HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ATHLETIC MANUAL
2013-2014
Athletic Director: Lori Ellis
[email protected]
Greater Houston
Catholic Athletic Association
(GHCAA)
PHILOSOPHY OF THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM
The philosophy of the Athletic Program at Holy Rosary Catholic School is in accordance
with the overall mission of the school. The primary goal is the education of the whole
child grounded in our Catholic faith. We recognize an important component of a
student’s whole education is their physical development. The Athletic Program allows
that while helping with social development in a team situation and practicing good
sportsmanship.
As an affiliated school with the GHCAA, Holy Rosary Catholic School agrees to the
following goals:
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To build a community which strives to image Christ
To develop Christian spirit, school spirit, team spirit and personal acceptance
To install Christian sportsmanship in the life styles of the participants
To teach the participants the proper attitude towards winning, losing and
competing with dignity
To develop an acceptance and appreciation of others and their talents
To train and instruct in athletic rules
To develop the students physical abilities and coordination
To help form well-rounded students by fostering good health habits
To provide a Christian environment and outlet for youthful energy
To teach the positive value of athletic participation
To show the necessity of practice, work and management of time
These goals are founded upon the principle of the infinite worth of each person because
he/she is created in the image and likeness of God.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Eligibility and Commitment of Students: Participation is a privilege, not a right.
Students earn the privilege of participating through hard work, self-discipline and
dedication. Students must be dedicated to maintaining their grades and conduct each and
every day. In addition, participation requires a commitment by the student to attend all
practices and games with the exception of illness.
Eligibility Requirements: Athletics and Extracurricular Reports (AEC Reports) are
handed out and evaluated every three weeks. Students receiving one grade of 69 or
below will be ineligible to participate for 3 weeks. Any student receiving a conduct
grade of “N” will be ineligible for 3 weeks. If a student becomes ineligible, a notification
form will be sent home to verify the length and reason for suspension. No pass, no play,
no exceptions.
Sports Physical/Permission Forms: Every participant must have a current physical on
file with emergency contact information. Parent/Guardian Consent forms are required to
be filled out for each sport. This information is given to each coach for emergency
purposes.
Grade Level Requirements: Each sport has different levels of teams and numbers that
can be on the team, Holy Rosary will adhere to the policy set by GHCAA.
Team Selection: The head coach is responsible for the team selection process. C and
junior varsity teams will maintain a specific minimum of play time; however, absence
from practice may affect play time. Varsity teams are competitive and not all players may
play every game or the same amount of time. Playoff and championship game individual
participation is at the coaches’ discretion.
Practices/ Attendance/Playing Time: Students are expected to attend all practices,
games, and meetings called by the coach. If a student is unable to attend a practice,
game, or meeting, the coach must be notified immediately. Students with unexcused
absence or absence due to illness on the day of a game or practice may not participate in
athletic activities that day. Students must be in attendance at school by 10:00 a.m., unless
there is an excused tardy such as a dentist appointment. Students are not guaranteed play
time in every game due to practice/game attendance, the sportsmanship conduct, and
game situations. In order to have a successful team, play time and position played will be
at the coaches’ discretion. If a student misses three practices with an unexcused absence,
the student will be terminated from the team.
Team Meetings: All coaches will hold preseason meetings. Attendance of at least one
parent is mandatory. This is important as the schedules and guidelines are discussed.
Practice/game schedules will be discussed along with expectations stated in the Athletic
Manual.
Financial Obligations: Students will be required to pay an athletic fee for each sport in
which they participate. Athletic fees are due at the beginning of the season and are nonrefundable.
Uniforms and Equipment: School issued uniforms and equipment are to be used at all
Holy Rosary games. Please follow the recommended washing and drying instructions to
keep the uniforms in good condition. At the end of the season, all uniforms must be
returned to the athletic director in plastic bag labeled with the player’s name. They will
be returned if necessary for yearbook pictures. If uniforms are not returned or come back
in damaged condition, the student will be charged. Students are responsible for
furnishing their own socks, shoes, knee pads, and shin guards. These must meet team
specifications for color.
Transportation: Parent/students are responsible for providing their own transportation
to/from all games. Hopefully each team will have a head mom or dad parent who will
help to coordinate drivers and students needing rides.
Injuries: Students should never play with injuries. Permanent damage can result from
playing with injuries. The Athletic Director and Health Coordinator must be notified of
any injuries.
Sportsmanship: Each student will be required to uphold The Good Sportsmanship Code
at all times, and parents to model the behaviors of The Spectator’s Code. Any student or
parent whose conduct, dress, public or private remarks or other display of behavior of
unsportsmanlike conduct that might discredit the reputation of this school, may cause a
student or parent to be declared ineligible for participation in our Athletic Program. A
violation of the code of conduct could result in a one week of suspension from
practices and games or dismissal from the athletic program. Such decisions are made
by the Coach in consultation with the Athletic Director and Principal is final.
ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT
The coach’s code includes:
 Treating athletics based on what is best for the education, general welfare and
health of the student
 Professional loyalty to other coaches
 Adhering to in season and out of season practice regulations
 Adhering to policies which do not force athletes to specialize or restrict them
from participation in other sports
 Allowing students to participate in one school sport without requiring, as a
prerequisite participation in another school sport
 Coaches may not require a player to participate in a camp, clinic, league or other
non-school athletic event in order to participate on a school team
 Avoiding any coaching practice which would endanger the welfare or safety of
any player
 Emphasizing the academic progress of all participants by a regular, documented
check of their academic standing
 Assigning a team parent to arrange phone trees and snacks
 Scheduling games and practices to avoid unnecessary loss of study or class time
 Utilizing the best and most current teaching, coaching and training methods
through affiliation with professional associations and publications
 Abstaining from any practice that solicits teachers to modify a student’s grade for
eligibility purposes.
The spectators:
 Remember that you are at the contest to support and yell for your team and to
enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team or its
fans
 Remember that school athletics is a learning experience for students and that
mistakes are sometimes made. Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve
them as students, as athletes, and as people as you would praise a student working
in the classroom
 Learn the rules of the game and the league, so that you may understand and
appreciate why certain situations take place
 Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.
Treat them as you would treat a guest in your own home.
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Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Understand that they are
doing their best to help promote the student/athlete, and admire their willingness
to participate in full view of the public.
Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team
Use only cheers that support and uplift the teams involved
Be a positive role model at events through your own actions
Please respect the buildings and property of the facilities that are used by
controlling children, pick-up trash and following rules as displayed
Be sure to ensure the safety of children who are spectators by supervising them
inside and outside the facilities you are using.
The student athlete:
 Accept and understand the seriousness of your responsibility, and the privilege of
representing your school and the community
 Live up to the standards of sportsmanship established by the school
administration stated in The Good Sportsmanship Code…
THE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP CODE
THE ATHLETE SHALL NOT…
 Cheat
 Lose one's temper
 Speak negatively of teammates, coaches, referees, and opposing players
 Blame teammates for mistakes or a poor team performance
 "Trash talk" and/or taunt opponents
 Showboat
 Argue referees' calls and judgments
THE ATHLETE SHALL BE…
 Honest, humble and gracious. Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated,
as a guest or friend.
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Positive and encouraging to opposing players and teammates through words and
actions. Wish opponents good luck before the game and congratulate them in a
courteous manner following either victory or defeat
Respectful of the judgment of referees and coaches
Accept responsibility as a team member on and off the court/field. It is your
responsibility to maintain your grades and conduct.
REGISTRATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
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Complete and submit the Registration and Handbook Acknowledgment Form.
Complete and submit Parent Consent and Medical Form
Have your child’s doctor complete Sports Physical Form and return to school
Submit designated fee for sport prior to the first competition
ALL FORMS ARE LOCATED ON EDLINE UNDER ATHLETICS.
Athletic Handbook Acknowledgment Form
I have carefully read the Holy Rosary Athletic Manuel. By my signature below, I
acknowledge, understand, accept and agree to comply with the information contained
in the Athletic Manuel. I understand this handbook is not intended to cover every
situation which may arise, but is simply a general guide to the goals, policies, and
expectations of the Holy Rosary Athletic Department.
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Parent Name
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Parent Signature
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Date
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Student Name
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Student Signature
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Date