the best of their abilities at practices and games.
3. Arrive at games/practices on time.
4. Remember that they play as a team and encourage their teammates to do the same.
5. Learn the rules of the game and be aware of their responsibilities as a member of a team.
6. Respect property at both home and away games.
7. Communicate with and treat coaches, players, officials etc. with respect.
8. Talk to their parents about any unresolved problems regarding coaches and/or teammates.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENT REPRESENTATIVE

            Parent Representatives should:

1. Display and exemplify Christian values.
2. Help parents understand B.S.S. and Diocesan athletic guidelines. A thorough knowledge of this handbook will help.
3. Assist volunteer coach in communicating with parents by setting up initial team/parent meeting to discuss expectations, phone trees, arranging parties, etc.
4. Encourage parents' attendance at games and practices.
5. Organize coaches' gifts and parties.
6. Use discretion and respect confidentiality when dealing with individual athletes, parents and coaches.

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY CODE

            It is generally understood that a coach is to develop a rapport with their players, and may need to use actions under their control to keep order in practices and games.

Serious Infractions:  Serious infractions of school rules will be referred directly to the school principal for disciplinary action.

Minor Infractions:  Minor rule infractions will follow:

1. Verbally warn players.
2. Send a note home to parent, to be returned signed.
3. Should additional disciplinary action be needed, it will be determined in consultation with parent. Written notification of offense and action will be sent to the Principal and Athletic Director.
4. Should expulsion from team be warranted, a written note of offense and action would be sent to the Principal and Athletic Director for approval.

Academic Infractions:  Students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics must live up to their responsibilities at school before they are allowed to play.  Students must do their schoolwork and be cooperative.  If a problem arises, students will be given a warning.  The next step is that the student will not be allowed to participate in school athletics for a week.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

            If a player has a grievance, it should be handled by the parent.  Parents should:

1. Discuss their concern with the coach. If unresolved,
2. Discuss with the athletic committee grade representative. Documentation of meeting sent to Athletic Director regarding problem and resolution. If unresolved,
3. Meet with Athletic Director to determine if problem can be resolved. If unresolved,
4. Contact the President of the Athletic Committee, notifying him/her that you wish to bring the matter to the full committee.

If a coach has a problem with a parent they should:

1. Talk to the parent directly. If unresolved,
2. Consult with Athletic Director and/or Athletic Committee President regarding action.