LCA Student Athletic Handbook 2017-2018
Table of Contents Overview A Overview... 3 B Mission Statement.....3 C Goals..3 D Sports and Fees..3 The Student Athlete A Participation Requirements..4 i Enrollment...4 ii Financial Responsibility....4 iii Forms and Authorizations..5 iv Academic Eligibility..5 v AES students..5 B Tryouts. 6 C Playing Time.... 6 D Multiple Sport Participation during the same season.6 E Uniforms and Equipment 7 F Game Participation Policies.. 7 G Transportation.. 9 H Dress Code 9 I Insurance.10 J Banquet and Awards..10 K Weather....10 Parent Expectations A Expectations for behavior during events.11 B Conflict Resolution..11 C - Volunteering. 12 D Booster Clubs..12 2
OVERVIEW Welcome to the LCA athletics program! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to train, mentor, and coach your young men and women. The goal of the athletics program is to assist LCA in accomplishing its mission of producing Christ-centered servant leaders. We look forward to teaching teamwork, service, diligence, discipline, perseverance, honesty, faithfulness, love, and commitment throughout our athletics program. LCA strives to offer an athletic experience that is Christ-centered, competitive, and fun. We believe that the purpose of athletics is to help us make disciples of Jesus Christ. This handbook will serve as a guide to help us accomplish our goals while also assisting our athletes in accomplishing their goals too. David Roberts droberts@lanierchristian.org 678-677-6653 MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the athletics program at LCA is to assist the overall mission of the school. We strive to partner with parents to transform students to be tomorrow s Christ centered servant leaders. Our hope is to equip our athletes physically, spiritually, socially, and mentally to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. GOALS Student Athletes Should 1) Demonstrate a Christ-like attitude in and out of the competitive environment 2) Be committed to their team by practicing and playing to the best of their ability 3) Encourage their teammates 4) Develop perseverance through hard situations. 5) Respect their coaches, teammates, and officials 6) Learn to accept their role on the team as a leader and follower SPORTS AND FEES Fall Football varsity boys ($400) Cheerleading varsity Girls ($100 + uniform cost) Volleyball Varsity Girls ($300), JV Girls ($250), MS Girls Blue ($200), MS Girls Green ($200) Cross Country Varsity Boys ($150), Varsity Girls ($150), MS Boys ($150), MS Girls ($150) 3
Winter Basketball - Varsity Boys ($300), Varsity Girls ($300), JV Boys ($250), JV Girls ($250), MS Boys ($200), MS Girls ($200) Spring Varsity Boys Baseball ($350), Varsity Girls Softball ($350), Varsity Boys Soccer ($300), Varsity Girls Soccer ($300), MS Boys Soccer ($200), MS Girls Soccer ($200), Varsity Boys Tennis ($250), Varsity Girls Tennis ($250) *All teams are contingent upon having enough athletes to fill out a roster. THE STUDENT ATHLETE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS Enrollment A student is considered to be enrolled at LCA if they are taking at least 3 classes for a minimum of 3 days per week. All athletes must be enrolled at LCA in order to participate in any tryouts, practices, camps, clinics, or workouts. Financial Responsibility All students at LCA pay an activity fee in their tuition regardless of whether they participate in sports or not. Additionally all athletes will be required to pay the athletic fee associated with the team that they participate. The athletic fees have been designed to offset the cost of officials, travel, facilities maintenance, equipment, uniforms, and coaching expenses. If an athlete is granted permission to play on two sports teams during the same season then they will only pay the highest fee. Tuition payments must always be prioritized over athletic fees. Additional Costs: Uniforms The athletic department will purchase and issue uniforms on loan. Uniforms are to be returned at the end of the season in a similar condition in which they were issued. If it is deemed that a uniform has been damaged due to the athlete s negligence then the athletic department will fine the athlete for the cost to replace the uniform. Gate Parents should expect to pay a gate fee for every LCA home football, volleyball, and basketball games. The gate fee is built into the soccer and baseball fees and will not be taken at those events. Also be aware that some schools will charge a parking for cross country. Any LCA season pass will not be honored at opponents gyms or at LCA facilities during a playoff game. Spirit Wear Spirit wear can be purchased through the school and the LCA booster club. It will be the responsibility of the parent or athlete to purchase spirit wear unless other arrangements have been made by the coach. If a family places an order then they are obligated to pay for the order. Other Meal expenses incurred during travel dates are to be paid by the player. Players need to be able to purchase their own food during any trip when the bus stops for a meal. 4
Fee Refunds - Athletic fees will not be refunded after the season begins unless outlined below: a. Athletes that have paid their athletic fee and are cut after tryouts will be refunded. b. An athlete that is injured before midseason and unable to play remaining games, can request a refund. The refund will be prorated based on the number of remaining games. c. An athlete that is unable to participate in games or practice because they have not met academic or behavioral criteria will not be refunded athletic fees. d. Booster donations or spirit wear purchases will not be refunded. Delinquent Payments LCA has a no pay, no play policy. If there are extenuating circumstance then the parents need to reach out to the athletic director to make arrangements. If this is not done athletes with outstanding athletic fees that are not paid by payment due date or one week after roster has been posted, will be subject to the following: a. Athlete will not be allowed to participate in practice or games until athletic fee is paid, and b. FACTS will charge a $25 late fee for any unpaid fees by the due date. c. Billing - Fees will be billed through FACTS either on the 15th or 30th after the roster has been determined. Families will have 30 days to pay the athletic fee. Forms and Authorizations Physicals - All athletes will be required to have an up to date physical each year before participating in any practice or game. A copy of this physical must be kept in the athletic office at LCA Medical Waiver This form will release LCA from any liability of injury that occurs from a result of participation in an LCA sponsored event. Code of Conduct This is to be signed by each athlete. It states that they will adhere to the policies outlined in the handbook. Academic Eligibility The athletic will adhere to the policy outlined in the LCA student handbook. No student with a failing grade will be allowed to participate in athletics unless there is a plan for academic improvement in place with the upper school administration. AES Students LCA will allow homeschool students (AES athletes) to participate in our athletic programs for the 2017-2018 school year. This determination will be made on a year-by-year basis. There are several guidelines that AES athletes must adhere to: 1 Our enrolled students must go through a one-time interview with administration before coming to LCA. The AES athlete s family will also need to meet with administration. 2 AES athletes will pay the student activity fee that all other LCA students pay as part of their tuition. We will not charge the textbook portion of that fee. For 2017-2018 the fee for AES students is $245 for the year. It will NOT be charged per sport. Once this is paid, AES students will pay the regular athletic fees associated with each sport. 3 AES students will be required to present a copy of their birth certificate and current report card. 5
Tryouts Currently LCA only has tryouts for a few teams volleyball and varsity boys basketball. If it becomes apparent that the demand for a particular sport is going to require placements or cuts, the tryout dates will be publicized and promoted prior to the season beginning. LCA has gone to great lengths to create additional teams rather than make cuts. However, it may be necessary to make cuts due to roster number limits imposed by the GICAA, travel limitations, or sport-specific regulations. Also, there are no guarantees. For example, we cannot promise a JV player that they will make the varsity team the following year or the JV team for that matter. Our coaches will be sensitive to the difficult nature of this tryout process. Coaches are expected to answer the athlete s questions and to be as positive as possible. When players and students understand and support the coach s decision, this difficult process is easier to accept. We know this will not be a fun part of our programs, but unfortunately we can t roster everyone. Playing Time Athletes that do make the team should have several expectations in regard to playing time. Understanding these expectations prior to the season is critical to everybody s enjoyment. We will break these up into middle school and high school sports. Middle School Playing Time Expectations: LCA views all of our middle school sports as developmental programs. Coaches are expected to play every athlete in every game. We will encourage all students in middle school to play and do everything we can to avoid making cuts at this level. Please understand that the expectation is that each athlete will play in each game, but it IS NOT expected that they all play an equal amount of time. For example our soccer coach will try to play each athlete at least 10-15 minutes of each 60 minute game. High School Playing Time Expectations: Our main goal for high school sports is to be competitive while displaying a Christ-like manner. There are no guarantees of playing time for any JV or Varsity team. Playing time will be earned in practice and any other developmental sessions. It will be left up to the coach to discern which athletes will put the team in the best position to be successful. Multi-Sport Participation Because we are a smaller school, our coaches will be encouraging students to participate in other sports for the benefit of the athletes and the overall athletic program. Research supports the idea that playing multiple sports is helpful for the holistic development of the athlete. There is a trend in high school sports of specialization. Playing another sport can oftentimes increase one s ability in their main sport. LCA will encourage our athletes to participate in as many sport seasons as possible even in some cases during the same season. For any multi-sport season we will require the following: 1. Written approval of both coaches and the AD will allow a student to participate in dual sports in one season. All parties must sign off on a Dual Season Sports Form. 2. Students must complete one sport before trying out for another. For example if they are running with the cross country team, they must finish all of those practices and meets as a priority over any other basketball event. LCA coaches will understand this and apply no penalty to athletes participating in another sport prior to joining their team. 6
3. Athletes that quit a sport are not eligible to participate in another sport until the end of the season of the sport they quit. 4. Once school begins and an athlete tries out and makes a team, participation on LCA teams must take priority over participation on any non-lca athletic teams. 5. Student-athletes wanting to participate in off-season conditioning of a second sport, may only participate if both coaches agree and the off-season conditioning does not interfere with the sport that is in season. Uniforms and Equipment At the beginning of each athletic season all student/athletes will be issued a uniform for his/her team. Each student/athlete is responsible for his/her issued equipment and uniform(s). The school views the care and maintenance of uniforms and equipment as a very serious responsibility for all of our student/athletes. Guidelines for Uniforms are as Follows: 1. Student/Athletes must keep the uniform number they are assigned at the beginning of the season and at no time may they change their uniform with a teammate without permission of the coach. 2. Student/Athletes mush wash and care for their uniform after each game/contest. (Please launder colored uniforms separately from light. Turn uniforms inside/out before washing. Wash all uniforms in COLD water. NEVER place uniforms or warm-ups in the dryer except on low heat). 3. Student/Athletes may only wear the team uniform for scheduled games/contests or for other special events as requested by the coach. 4. Student/Athletes must wear their uniform with the jersey tucked in and must keep the uniform on for the entire game/contest. 5. At no time may a student/athlete alter or change the original shape or form of the uniform. 6. It is nearly impossible to replace uniforms by only purchasing one uniform. They are usually out of stock or the manufacturer will not print only one jersey. There are some occasions where this can be done, but most times we are simply out of one uniform. Therefore, if the athlete fails to return their uniform, or returns a uniform in poor condition the fine will be $150. Game Participation Policies Please remember that participation in the LCA sports programs is a privilege, not a right. While on the team, athletes must continue to maintain their academic responsibilities as well as honor their athletic commitment. In order for athletes to continue participation privileges they must do the following: 1) Academic Responsibilities LCA will follow the guidelines listed in the LCA student handbook. If a student has a failing average in any class they will be on academic probation until they have met with the principal and made a plan to improve their grades. In some instances this will be enough to allow them to rejoin the team. In cases where academic responsibilities are obviously struggling they will be removed from the team with no refund. The upper school principal will have the final say on reinstating the athlete s full participation privileges. 7
2) School Attendance a. In order to participate in a game the student must attend at least 3 full class periods. If the school schedule changes making a student unable to complete a full or half day of classes, student will be eligible to participate. b. Athletes are not allowed to participate in a game if they miss more than half of a class with an unexcused tardy/absence c. Athletes will not receive excused tardies to school the next day after a game. 3) Practice Attendance Athletes are expected to attend all practices and games. If an athlete misses a practice Coaches will be encouraged to follow these guidelines: a. Unexcused Practice Absences - Coaches will have final say on all team rules. They will be advised to have their team help them in the development of their team rules. In regards to practice attendance there should be some loss of playing time associated with missing practice for an unexcused reason. b. Excused Practice Absences An excused absence for practice includes a death in the family, sickness with a doctor s note, tutoring, school-related activity, or college/recruitment visit. 4) Game Attendance a. Unexcused Absences - If an athlete misses a game (unexcused) he/she will sit out the next game or consequence determined by coach. b. Excused Absences - If an athlete misses a game (excused) he/she will be eligible to play the next game. However, the principal or coach has the final say as to whether to allow an athlete with an excused absence to play in the next game. 5) Assignments and Tests a. Homework/Projects - Athletes need to plan for homework and projects. Work that is due or assigned because of early dismissal to participate in a game, must be completed and returned as requested by their teacher. Assignments that are due are not to be excused. b. Tests - If an athlete misses the review day prior to a test or test day, they may be given an extra day to take the test after they return. Students who have an athletic game that requires them to be dismissed early before a scheduled test or assignment is due, should communicate and plan with their teacher to take the test prior to leaving. 6) Athletic Behavior of Student-Athletes Any display of unsportsmanlike conduct during a game or practice, such as profanity, taunting, or gestures toward an opponent or an official, is unacceptable whether a technical or penalty is issued or not. a. Discipline will be given to any athlete who displays unsportsmanlike conduct. b. The head coach will communicate player suspension to parents in person and in writing with a copy of the letter given to the Athletic Director for records. c. Additional disciplinary measures may be taken beyond those of GICAA for any player ejected from a contest. 8
Transportation LCA will make every effort to provide transportation to and away from games. For practices we will get athletes to their practice, but the parents will be responsible to pick them up. Parents are expected to be punctual when picking up their athletes from practice. If a parent is habitually tardy picking up their child then it is possible that the child will be removed from the team. Bus Policies: 1 Athletes are expected to ride to the games with their team. In the event that a university model student or AES student lives closer to the event location they are not expected to ride the team bus. However, they are expected to be at the event at the time the coach designates. 2) Appropriate behavior is expected on the bus at all times. 3) After a game, students may do one of the following after the coach is notified a) Ride back on the bus b) Ride back with their parents c) Ride with an approved adult only after their parents have made arrangements with the coach and have been granted permission to do so. 4) Food or drink will be allowed on the bus only by permission of the coach. 5) Boys and girls will not be permitted to sit in the same seat while on the bus. Dress Code Dress for all athletic events must live up to the standard set by the LCA student handbook. The Athletic Director and coaches reserve the right to establish a dress code for any athletic events. Practice Attire 1) All athletes are required to wear shoes during practices. 2) Male athletes are expected to wear a shirt at all times while on campus. Shirts and skins is not acceptable to split teams. 3) Tight or revealing clothing, undergarments (i.e. sports bras worn as shirts), clothing with inappropriate words or symbols, or any other clothing deemed inappropriate by a coach or administration will not be permitted. 4) All athletes are expected to abide by the standard of modesty set in the LCA student handbook 5) Students wearing inappropriate practice attire will be asked to change clothing or leave practice. Game Day Attire 1) Male Athletes and Managers should wear uniform pants and shoes according to dress code along with one of the following tops as directed by the coach: LCA dress uniform: collared shirt and tie; or Team Gear (that has been approved by athletic department prior to purchasing). 2) Female Athletes and Managers should wear uniform bottoms (pants/skirts/skorts) and shoes according to dress code along with one of the following tops as directed by the coach: LCA dress uniform: white Oxford blouse, black sweater, vest or cardigan, or Team gear (that has been approved by the athletic department). 9
Insurance 3) Traveling to away game/match - Teams may wear uniforms or warm-ups or teams may wear what they wore to school according to the above dress code guidelines. All athletes should be covered by their parents insurance. LCA provides accidental secondary coverage for injuries of enrolled students participating in LCA sponsored activities. Upon request, the athletic department will submit insurance claim forms for an athlete injured while participating in an LCA athletic event. Please note the claim must be submitted within 90 days of the injury. Banquet and Awards All teams will be given an opportunity to attend and end of season ceremony to recognize their team s accomplishments. LCA will host a banquet at the end of the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons for all varsity teams. Our middle school teams are welcome to attend these banquets if their coach chooses to do so. Any team will be allowed to coordinate their own program for an end of season event if they wish. Any athlete that does not complete the season due to academic withdrawal, or any other disciplinary measures will forfeit their privilege to attend the banquet and receive awards. Weather 1) Varsity Letters - Varsity coaches will determine who will be awarded a letter based on those who meet the standards in a varsity sport or activity. After receiving the first letter, an athlete will then receive a metal bar for each year of participation. Students that are on a varsity team but do not play in a game due to injury, academic probation, or skill level may not be eligible for a varsity letter. For athletes that move up to a varsity sport in midseason, it is up to the discretion of the coach as to whether they letter and they must join the team before midseason. 2) Senior Night - Senior night is a night set aside to honor athletes and their parents during a home game. The program will be held before or between games. Depending on season, several sports may be combined to host the Senior Night presentation. 3) Athletic Signings - The athletic department will host one athletic signing per season. As soon as a collegiate bound senior knows they will be signing, they should contact the athletic department for more signing details. If extreme or inclement weather causes school to be closed, then all athletic activities will be canceled. The LCA calendar and parent alert system will have the most up to date information. LCA will follow current GHSA guidelines for practicing in hot weather, lightning strikes, and all other inclement weather. 10
PARENT EXPECTATIONS It is important for parents to remember their role as a supporter and encourager during all LCA events. Most research indicates that students participate in sports for enjoyment. Parents, please allow your sons and daughters to enjoy participating with the teams at LCA. While in the stands, parents should only shout supportive words to their athlete and anyone else associated with the team. Adding extra pressure to perform can take away from the primary reason our athletes are participating in the first place. Under no circumstance should parents be yelling at opponents or referees. Expected Behavior of Spectators at Athletic Events 1) Verbal criticism and disrespect from parents to athletes or those in charge (coaches, referees/umpires, or LCA staff) will not be tolerated at sporting events. Any athlete whose parent is disrespectful to those in charge may be removed from the program if disrespect continues and deemed necessary for the good of the team. 2) Demonstrate an appreciation of the skillful play of opponents by focusing on encouraging team and players. 3) Refrain from any degree of critical, sarcastic, or negative comments of a player, coach, or referee. 4) Refrain from distracting noises or inappropriate language during play. 5) Parents should not coach athletes from the stands during a game, between innings, or at half time. 6) Support cheerleaders' efforts and respect the efforts of the opponent's cheerleaders. 7) Cooperate with loudspeaker or Game Administrator s instructions about such things as keeping exits clear, staying off the playing surface, and remaining seated. 8) Do not step onto the court or field during a game. 9) If you see or hear something which is inappropriate, please help us by saying something to the offending individual. 10)Any disrespect or defamation from a student or family member in person, in writing, or on social media will not be tolerated and may cause the student to be removed from the program. 11) Parents should monitor their smaller children while at the games. Conflict LCA follows the Biblical principal outlined in Matthew chapter 18 in order to resolve conflicts. If a conflict arises the offended party should: 1 Pray about the situation 2 - Approach the offender in person before speaking with any other party about the situation. 3 - If a resolution can t be found then the 2 parties will set up a time to meet with the athletic director 11
Parent Volunteering Due to the enormous amount of manpower it takes to put on a single athletic event it is critical that the parents of the athletes in season volunteer to help serve. There are many opportunities. Parents will volunteer at a minimum of 4 games in one of the following capacities: 1 Gate 2 Concession 3 Score book 4 Score Board 5 Line Judge 6 Ball Runner 7 Stats 8 Video Recording 9 Calling in information to the newspaper outlets 10 Cleaning up the gym following Games Any parent not able or willing to fulfill this requirement will be assessed a $50 service fee that will go towards paying somebody to fulfill these responsibilities. Booster Club The LCA Booster Club exists to help support the entire athletic program at LCA. They are focused primarily on the big picture developmental needs of the athletic program. They will help coordinate the corporate sponsorship program and sports programs. Additionally, the Booster Club will host 2 major events per year 1) Beginning of the year tailgate and 2) Annual Golf Tournament. All Booster Club activities fall under the jurisdiction of the Athletic Director. The Booster Club will have no influence on playing time or any other matter related to a specific team. Any parent wanting to assist with the booster club should contact the athletic director for more information. 12