Table of Contents

Item					Page
Philosophy					2
Objectives					2
Eligibility					3
Academic		Age		Fees
Behavioral		Attendance
Physical Exam		Insurance
Parent Meeting		Parental Permission
Opportunities					4
Philosophy	Team Composition		Team Selection
Joining and Quitting Teams					5
Practices					6
Weather Emergencies					6
Playing Time					7
Transportation					7
Uniforms					7
Schedules					8
Sportsmanship					8
Coachs Role					9
Parents Role					9
Parent/Coach Communication					9
Appeals Process					10

St. Pauls Lutheran School Athletic Handbook

PHILOSOPHY

In order to provide students with a complete, well-rounded program, St. Paul's Lutheran School believes that athletics are an important tool in teaching the children to make use of their God-given talents and skills. Considering time, facilities, and coaches, we strive to provide the opportunity for as many students as possible, within our guidelines, to pursue athletic activities. Full utilization and development of God-given talents and a positive Christian attitude remain the motivation for our athletic program.

The athletic program builds on the base of the physical education curriculum of the school. It supplements the PE curriculum by providing additional, competitive, physical activities for students in grades five through eight who choose to, and are eligible to participate. The fifth and sixth grade teams are meant to provide experience for the students in preparation for varsity competition. The seventh and eighth grade (varsity) teams are meant to provide opportunities for the students to develop their abilities in a much more competitive setting, and to prepare them for high school competition.

The athletic program at St. Paul's is designed to encourage our children to compete with others in a Christian manner. We feel that competitive athletics also develops sport-specific skills, exercises and strengthens bodies, promotes sportsmanship, provides avenues for success, while learning important life-skills like teamwork, dedication, and commitment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Our goals are:

1. To develop and maintain the highest level of Christian sportsmanship.

2. To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing, success and failure.

3. To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletes whether they are teammates, members of other St. Pauls teams, or members of opposing teams.

4. To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does not interfere with academic success.

5. To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance on and off the field, and citizenship in and out of school.

6. To encourage competition not only for the tangible rewards but also for the development of positive attitudes that makes athletic competition valuable and worthwhile.

7. To orient all participants and fans to abide by the rules, regulations, and officials' decisions that govern each sport.

8. To maintain the highest standard of ethics, recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct him/herself in a manner befitting his/her responsibilities, and develop the kind of rapport with the broader school community that will improve the total educational program.

Student Eligibility

Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege, not a right, that is contingent on students maintaining satisfactory academic progress, attitudes, and behaviors. Students participating in athletics should maintain the highest Christian standards in word and deed during competition, practice, and general school life.

Academic Requirements

If a student receives a 'D or F' on either a mid-term report or a report card, they are declared ineligible (may participate in practices but not games) until the next grading report comes out.

If said student earns a 'D or F' (in any subject) again, they are removed from the team for the remainder of the season.

Exceptions to this policy may be made for students with diagnosed learning disabilities.

If a student has been removed from one team because of grades and a new season begins in the same marking period, the student may not participate, unless they have shown marked improvement. In this case Principal, Athletic Director, and Teacher must grant permission.

Student Behavior

See Demerit and Detention Policy (Middle School Handbook)

Severe or continuing discipline problems may result in a student being removed from a team. The Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach make this decision.

Illegal Activity

If any student that engages in any illegal activity (in or out of school) necessitating disciplinary or legal action, the school will determine the appropriate sanction including the possibility of suspension or dismissal from all athletic activities in addition to any other sanctions deemed necessary by the school.

This expectation as to conduct, and its corresponding penalty, is in addition to the prohibitions and penalties relating to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and possession set forth in the Substance Abuse Policy (Athletic Forms Booklet).

Physical Examination

Prior to the first participation in interscholastic athletics, all 7-8-grade students shall undergo a medical examination and be approved for interscholastic athletic competition by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical exam. This examination is valid for two years.

Prepared forms are available in the Athletic Forms Handbook or from the school office and must be filled out by the physician. Forms will become part of students permanent record.

Parent Information Meeting

A mandatory meeting for all parents/guardians will be held each year to review athletic policies, and turn in any missing forms.

Age

We belong to the Milwaukee Lutheran Elementary School Athletic Association (M.L.E.S.A.A.), we must then abide by league rules regarding age, which state participating players must not have reached their fifteenth birthday by September 1^st of the school year in which they desire to participate.

Attendance

Attend all scheduled practices, without excuse, unless directly dismissed by the coach. Two unexcused absences will be cause for dismissal from the team.

If a student is in school that day they will be expected at practice unless they communicate directly with their coach to inform him/her of their absence.

Athletes must attend a full day of school in order to participate in practice sessions or games that day.

Personal absences (doctors appointment, funeral, etc.) will not affect participation in practices or games that day.

Insurance

St. Pauls does not carry any medical expenses insurance for the benefit of any student who may be injured at school or while participating in a school sponsored event or activity, including athletic events, and that St. Pauls nor its coaches assumes any responsibility for such expense. Parents/guardians must carry insurance that covers any accidental injuries.

All injuries received during practice/competition must be brought to the coachs attention the day the injury occurs.

Parental Permission and Sports Candidate Health Questionnaire

Students who try out for an athletic team must have interscholastic Informed Consent and Parental Consent forms (Athletic Forms Booklet) filled out and signed by a parent or guardian and the prospective athlete as well as a completed interscholastic Emergency Card prior to trying out. The emergency card provides us with accurate information in the event of an injury. Informed consent forms and interscholastic emergency cards will be made available at athletic meeting and are also available in the main office and in the Athletic Forms Booklet.

Registration Forms

All athletic forms must turned in

Participation Fees

Any student participating in athletics must pay a $20.00 participation fee for each sport.

Payment should be given to the team coach or Athletic Director. Payments may be made by check made out to St. Pauls Lutheran School. Athletes who do not meet the payment deadline will not be allowed to participate on any level (including practice) until payment is received.

Athletes will be required to pay the fee before the first practice of the season.

Athletes who are cut or quit a team within the first week will be eligible for a refund.

Refunds will not be given for any student who quits or is dismissed from a team.

Athletes who join a sport in mid-season for any reason must pay the full fee.

Refunds for athletes who suffer a season-ending injury or illness will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

OPPORTUNITIES

Our school is a member of M.L.E.S.A.A. (Milwaukee Lutheran Elementary School Athletic Association) and participates in the sports sanctioned by this body. We pay in excess of $2000 to belong to this association. Fees for this come from tournament profits and PTL funds.

Some sports may not be fielded due to lack of participation or coaches.

FALL WINTER SPRING

Boys Flag Football Boys Basketball Girls Volleyball

6-8 5-8 5-8

Girls Softball Girls Basketball Boys Volleyball

5-8 5-8 5-8

Cheerleading Co-Ed Track and Field

7-8 5-8

1. Philosophy

It is our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic program. Obviously, time, space, facilities, equipment, coach availability, athletic ability and other factors will place limitations on the most effective squad size for any particular sport, and the number of teams offered.

2. Team Composition

Squad size at the varsity level is limited. Too many players reduces the number of repetitions each athlete gets, impedes learning and skill development, and reduces the amount of playing time each athlete would receive. The number of participants on any given team is a function of the number needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. The number of roster positions is relative to factors mentioned above.

Due to student participation, ineligibility, behavior and/or attitude problems it may be necessary at times to make adjustments in the grade level of players on a particular team. In some situations, we may need to bring players up from the grade below or move players down from the grade above.

Parents are to be notified of any possible changes.

The student may only be a member of one team during a season at the 7th/8th grade level for league games. (League Rules)

In cases where tryouts are deemed necessary, the coach will consult with the Athletic Director and principal in setting up and running tryouts. Tryouts will only occur in the 7-8 grades.

3. Team Selection Procedure

Prior to trying out, the coach shall provide the following information to all candidates for the team:

a. Extent of the tryout period.

b. Criteria used to select the team.

c. Number of students to be selected.

d. Practice commitment for those who make the team.

e. Game and tournament commitments.

Each candidate shall have a minimum of two practice sessions. Illness and injury to a student athlete during a tryout period must not be held against the student athlete, but the coach must make a fair judgment about time restrictions for tryouts.

Athletes will be evaluated by a minimum of three coaches.

JOINING AND OUITTING TEAMS

Students may not join a team once practices have begun. Exceptions can be made in the case of illness or injury, or a new student transferring into our school system.
Ideally, a student choosing to discontinue participation in a sport is doing so after all other avenues have been explored. The student, after making a final decision in consultation with their parents, should directly inform the coach of their decision.

PRACTICES

Practices are a key element for developing teamwork and individual skills. Since gym time is limited, we must use what time we do have to its fullest potential.

Attendance: Coaches spend a lot of time planning and preparing for practices. When a player is missing, it can affect the entire practice. Attendance at practices is mandatory. If a student is going to miss a practice, the coach should be notified in writing at least one day before the practice. We strive to teach our students to be dedicated to their team and to honor their commitment to be part of a team. Students who are genuinely interested in a particular sport and who are dedicated will not miss practice unexcused. We advise all athletes to attempt to schedule dental, doctor and other appointments and activities around athletic practices and games. Parents and students also need to be reminded that no jewelry is allowed at games and thus will not be allowed at practice. Students are advised against getting ears pierced before or during a sports season. For safety reasons, students wearing earrings (even those covered by athletic tape) will not be allowed to participate until the jewelry is removed (WIAA Rules).

During school vacations such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, a student will not be penalized for missing a practice.

Detention: If a student misses a practice or a game due to a detention/suspension, this will count as an unexcused absence.

Unexcused Absences: An unexcused absence may be given for the following reasons: missing practice with out proper notification, inappropriate clothing, and detention.

The coach will use the following criteria to enforce attendance at practice/games.

1^st Unexcused Absence- One game suspension

2^nd Unexcused Absence - Dismissal from team

Clothing: Practice clothing should be clean, in good repair, and reflect Christian modesty. Shoes should have non-marking soles, be of good quality, be laced, and be appropriate to the sport. Proper footwear greatly lessens the chance for ankle injury. (Slip-ons are not acceptable)

Siblings: Siblings of players that must stay after school and wait until practice ends for a ride home, should wait at After School Care.

Pick-up Time: Players are expected to be at practice, and picked up from practice on time. All children need to be picked up no later than 10 minutes after practice ends. We understand emergencies and delays can arise. For legal reasons coaches have been instructed not to leave the students in the building unsupervised. Please consider the time of our teachers and volunteer coaches in this matter.

If student transportation or supervision before or after an event is a problem, our school does offer After School Care for a minimal fee. More information on this may be obtained from the school office.

WEATHER EMERGENCIES

If games or practices are cancelled during the school day because of inclement weather the students on the teams will be given permission to use the school phones to notify their parents. We will make every effort to let all involved know by 1:30 of that day. When there is a weather emergency that necessitates canceling school, there will be no games or practices that evening.

PLAYING TIME

The students and parents who become involved in the athletic program of St. Paul's will need to develop a correct understanding of a Christian approach to competition and winning, and put this understanding into action. Games are played not only to have fun and to learn skills, but also to win and be successful. In our program, we strive for all of these goals, with our most important goal being to represent our school in a way that displays good Christian sportsmanship.

At the fifth and sixth grade level, the coaches should stress the fundamental skills and learning the game. Here, less emphasis is placed on winning and more on learning the game and its skills, as well as fundamental concepts of Christian teamwork. Although it is not possible to be exact, coaches will strive for equal playing time among players. This does not apply to tournaments.
Players and parents must also realize that other things such as attitude, cooperation in practice, practice attendance, and game attendance can also affect playing time.
At the seventh and eighth grade levels we need to adjust our guidelines and coaching as the intensity of competition increases within our league. Throughout our league schools begin placing more emphasis on the sharpening of individual skills, helping athletes to think of team goals rather than individual goals, teaching more intense game situations, handling pressure, handling stiffer competition, and on striving to win. However, this does not mean that winning at all costs is our goal. It does mean that playing time at this level will no longer be equal or guaranteed, and although coaches will strive to get all players into games, this may not always happen. This, too, is part of the learning and character building process. We expect that all players and parents be publicly supportive of our coaches decisions,
Playing time is determined by:

1. Grade level (5-6 level versus 7-8 level)

2. Skill of the player

3. Player's attitude toward coach and team

4. Player's effort

5. Skill level of opponent

6. Game situation

TRANSPORTATION

Our Athletic Transportation Policy (Athletic Forms Booklet) states that transportation is the responsibility of the parents. Coaches are not allowed to transport or arrange rides for players to or from an event.
Drivers need to make sure they have adequate insurance, and that each rider wears a seat belt.

UNIFORMS

For most sports we provide students with a uniform. In some sports, students are asked to purchase their uniform top at a minimal cost (cheerleading, 7-8 volleyball). In 7-8 basketball, students may be asked to purchase a warm up shirt.

Care: Take caution and extreme care when washing uniforms. Read instructions carefully! The uniform will never be worn for anything other than games.

Return: The uniform will be returned in the same condition it was given out. If it is not, you will be billed the replacement cost of the entire uniform. Students who have not returned or replaced their uniform will not be eligible for future events including graduation.

Equipment: Parents and players will be notified in advance of any additional equipment deemed as necessary by coaches, and approved by the Athletic Director and Principal. This might include mouth guards, kneepads, eyeglass straps, and cheerleading shoes.

SCHEDULING OF PRACTICES AND GAMES

All game schedules come from our league and are made available as soon as we receive them. Gym time is very limited and tight, coupling that with coaches availability makes scheduling practices and games a complicated matter, At times, conflicts with other after school activities is unavoidable. If this presents an on going conflict, parents and students will need to choose which activity the child will remain involved in. We strive to have a schedule that affords an opportunity to as many students as possible.

No games or practices will be conducted during worship services. We must also keep in mind Advent and Lent mid-week services.

Coaches will make every effort to keep parents, players, and school personnel aware of schedules and scheduling changes in a timely fashion.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Good sportsmanship and bad sportsmanship determine whether interscholastic athletics will live or die.

The administrator holds the key to the issue of sportsmanship. If he/she appreciates the importance of it by insisting that sportsmanship be good at any cost, then the school cannot go wrong. If he/she realizes the value of sportsmanship but fails to implement its good practice, then the school cannot help but run into problems.

The coach is the standard-bearer of sportsmanship. His/her role is a crucial one. He/she has the challenge of either making a contest a real showcase for education or turning it into a meaningless exercise in winning or losing. He/she can help players and spectators do the right thing through self-control and dignity or can incite either or both to act contrary to the aims and objectives of school athletics.

The players generally mirror the coach or their parents in exhibiting sportsmanship. The players are neither puppets nor mature individuals and are, therefore, susceptible to inconsistent sportsmanship. As adults we need to model how to handle difficult and sometimes emotional situations.

Most spectators know what grade school sports are all about. But an irritating minority always will be with us. The good guys in the audience, we hope, will minimize the influence of the bad guys. But if that doesnt happen, then there is all the more reason for the players to present themselves well and for the coach to be above reproach at all times. St. Pauls school personnel may intervene if necessary.

As long as there exists within all of us that human drive to win, we will have to be concerned about sportsmanship. The desire to win is not bad by itself. On the contrary, it is good. It is the proper attitude with which to approach any endeavor. To do otherwise would be to opt for failure instead of success. But while the quest to win must not be stifled, it must be honorable. In athletics, the quest must carry with it the realization that somebody is not going to win. In grade school sports, winning cannot be the 'only thing.' Handling loss is equally as educational, and therefore equally as important as winning.

Remember, interscholastic sports will live or die not by contests won or lost, but by sportsmanship-good or bad.

COACHES ROLE

Coaching kids is a very difficult, time-consuming, and yet rewarding activity. We are thankful for the many people who over the years have so selflessly given of their times and talents to make our athletic program what it is today. Coaches, like kids, come in many different ways, and all have their own way of doing things. History shows us that Drill Sergeants were very effective teachers and motivators. History also shows us that it is possible to walk softly, and get the same results. Please try to be, accepting of individual differences in coaching style. Coaches are human. They make mistakes, but all of our coaches want what is best for your child.

Each St. Paul's coach will strive to lead the children to use their God-given athletic talents to the best of their ability. He/she will teach basic skills, team skills, teamwork, and Christian sportsmanship.

Each coach will be accountable to the athletic director and the principal and will be required to follow league rules.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS

1. Be positive with your son/daughter. Let them know that they are accomplishing something by being part of the team.

2. As a fan, you are entitled to cheer as loud as you wish, but don't become belligerent.

3. Insist that the athletes respect and follow team rules, school rules, game officials, and sportsmanship. Self-respect begins with self-control.

4. Respect the officials. Under no circumstances should a fan ever approach a game official to discuss or offer their opinions.

5. Encourage your athlete to play for the love of the game.

6. Remember that the coach is involved as a coach because he/she is sincerely fond of children and is a fan of the game. Coaches have different ways of dealing with people and situations. Athlete's lives are enriched by interaction with different types of leaders. Support the coach(es) in the presence of other parents and fans, and especially your children.

7. At a competition you, the parent, represent your school, your son/daughter, and your Lord. Please be a positive role model.

8. Parents need to be supportive of their children's efforts. Being at games, picking up children on time, being a supportive spectator, discouraging unsportsmanlike conduct, and the like are ways Christian parents teach their children. Parents should teach their children to be humble winners and gracious losers.

9. The coaches are the coaches. Resist coaching from the stands. Undermining a coach's authority is harmful to the team and to your child.

10. Respect the officials.

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION

As your son/daughter becomes involved in the sports program at St. Pauls, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. Our coaches all try their best and want what is best for each child and the team. It is important to understand that there may be times when things do not go they way you or your child wishes. This is the opportunity for your child to talk with their respective coach and discuss the situation. When your child handles the problem, it becomes part of the learning and maturation process.

There may also be situations that require a conversation between the coach and the parent. These are encouraged as well. Its important that both parties have a clear understanding of the others position. Please follow the following procedures to help promote a resolution.

1. Parent/guardian speak directly and privately to the coach to discuss the concern.

2. Conflicts are not solved in the bleachers or the hallways. Please do not criticize and run down our coaches in the presence of other parents, children, or fans.

3. If the concern is not resolved, call the Athletic Director to arrange a conference. A meeting will be arranged with the coach, parent and Athletic Director. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be determined.

4. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolutions, and lead to tarnished images of our school, the coach, and yourself. A parent who attempts to talk to a coach in a manner that is considered to be aggressive may be told that proper procedure would be to set up an appointment with the coach the following day. The purpose would be to give both parties a chance to calm down and think about the situation completely. This would hopefully prevent problems for the parent, athlete, and coach.

5. Please let scripture be your guide (Matt. 7:1-5 and Matt.18:15-17).

APPEALS PROCESS

It is the intent of this policy to resolve, at the lowest level, complaints that are lodged against the coaching staff of St. Pauls and to protect the interests and privacy of students and coaches while such complaint is being heard.

Step One Complaints lodged against coaches should be referred to and resolved informally by the individual coach and complainant.

Step Two If the complaint is not resolved in step one it should be referred in writing to the athletic director. The athletic director will inform the coach of receipt of said complaint within two school days, and attempt to resolve the issue in a timely manner.

Step Three If the complaint is not resolved at the athletic directors level it should be referred in writing to the principal. The principal shall inform the coach and the athletic director of receipt of said complaint within two school days, and attempt to resolve the issue in a timely manner.

Step Four If the complaint is not resolved at the principals level it should be referred in writing to the Board of Christian Education. The Board will notify the coach of receipt of said complaint within two school days. Complaints so addressed will be considered in executive session. Decisions by Board of Christian Education are final.

For years St. Paul's and its fans have had the respect and admiration of other schools as well as league officials. This is due in part to the positive and supportive behavior of our coaches, players, and fans. In the era of taunting and disrespectful behavior that kids see and emulate, we need more than ever to display God-pleasing attitude and behaviors for our children and fellow adults as well.