Sports

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

IHSA Physical Form

Sports Registration Form

"Pursuing Victory With Honor"

Parent, Coach and Player Codes of Ethics

It is our belief that the impact of sports can and should enhance the character and uplift the ethics of our school. Therefore we seek to establish a framework of principles and a common language of values that can be adopted and practiced widely. Parents, fans, and coaches who follow this simple code can help reinforce what sports are all about.enjoyment for everyone.

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

It is the duty of sports leadership - including coaches, administrators, program directors and game officials - to promote sportsmanship and foster good character by teaching, enforcing, advocating and modeling these ethical principles.

Children's sports are supposed to be fun - for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don't realize that their actions, whether verbal or non verbal, can have a lasting effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because adults unfairly take the fun away. In addition, participation in athletic programs is a privilege, not a right. To earn that privilege, athletes must conduct themselves, on and off the field, as positive role models who exemplify good character.

Parent Responsibilities

I/we agree to set a good example to my/our child in his athletic development by adhering at all times to the following:

I will let the coaches' coach: No coaching of any kind from parents or other spectators is allowed. This also includes motivating, psyching your child, after game critiquing, requiring additional training, etc. Refrain from offering incentives or bribes: It is the coaching staff's job to motivate: all others are a distraction, keeping him/her from properly concentrating.
I will be a positive role model: Encouraging sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event. I will never ridicule or yell at my child, other participant, coach, referee for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will never criticize the referee or coach openly or directly during or after games. (This should be in writing to the association). Be supportive, cheer and be appropriate.
I will support this program: Get involved by volunteering, being knowledgeable of the game and rooting for my child as well as all players on the team.
I will encourage communication between the player and the coach. This promotes growth by helping the player take responsibility.
I will let the player think for himself or herself: To perform to the best of his/her abilities, a player needs to focus on the parts of the game that they can control (his fitness, positioning, decision making, skill, aggressiveness, etc). If he starts focusing on what he can not control (the condition of the field, the referee, the weather, the opponent, even the outcome of the game at times) or trying to figure out what someone is telling him to do, he will not play up to his ability.
I will emphasize skill development over winning: Give positive feedback to players by finding the "little successes" that the players have during each match.

Coaching Responsibilities

As coach I will set a good example to my players in their athletic development by adhering to the following:

I will never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
I will impress upon players that they must abide by the written laws of the game and help them understand the core principles of sportsmanship.
I will be reasonable in my demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the court.
I will develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
I will ensure that my player's athletic experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
I will set a good example and be generous with my praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach they can respect.
I will keep my attitude and conduct towards officials, players, spectators and coaches controlled and undemonstrative. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after a game. Coaches must use their influence on his/her spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, players, and opposing team members
I will keep informed of sound principles of coaching, growth and child development.
I will check my equipment and playing facilities to ensure that they meet safety standards and are appropriate for the age and ability of my players.
I will follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured child is ready to play again.
I will communicate to players and parents my philosophy of playing and coaching and my expectations for competition, sideline behavior, practice, and issue resolution.

Player Responsibilities

Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
Learn and play by the Rules of the Game.
Be a positive role model by showing sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators.
Control your temper. Most of all resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged. Never argue with or complain about a referee's call or decision.
Concentrate on playing with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it's your team or your opponent's.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.
Treat all players, as you would like to be treated.

Dear Parents and Athlete:

Welcome to the St. Patrick Athletic Program for the 2005-2006 season. Because you may be new to the Program, let me begin by outlining the purpose of athletics here at St. Pat's.

The theme for this year's program is "Victory With Honor". Both you and your children will hear more about this in the coming months.

We will discuss the overall philosophy of sports at school and review the diocesan guidelines at the Back to School Nights in September.

The St. Patrick Athletic Program is structured around its by-laws which were formulated in 1990 and have been revised. As outlined in these by-laws the purpose is:

To promote the physical development of each student and increase his/her potential for excellence in sports
To develop teamwork and fairplay
To develop self-confidence, self-control, self-discipline and a desire to be the best he/she can be
To promote growth in social skills and moral development
To instill in each student a spirit of pride in representing their school
To develop a balance between competition and cooperation

The team structure policy is as follows:

If the principal, A.D. and coach feel that participation numbers preclude the forming of one team the players will be split into two teams as follows:

At 5/6 grade teams will be divided into compatible skills levels. Both teams will participate at the conference level with a full schedule
At 7/8th grade teams will be divided into "A" and "B" teams. The "A" team will participate at the Conference level with a full schedule. The "B" team will play a schedule of games against other "B" teams. The schedule may include play against conference schools who also field "B" teams. The "B" team will not participate in the Conference Tournament or the Diocesan Tournament. The "B" team will participate in, at least, one tournament with teams of similar skills.

Be advised that the above-mentioned "B" team policy applies only to participation in boys' and girls' basketball. The "B" teams in volleyball will participate in a full Conference schedule due to the unavailability of additional "B" volleyball teams.

Division of teams by skill level will take place one week prior to the regular practice start date. Coaches from all grade levels will participate in the selection process. Selection of an athlete to one team does not preclude that athlete from moving up or down the following year.

Due to the large number of participants in Athletics, coaches will make every effort to see that those athletes who come to practice will be allowed to participate in games. However, not all athletes may have the same level of participation in every game. The coach may use his discretion in this matter.

Both parents and athletes have responsibilities concerning the athletic program:

All students must meet the eligibility requirement outlined by the school administration
Students must attend school the day of a game in order to be eligible to participate on that day. If a student is absent due to illness that student is considered an absence and the student will not be allowed to participate in that day's game. Absences due to doctor's appointments or family emergency are not considered absences for these purposes.
Be prompt for practices and games. Be sure to pick up your child, on time, after practices and games.
Each parent will be required to work concessions throughout the season. Please be sure to be on time for your assigned game (at least ½ hour prior to the game you are to work).
Street shoes will not be permitted on the gym floor. You must carry your basketball/volleyball shoes to the gym and change before practices/games.
Due to limited gym time, other teams will be practicing before or after you. Please be considerate of their practice time - stay off the gym floor, keep the noise to a minimum and do not bounce/dribble balls during their practice.
Please be both supportive and encouraging to your child. This is a learning experience for the athlete who needs to know that his/her parents are behind him/her in a positive way.
Be supportive of the coaches' decision regarding both practices and game situation. You (your child) may not agree with the coach at all times, but team spirit and sportsmanship are fundamental to athletics here at St. Pat's.
If you have a questions or concern please speak to the coach before or after practice/game. If your concern is not addressed by the coach you may contact the Athletic Director.
All teams will need scorekeepers and clock personnel. Please volunteer, to the coach, for these positions.
If you are unable to make a practice/game you must contact the coach by phone or in person. The coach will not accept second-party excuses.
Coaches may use their discretion regarding playing time for athletes who are late or miss practices.
Parents, please attend as many games as possible. Get to know the other players and their families. We are trying to build team spirit and sportsmanship. Parents, remember that your example in the stands and on the way home from practices/games will influence your child's attitude toward his/her play.

We are all looking forward to a great season of competition and fun!

Joseph J. Battisto
Mary Beth Vargyas A.D.