2009-2010

Athletic Handbook

Athletic Director:  Jeff Miller

United in faith, we serve the Kingdom of God by building lives that
are rooted in the Word, centered on Christ, and motivated by Grace;
to reflect Christ’s love and share His Gospel with all.

St. John Lutheran School

“Laying Foundations for the Future”

“He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6

Philosophy

The athletic program of St. John Lutheran School serves as an extracurricular arm of the school.  Its purposes and goals are consistent with the philosophy, purposes, and objectives of the school as listed in the forepart of the Student - Parent Handbook .  We believe that participation in athletics can be a positive component in the growth and development of any child’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.  Our purpose and aim includes 1) Christian fellowship and sportsmanship; 2) opportunities for Christian witness; 3) an outlet for physical exercise; 4) an opportunity to participate in athletic competition; and 5) the fostering of an individual’s self-confidence.  These purposes rank higher than a team’s achievement in winning games by score or a team’s accomplishment of an “impressive” won-loss record.  If these do occur, then all praise and glory go to the Lord. 

Objectives

1. That each participant understands that the victory of eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the major goal in life.  (this includes athletics)
2. That each participant honors God and accords Him praise for the blessings of physical health and the ability to participate.
3. That each participant grows in Christian fellowship, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a setting that includes athletic training and competition. 
4. That each participant experiences an increase in self-worth and self-confidence. 
5. That each participant develops a greater capacity for physical fitness.
6. That each participant advances or improves in his or her individual skill level, principally in the sports offered at St. John.

Sports Offered

• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Cross Country
• Basketball
• Track and Field

The sports listed above will be offered at St. John as long as we have willing volunteer coaches and we have enough interest and participation to support a team.  Teams will be combined when necessary to have adequate numbers on each roster. 

Participation

Participation in the athletic program is offered for students in grades 5-8.  Generally there are two levels of participation:  junior varsity (grades 5-6) and varsity (grades 7-8).  The roster of each team is determined by the athletic director and the coaches involved.  Students at the lower level may be asked to play at the higher level if the need arises.  The coaches of both levels would determine which additional players would be used to fill the need.  Parents are required to complete the proper agreement forms and satisfy the participation fees before the student can participate in regularly scheduled games. 

Sports Physical

Students are required to take an annual health exam or physical before participating in a sport.  One physical per year qualifies the student for entry into all sports. 

Playing Time

Players at the varsity level (grades 7-8) will compete individually for starting positions and quantity of playing time.  Playing time on the court or field is judged by skill, effort, attitude, and practice attendance.  It is expected that a participant notify the coach if he or she is unable to attend a practice or game.  Absences, especially unexcused, normally would result in a reduced amount of playing time in a regular game.  Three excused absences are permitted.  Direct communication with the coach is very important.  To participate in a game, students must be present at school for a full day of instruction on game days, unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as a doctor’s appointment.  The junior varsity teams will concentrate mainly on fundamentals, participation, and learning the rules and concepts of the game.  The varsity teams will maintain this emphasis but will also increase the regard to be competitive and strategic in game situations.  It is possible that not all players on a varsity team would incur playing time in each game.  However, all players at the junior varsity level are assured floor time in each game.  This holds true under the condition that the player has been regular in attending practice sessions.  No player can accumulate playing time in a game without attending practice.   

School Discipline

A student could lose his or her eligibility privilege if a violation of a school rule occurs.  Infractions incurred at school could lead to a suspension of one or more games as determined by the principal, athletic director, and teachers, in consultation with the parents. 

Academics and Grades

Students are expected to maintain average grades (C or higher) in every class while participating on a team.  Grades will be reviewed every other Friday to ensure that a student remains eligible.  If a student’s grades are not maintained at a C average or higher, academic suspension would occur until the next review date two weeks later.  The student would not be eligible to participate in his/her sport until the academic suspension period expired.  However, the student athlete would be allowed to practice during the suspension period.  Parents are expected to take responsibility for overseeing their child’s grades and making contact with teachers, coaches, and the principal when necessary to achieve improvement in below average areas. 

Traveling to Away Games

Parents are responsible for the transportation of their child(ren) to all games.  It is important not to expect or assume that your child(ren) would ride with another parent without any communication.  Teams will often travel in “caravan” style unless the coaches have made other arrangements.  Coaches might require that a team travel together and arrive at a game location at the same time.  All drivers carrying passengers in addition to their own children are advised to have a copy of their driver’s license and their current insurance card on file in the school office. 

Finances

The athletic department operates as a non-profit organization and a non-budget function of St. John Lutheran Church.  Income to meet expenses is accrued from the concession stand and the gate admissions at home sporting events, tournament sponsorships, individual participation fees, and the generous support of the Parent Teacher Fellowship Organization.

Fees

Students are asked to pay a participation fee for each sport in which they participate.  The participation fee is used to pay entries to tournaments, home officials, facility rentals, purchase trophies, awards, equipment, uniforms, etc.  Fees are announced at the orientation meeting of parents and coaches.  The uniform user is responsible for replacement costs if the uniform is lost or not returned. 

Uniforms

All uniforms and warm ups are the property of St. John (with the exception of spandex shorts used for volleyball and track) and must be returned to the school within one week of the final game. 

Expectations of St. John Athletes and Fans

Participants and their parents are expected to observe the following guidelines.  Failure to honor these expectations could result in disciplinary actions.

A St. John athlete should:

• Represent St. John Lutheran School as an ambassador for Christ.
• Celebrate the opportunity and privilege to participate as a St. John athlete.
• Scholastically achieve in the classroom according to the abilities given to him or her by God.
• Dress in a manner that is God-pleasing and consistent with the school dress code.
• Maintain athletic eligibility by regular practice and game attendance, meeting the academic standard, and managing appropriate behavior at school and school events.
• Care for your uniform properly and return it at the end of the season.
• Win games without boasting, and lose games without excuse. 
• Respect the game or sport for its own sake and not what it can do for you.
• Consider all “opponents” as friends and guests and treat them with due courtesy.
• Never boo or express demeaning remarks from the sideline or bleachers.
• Applaud teammates and kindly support opponents for making good plays. 

A St. John spectator should:

• Represent St. John Lutheran School as an Ambassador for Christ.
• Respect the officials and opposing coaches and players.
• Encourage and cheer for the home team.
• Never boo or express demeaning remarks or cheers to the opposing players, coaches, or spectators.
• Sign the “Parent’s Promise.”

Athletic Director

The responsibilities or duties of the athletic director include the following items:

1. Schedule and oversee athletic events.
2. Recruit coaches and submit selections to the school board for annual approval.
3. Administrate the finances in consultation with the principal.
4. Secure referees and officials for home games.
5. Monitor athletic equipment and make purchases when necessary.
6. Communicate with the principal, staff members, and coaches on matters involving academics and discipline.
7. Communicate with the pastor, principal, PTF, and the custodians on items involving scheduling and building use.
8. Communicate with the parents on items including specific team information such as medical information and emergency contact numbers.
9. Communicate with opposing schools to confirm scheduled games and tournaments.
10. Arrange for each team to have necessary first aid and appropriate safety items for each scheduled event.
11. Dismiss any coach who defies the policies of the athletic program and those of St. John Lutheran School.
12. Oversee the registration and housing of athletes and coaches for state tournaments.
13. Coordinate and lead the “Awards Night” programs.

Coaches

Coaches serve as volunteers.  Staff persons are permitted first preference in the assignment of coaches.  Non-staff coaches are selected by the athletic director and approved by the principal and school board on an annual basis.  Those wishing to be a coach, to serve as an assistant, or to help in another way are to seek out the athletic director. 

The responsibilities of a coach include the following items:

1. Set the practice schedule in consultation with the athletic director.
2. Communicate with the athletic director information involving equipment needs, traveling details, upcoming games, and disciplinary concerns.
3. Supervise the scorebook and complete a report form at the end of the season.
4. Supervise all practice sessions and remain at the practice site until all participants have been picked up. 
5. Communicate to parents and players a list of expectations and current information as the need arises.
6. Complete the “Athletic Injury Report” form when an injury occurs and submit it to the athletic director within twenty-four hours.
7. Attend worship service at all LSA events in which St. John participates.
8. Determine award winners and present them at “Awards Night.”
9. Sign the “Coach’s Promise.”

Volunteers

The work of volunteers is highly appreciated.  Ways in which they may be asked to help are:  concession worker, admissions desk, scorekeeper, gym cleanup, uniform collection and distribution, and photographer.

Awards

Awards are categorized into four areas. 

1. Participation Certificate-Students must maintain eligibility by regular attendance and appropriate behavior.
2. St. John Varsity Sports Letter-A sports letter may be earned by varsity participants in soccer, volleyball, and basketball; and by all participants in track & field and cross country who have accumulated the necessary amount of points.  Requirements include regular attendance at games and practices, good conduct, and playing time.
3. Spirit Award-This award is earned by one participant on each team who has contributed to the team in a positive way, as evidenced by the student’s dedication, effort, spirit, and attitude.  The person to be honored is selected by the coach.  The exceptions would be cross country and track and field when more than 5 girls and 5 boys participate.  Then the coach may select one girl and one boy to receive awards.  
   Christian Athlete Award-Nominations are made by varsity coaches at the end of each season throughout the year, and the recipient is selected by the athletic director and assistants, principal, junior high teaching staff, Pastors, and Deaconess.  This award represents the highest individual award offered at St. John.  The winning recipient must qualify by being:
   • A student in the 8th grade (potentially one boy and one girl).
   • A student who modeled Christian qualities academically, socially, and athletically.
   • A student who participated in a minimum of two sports.
   • A student who practiced good sportsmanship both at practices and at games.
   • A student who achieved the requirements for a letter in a minimum of one sport.
   • A student who achieved above average grades (B or higher) throughout the year.