Mt. Greenwood School Sports Program
Mission Statement and Guidelines
Mission: Students attending Mt. Greenwood School in grades K through 8 have the opportunity to learn how to play athletics as a member of a team that competes against teams from other schools. The program goals are A) to develop good sportsmanship, B) to teach the skills needed to enjoy playing the sport, C) to provide the experience and lessons of teamwork, and D) to encourage physical fitness and personal growth.
Structure: An Athletic Association has been established to help facilitate the administration of the Mt. Greenwood School athletic program, and to provide financial and advisory oversight of the program. The Mt. Greenwood Athletic Association is comprised of eight members. These members consist of five Sports Coordinators, President, Vice President, Treasurer and School Administrator. The Principal makes the decision of these appointments. The school administrator shall have sole determination on the following:
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Determination of eligibility
Scholarships and waivers or reduced fees
Building use and scheduling
Authorization of the use of the school name
In conjunction with the Athletic Association, conduct related issues as pertains to coaches, students and Association members.
The school administrator will delegate communication of some aforementioned areas through the Athletic Association.
Good Sportsmanship requires respect for self, teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials. It requires dedication to the rules of the game. Good sportsmanship acknowledges that everyone will try their best, compete hard, but fairly. Good sportsmanship is expected of everyone representing Mt. Greenwood School.
Philosophy: The K ­ 5th grade programs are instructional. Basic individual skills, rules of the game, and the fundamentals of team play will be taught in addition to physical conditioning. Competition is secondary to instruction, and full participation is the aim. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade programs will continue to stress team and individual development, but they will be more competitive in team formation and competition. At the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels, full participation is expected. Team Formation: Registration will be clearly communicated to parents and students alike. Fees are payable at registration. Late registration will not be accepted. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grades will have varsity teams. Coaches may select varsity teams using an outside evaluator. An outside evaluator is recommended. If coaches choose not to use an outside evaluator, teams will be selected by coaches in conjunction with the coordinator. In the K ­ 5th grades, the coaches will cooperate in the division of the teams to ensure the parity of talent of both teams. Each coach may have their own child on their team. No others will be protected. Team size will be determined to ensure adequate participation by all players.
Time Commitment: The number of leagues and tournaments will be monitored by the coordinator for that sport. More than 3 or 4 days per week can be hard on players and coaches and this is considered as schedules are developed. The coaches are volunteering their time and talents – it is a huge commitment.
Athletic Eligibility Policy: Eligibility to practice or play on any organized Mt. Greenwood School team, whether in pre­season or in the regular season, is determined approximately every five weeks by the athlete’s grades. An athlete must earn a minimum of four C’s and one D in the five core subjects: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. A student­athlete who is ruled ineligible may regain eligibility at the next grade reporting period. Grade reporting periods are listed in the school calendar as Progress reports and/or Report card days. A one­time pass may be offered after two weeks for a student who shows improvement. This pass will be offered one time per school year and will not be offered a second time. At any time during the athletic season the school administrator has the right to pull a student athlete due to failing grades or poor behavior. Suspended students or absent students may not play or practice on the days that they were not in school.
Playing Time: Above all, academic eligibility requirements must be satisfied and will be monitored by a school administrator. The K ­ 5th grade programs should stress instruction and are full participation for all participants. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade programs should refine skills. League play will be competitive, but fairness and sportsmanship should not be sacrificed. The 6th, 7th and 8ths grade program will be full participation. Playing time will be based upon the following criteria:
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Academic eligibility requirements must be satisfied
The player’s attendance record at practices and games.
The player’s attitude and willingness to put team goals before his/her own personal goals.
The players’ dedication to the game.
Coaches: Each team will have a head coach (an adult 21 years or older) and one assistant coach (if possible). Coaches will support and adhere to the above goals, philosophy, and guidelines. Coach wills strive to be fair and unbiased in their relationship with the team members and their parents. At the beginning of the season a coach may distribute a written copy of any rules or expectations. An adult coach will supervise all practices and games.
Grievance Procedure:
1. Please consult with the individual coaches in a private setting and adhere to the 24 hour rule. 24 Hour Rule: Please do not talk, text or email any coach about playing time or other negative concerns you may have until 24 hours after a game/practice time. 2. If there is no resolution after a meeting with your child’s coach please consult with the coordinator as appropriate.
3. If resolution is still not achieved, the problem should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Association.
Finances: All fees will be collected at the time of registration. A $34.00 fee will be charged for all returned checks. Fees are non­refundable once registration ends and teams are formed. A player is ineligible for play until all fees are paid.
An account shall be established for the Mt. Greenwood Athletic Association. All incoming funds will be deposited in said account. The fees to participate in the program are fixed, as the number of student athletes ultimately participating cannot be known prior to a season’s start. Therefore, 10% of each fee collected will be designated a program fee and used for the general administration of the program.
Coaches will discuss their financial needs with coordinators and together submit requests in a timely fashion. Check requests must be submitted to the Athletic Association before the check is needed. Expenses (excluding league fees which will be approved prior to registration) shall be approved by the Athletic Association. If a coach/coordinator makes a purchase prior to Association’s approval, they must submit the expense for approval immediately. If the purchase is approved, the total cost will be reimbursed. If the purchase is not approved, that individual will recognize the purchase as a donation to the sports program. An invoice/receipt is required for all purchases.