Hesperia Christian School

Transcription

1 Hesperia Christian School HANDBOOK FOR PLAYERS Revised August 19, 2016 Building Leaders with Christ-like Character Olive Street Hesperia, CA (760) Fax (760) PLAYER S HANDBOOK Building Leaders with Christ-like Character 1

2 I. PHILOSOPHY OF PATRIOT ATHLETICS The Hesperia Christian School athlete will exhibit a commitment to develop a leadership with Christ like character development in his/her own life: a commitment which demonstrates a desire to know God more deeply and to choose to live for Him. Philippians 3:13-14 is a wonderful depiction of the Christian life and how athletics can parallel the Christian walk. The Apostle Paul states: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win he prize for which God has called me heaven-ward in Christ Jesus. As we make the Lord Jesus Christ and His will for our lives the center of our attention, we realize that, throughout each practice, game, and season, we can focus our needs upon Him by pressing on towards the prize, the real prize of heaven. II. OBJECTIVES OF ATHLETIC PROGRAM A. To afford opportunities for the development of worthwhile physical recreational skills for immediate benefit and for use throughout life B. To develop acceptable social standards; to afford opportunities for exercising such desirable social traits as leadership, communication, cooperation and the ability to function as part of a team; and to stress the development of a strong, positive set of moral attitudes and character traits such as fair play, courtesy, honesty, selfcontrol, loyalty, truthfulness and good sportsmanship C. To allow the school community and the community at large to enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie that surrounds the support of the athletic program D. To provide students one aspect of extra-curricular activity which can help motivate them toward the pursuit and reward of academic excellence E. To teach an understanding of the rules, techniques and strategies of the various games and activities so that maximum enjoyment and benefit may be derived from participation in and observation of these activities F. To provide an opportunity for the release of physical and emotional tensions; to gain new modes of self-expression and self-confidence G. To develop the ability, through athletic instruction, to use the body skillfully in a variety of situations for the benefit of the community 2

3 III. PATRIOT CODE Participation in athletics at Hesperia Christian School means more than competition between individuals or teams representing different schools. It teaches fair play, sportsmanship, and the understanding and appreciation of teamwork. It teaches that to quit means failure, but to follow through on a commitment while working hard brings about rewards. Participation on an athletic team is a privilege that is extended to every student who is eligible under regulations set up by CIF and Hesperia Christian School. With every privilege comes responsibility. The conduct of an athlete attending Hesperia Christian is closely observed by many people. An athlete is a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, the team, the school and the community. IV. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A PATRIOT ATHLETE? A. LOVE Are you willing to love your opponents, even in the midst of competition? Do you have positive personal feelings toward your opponent? Do you respect and appreciate his God-given talents and abilities? Genesis 1:27; Matthew 5:43-47; Acts 7:60; Romans 12:20 B. COACHABILITY Are you coachable? Can you take criticism without ever looking for an alibi? Are you a know-it-all? Will you always do your level best to try to improve? Proverbs 1:8-9; 3:1-2; Romans 3:1-2 C. SACRIFICE Are you willing to make sacrifices? Conditioning to play is not fun. It is not easy. It is stark punishment. Training is exacting and the responsibility is heavy. It is rough and includes personal denial in order to remain in tip-top condition, but it has its rewards. You thrill with an inner glow that reflects a feeling of happiness when you accomplish in a game what you have practiced. The best way for you to remain in good shape is to never get out of it. Colossians 3:28 D. PRACTICE Are you willing to practice? Not just reporting and putting in the necessary time but working every day with the same zeal, speed, and determination you use during a game? Do you have two speeds a practice speed and a game speed? The great athletes of the past were the ones who had one speed, and it was the same every day, every practice, every game. If you loaf and cheat in practice, you will loaf and cheat in a game. I Corinthians 9:24-27; Ephesians 6:5-8 E. DESIRE TO IMPROVE Do you have an ardent desire to improve? Are you willing to practice the things you cannot do three times longer than the things you can do? Are you willing, on your own, to put in long grinding hours 3

4 concentrating on a skill until you have perfected it? Are you eager to work so diligently at the skills you lack that they eventually become your strongest asset? Too many athletes spend their time doing what they already do well and they never improve. I Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:31 F. POISE Do you have the ability to think under pressure? Can you concentrate on the work to be accomplished at the moment? Can you shut out of your mind a previous failure, success, rule infraction, or personal insult in order to give undivided attention to the offensive and defensive maneuver in the here and now? Games are not won by yesterday s score, but by what is happening now, at this moment. Great athletes compete, never depending on past successes to aid them. I Peter 2:18-23; Romans 5:1-4; James 1:2-4 G. COMPETITIVENESS Are you possessed with the spirit of competition that fires an intense desire to win? Do you want to win with a passion never taking no for an answer when there is a job to be done a tackle to be made a charge to be taken playing with pain? Does it bother you to lose if you haven t done your best? Matthew 5:48 V. PATRIOT ATHLETES CODE OF CONDUCT A. I will remember that my personal testimony, the testimony of our team, the testimony of our school, and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ are all of greater importance than the outcome of any game. B. I understand that winning is not our primary goal. It is secondary to, and often a natural outcome of, doing our very best as individuals and as a team to glorify God through our efforts. I will remember that losing often brings about valuable lessons. C. During team prayer, all athletes are expected to respectfully respond in a proper manner as becoming a Patriot athlete. D. Maintain good scholarship, citizenship and attendance records. VI. PRACTICE AND CONTESTS A. Be dressed and ready for practice on time every day. There is no substitute for industriousness and enthusiasm. B. Attend every practice session unless excused ahead of time by the coach. Only leave the practice facility when permission is given. Dedication comes from inside the athlete and it can be clearly demonstrated when the athlete takes practice sessions seriously. C. Work hard to improve without having to be forced. Be serious. Have fun without clowning. Conditioning comes from hard work during practice and proper mental and moral conduct. Poise, confidence and self-control come from being prepared. 4

5 D. Maintain mutual respect among team members without complaining, criticizing, jealousy, egotism, envy or excuses. E. Give the coach your undivided attention and respond immediately and respectfully. F. Move quickly to get in position to start a new drill. Do things the way you have been told. Correct habits are formed only through continued repetition of the perfect model. G. When group activity is stopped to correct one individual, pay close attention so you will not require the same correction. VII. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE A. If a student has an unexcused absence for any part of the day, the athlete may not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity that day. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the athletic director. B. In order to participate in extracurricular activities, a student must be in attendance for two full block periods a day. In the instance that a player has a Zero period (30 min) and goes to period 1(45 min), only 1 full block period would be needed in order to be able to participate for that days activities. Permission to miss additional periods would be granted for unavoidable appointments as covered by the school s attendance policy, except illness. VIII. GAME AND PRACTICE ATTENDANCE A. Attendance at all games and practices is mandatory unless permission is given ahead of time by the coach after receiving communication from the parents. A note from a parent does not ensure that the absence will be excused. Discipline by the coach will occur after the first unexcused absence. B. Because it is important to the team that every athlete is at every practice and every game, an unexcused absence may result in the loss of the opportunity to letter in that sport and may result in removal from the team. C. At times, parents use athletics as a disciplinary measure. We would like to discourage this discipline once the season has started because of the difficulty it can cause for the team. Parents are requested to notify the Athletic Director and/or the coach prior to the season if they intend to use this form of discipline during the season. Our desire is to support parents and would like to work together to establish appropriate discipline for the athlete that will not be a detriment to the entire team. 5

6 IX. DRESS AND EQUIPMENT A. Practice attire shall consist of standard physical education clothing or clothing appropriate for a particular sport as prescribed by Hesperia Christian School guidelines. B. Each player will be personally responsible for all school athletic equipment checked out and will return said items in good condition and on time; missing equipment will be paid for by the responsible player at the replacement cost. An athlete may not participate in any further athletics until he/she has either returned or paid for all issued equipment. C. Every member of an athletic team, while traveling to and from athletic events as a representative of the school must dress as cleanly and neatly as possible. Dress will be the same as regular school dress unless the individual coach requires something specific for the team. Exceptions will be made by the coach or Athletic Director in individual circumstances should the need arise. X. GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES A. No athlete is to personally use or be associated with anyone using drugs, alcohol or tobacco at any time on campus or away from the school. Proven use or association with will constitute expulsion from the team and/or further disciplinary action. B. Any improper or questionable language will not be tolerated, including swearing, boasting or disrespect to teachers, officials, coaches, fans or teammates. C. Other rules of acceptable conduct for athletes may be set by the head coach of that sport. The head coach reserves the right to dismiss any athlete that is having a negative influence on the team or is not abiding by the rules and regulations set up for that sport. It is understood that the coach will seek counsel from the Athletic Director and the school administration before making such an important decision. Any student dropped for disciplinary reasons forfeits all rights to letters and awards and athletic fees that he/she may have otherwise been entitled to receive. D. If a student-athlete misses class time for a game, they are responsible to obtain any homework assignments and turn in any homework that is due before leaving school for the game. There are no extra days given to turn in homework for going to games. E. All uniform shirts need to be buttoned up and look professional and well kept. 6

7 XI. FACILITIES A. Be a good steward of all Hesperia Christian School facilities. B. Keep all vehicles clean and neat. This includes any private autos used to transport athletes to games. C. No one is allowed in the gym unless approval has been given by a coach and the coach or another adult is in the gym. D. No cleats are allowed in the gym or locker rooms at any time. Put cleats on outside and take them off outside. E. No street shoes of any kind are allowed on the gym floor for physical activity. F. Lights are to be turned on only by the coaches unless approval has been given by a coach for a player to turn them on XII. ELIGIBILITY Academics Each athlete is required to remain eligible according to the CIF Bluebook guidelines and the requirements established by Hesperia Christian School. Students must be in at least 30 units of classes each grading period with an academic average of 2.0, and grades of D or better. If a student falls below this at the end of a grading period, the student will go on academic probation for 3 weeks. At the end of the 3 weeks, the student will be reevaluated and if they are still below a 2.0 or have a grade lower that D they will be ineligible for 3 weeks (no games/no practice). At the end of another 3 week period if they raise their grade to 2.0 or higher with no grade lower than D they may return to compete, but If a student remains on academic probation for 2 consecutive grading periods, they will be ineligible (no games/no practice) until the next official grading period. Physical Exams Every athlete must have a physical exam prior to the season of sport. No player will be allowed to try-out, practice or participate in games without a physical exam. Each physical exam allows the athlete eligibility for one calendar year from the date of the exam. If an athlete waits to take a physical exam after the sport has begun, any practice missed to get the exam will be counted as an unexcused absence. 10 Day Grace Period 7

8 A student/athlete may leave a sport for any reason during the first ten days of practice. There shall be NO PENALTY if the athlete informs the coach of such intention to leave that sport and returns all equipment or gear issued to him or her. Removal From a Team An athlete who is removed from a team for disciplinary actions may be required to miss part of the next season in which they participate as well as a forfeiture of athletic fees. Quitting a Team An athlete who decides to quit a sport prior to its completion may become ineligible for the next sport he/she competes in for a specified period time. A sport is said to have begun once the final team selection has been made by the coach and after the 10 day grace period. Any exception will be made by the Athletic Director. XIII. INJURIES A. Any injuries need to be brought to the immediate attention of the coach. B. An injured athlete will remain a part of the team until the season is completed. XIV. COMMUICATION A. When a concern arises on a team, the Matthew 18:15-20 principal applies. Which means, please make an appointment to speak with the coach first. After meeting with the coach, if a resolution about the concern does not get worked out, a meeting with the athletic director and coach could be necessary. If after that meeting the concern is still not resolved, a meeting with the coach, athletic director and principal may be necessary. B. or letters without signatures will not be validated or addressed as a complaint, when voicing a concern there should not be a fear so as to remain anonymous, open communication is best and will not affect the athletes playing time. C. Coaches phone numbers are often given out as a way to communicate however, please realize that you may be interrupting family time, use discretion when calling. D. It is never a good idea to approach a coach before or after a game, rather than address an issue during these crucial times, please make an appointment to meet with them when an issue occurs. XV. TRANSPORTATION A. While riding to a contest on a bus or in cars, all athletes are to sit together as a team when possible. 8

9 B. While traveling to contests athletes must ride in school vehicles or with designated parent drivers unless the coach issues special permission to do otherwise. In order for athletes to be considered for this special permission a note signed by the athlete s parent, giving permission for the athlete to drive. An athlete may not take other passengers unless both parents are aware and have written permission that they can ride together. C. If an athlete is driving or riding with someone else to a contest or practice he/she is still representing Hesperia Christian School and is expected to conduct him/herself accordingly. XVI. AWARDS Hesperia Christian School has devised a specific awards system available for athletes. Please use the system unless you have prior permission from the Athletic Director who will have any deviations from the prescribed system approved by the Secondary Principal. (If you feel the system is not appropriate for your sport or your specific team, a decision to change it will come after prayerful consideration by the athletic department and school leadership.) A. HCS athletes should conform to the image of Jesus Christ and, by doing this, strive to develop certain character qualities that would bring glory to our Lord. Therefore, a large portion of the awards in athletics will be based on how well the athlete exhibits these qualities. B. Varsity letters will be awarded in all sports based on participation, character development and support of fellow team members. All criteria shall be established prior to the sport season by each coach, based on the policies published in this handbook. C. All letters will be awarded at awards gatherings to be held after the completion of the sport. D. Any patches or extra emblems are to be purchased through the Athletic Director. Lettering on the athlete s letterman s jacket is up to the individual but must show good taste and support of the Hesperia Christian School philosophy of athletics. E. In order to receive a varsity letter, an athlete cannot be a disciplinary problem. If an athlete has more than one disciplinary action taken upon him/her during the season of sport, then the athlete may become ineligible for a letter. This determination will be made by the coach, Athletic Director and Secondary Principal of Hesperia Christian School. 9

10 Hesperia Christian School Athlete Contract As a representative of Hesperia Christian School and of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will make every effort to behave myself properly at all times. This includes not only my time on the court or field, but also my behavior and academic performance in the classroom, my obedience to all school rules, as well as my manner of life as seen by others in all circumstances. I understand that it is my responsibility to maintain academic and behavioral citizenship. I will set a proper example of behavior by submitting myself to my parents and all others in authority over me. 1. I will submit to authority held by the officials. I will show proper respect for my teammates, the officials, my coaches, my opponents, members of the press, and all fans, regardless of which team they are supporting. 2. I will submit to the authority of the coach in every matter concerning the team, including, but not limited to, who plays what position, how much each player plays, game strategy, practice format, etc. I understand that, while I will be listened to at the proper time when I have input to offer, the coach is the one who makes all final decisions, and I will submit to those decisions without question and with the right attitude. 3. I will accept responsibility for all my actions, including physical and mental errors, and I will refrain from blaming my teammates, the officials, or my coaches. I will be an encouragement to all of my teammates at all times. I will not pout when I make a mistake, but I will do my best to learn from it and work hard to do better the next time. 4. I understand that attendance at all practices and games is a commitment I make when I become a part of the team. I understand that I need to fulfill this commitment in order to avoid letting down my teammates and my school. I will be on time for all practices, required meetings, and games, and I will notify the coach well in advance if I unavoidably must miss any of these. 5. I know that practice is very important, and that I am expected to work hard to help the team improve by giving 100% all of the time. I also understand that a major factor in determining playing time will be hard work and cooperation in practice. You play the way you practice. (John Wooden) 6. I understand that being on the team is a commitment, and I will not let my teammates down by quitting the team, regardless of my personal success level, unless circumstances beyond my control make it necessary. If such a situation arises, I will talk to the coach before making a decision. 7. I am fully aware that if I miss a practice for any reason, I will not start the next game. I also understand that if I am absent from school, I will not be allowed to actively participate in a practice or play in a game on the day of the absence, unless an extremely unique situation (approved by the athletic director) exists. 8. I understand that there will be penalties associated with breaking any team or school rules. I further understand that a negative attitude is a sign of failure to cooperate and is sufficient grounds for being benched, or, if the situation is serious enough, for being dismissed from the team. 9. I realize that possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs will result in automatic removal from the team, regardless of any other disciplinary action which may be taken by the school. I will work hard and do my best to honor God with my body, mind, and soul while participating for Hesperia Christian School s athletic department. Athlete Grade: Parent Date: 10