Approved by: Rev. John Burnett
October, 1998

In addition to the requirements contained in this athletic handbook, the athletic policies of Blessed Sacrament School include the requirements of the following:

1. Diocesan Policy Handbook (#5561 and #5562 are attached)
2. Illinois Elementary Schools Association rules (grades 7&8).
3. Springfield Catholic Athletic Association (SCAA) Rules and Policies Handbook (available in the school office)
4. BSS Parent/Student Handbook

Purpose
The athletic program of Blessed Sacrament School is intended to teach the skills of the games, to foster healthy exercise, to teach fair play, and to create opportunities of enjoyment for all interested students. Our athletic program stresses the idea that every child be given the chance to play a fair amount of time, to be taught Christian values, to enjoy the fellowship of team membership, and to learn appropriate behavior in practice and game situations.

School sponsored athletic programs are a part of the total school program and are subject to the policies of the school as well as to the general administrative responsibilities of the principal. Athletic programs should enhance, and in no way detract from, the academic and religious norms of the school.

Organization
The pastor, principal and athletic director will work together as the Athletic Committee of Blessed Sacrament. They will approve which sports will be sponsored by BSS. Any recommended policy changes should be submitted in writing to the athletic director for review and approval.

Funding is provided by the students who participate in Blessed Sacrament sponsored sports. Each participant in each sport will pay a non-refundable athletic fee which will be used to cover the cost of league and tournament fees, equipment, uniforms, etc..

General Athletic Guidelines
Only students attending Blessed Sacrament School may participate in BSS athletic programs. Students, parents and coaches must agree to abide by all sections of the athletic policy.

Fifth and sixth grade athletes play at their own grade level and on one team only for each sport.

Transportation of students to any out of town games must be provided by licensed and insured drivers.

When a conflict or concern arises over athletics, the proper channels to be followed are coach, athletic director, principal, pastor.

Player Eligibility
Any student desiring to play on a Blessed Sacrament team must maintain at least a grade of "C-" in all subjects and at least a 2 for conduct and effort to remain eligible.

Fifth and sixth grade athletes will be evaluated for eligibility at each grading period and upon issue of mid-quarter progress reports. If a student's performance falls below the accepted standards they will be notified of a 2 week probation during which time they must bring all grades up to the acceptable standard. Any student failing to bring his/her grades up to standard during this two week probationary period will be dismissed from team participation until the next satisfactory progress report or report card.

Seventh and eighth grade athletes will be evaluated for eligibility each week. If a student’s performance falls below the above standard, the player will be ineligible to participate in games or practices until the results of a weekly grade check are satisfactory. Players ineligible for more than three consecutive weeks or a total of five weeks during the season shall be dismissed from the team.

Notification of ineligibility will be made on Friday. The week of ineligibility will run Monday-Sunday following notification.

Athletic Director
The responsibilities of the athletic director include:

1. Assist the pastor, principal and coaches in administering school policies governing athletic programs.

2. Act as liaison between pastor, principal, and coaches concerning diocesan and school policies, eligibility, discipline, scheduling, or any associated items.

3. Schedule athletic activities:

a. set up practice schedules,
b. coordinate league scheduling for SCAA and IESA games,
c. assume responsibility for tournaments, league and non-league games in compliance with school policy,
d. assist coaches in scheduling tournaments and non-SCAA games,
e. work with principal in scheduling athlete policy and coaches meeting,
f. ensure that grades with multiple teams (grades 5 & 6) are balanced according to ability.

4. Obtain supplies and equipment for the sports program. Verify that common equipment (including first aid supplies) are in working order. Maintain an inventory of sports equipment.

5. Maintain the uniforms, equipment and first aid kits; distribute at the start of each season, and collect at the end of each season.

6. Assist the principal in the selection and training of coaches and institution of new programs.

7. Distribute schedules and student medical/emergency information to coaches.

8. Contact students, parents and coaches with regards to ineligibility.

9. Represent BSS at monthly SCAA meetings.

10. Respect the confidentiality of matters concerning coaches, students and parents.

11. Post an up-to-date gym availability schedule in the school office & gym.

12. Recommend to the principal any disciplinary action against coaches and/or players.

Coaches

All coaches must:

1. be 21 years of age or older (younger coaches may assist),

2. have signed an agreement to adhere to all policies regarding sports,

3. have agreed that no profanity or physical or verbal abuse will be used during the coaching of BSS teams,

4. have completed, or will complete, a coaches clinic, including OSHA update, before practice or any coaching begins,

5. have signed a child abuse statement,

6. have been approved by the principal.

The principal may remove a coach if there is any violation of rules or policies by the coach.

Coaches’ Responsibilities:

1. There shall be competent supervision at games and practice by qualified adult coaches who understand the sport, child development and first aid.

2. Teams will consist of:

        Minimum/Maximum
        Basketball 8/15
        Volleyball 9/17
        Baseball 11/21
        Softball 11/21

These are strongly suggested numbers. Variances can be made only after the approval of the athletic director and principal. No player shall be cut from the team as a means of reducing size.

3. The coaches of any grade division where there will be more than one team will mutually agree to the composition of the teams. For fifth and sixth grade teams there will be careful grouping of students into teams by grade level, weight, size, skill, physical maturation, and ability, to prevent injuries and to make all teams as equal in skill and ability levels as possible. For seventh and eighth grade teams, the coaches will be responsible for determining if the team is in the A or B league of SCAA. They can also request of the athletic director to be entered in the IESA in addition to the SCAA.

4. There should be proper conditioning prior to participation in practice and games.

5. Coaches will give appropriate details regarding practice, games, schedules, teams and team membership to the principal, athletic director, players and parents.

6. For grades 5 and 6, all players are to play the equivalent of one quarter of the total game time. Coaches may deny playing time to any player who does not attend or cooperate at practices and/or games. Players will be notified prior to the game if this is to take place.

7. Coaches will have the authority to make decisions effecting play at practices and games and may bench students immediately during a game or practice for misconduct or failure to cooperate.

8. A coach-player-parent meeting will be held prior to the first game in order to review athletic policies.

9. Coaches are responsible for making sure that good sportsmanship is exhibited both by themselves and the players at all times.

10. Coaches are required to arrive 10 minutes before the stated arrival time of the players and will remain until all players are picked up.

11. Coaches will carry first aid kits and student information including parent and emergency phone numbers, to each game/practice.

12. Coaches are to honor the schedule regarding practice times and gym uses.

13. Coaches are not to schedule games or tournaments outside the SCAA schedule without prior consent of the athletic director and principal.

14. Coaches will not allow ineligible players or players without complete paperwork to practice or play.

Players
Players must maintain their grades as a first priority. Players must also display good sportsmanship and Christian character at all times. Violations may result in suspension or discharge from the team. Players must attend all practices and games. If unable to attend, the coach must be notified by the player or parent directly. Disciplinary action for missing practice and/or games lies within the coach’s authority. Players should not arrive more than 10 minutes prior to practice and must leave immediately at the conclusion of practice. Players who are absent from school due to illness will not be allowed to participate in either practice or games on that same day.

Parents
All parents of players participating in Blessed Sacrament athletic programs are expected to comply with the following policies:

1. Each child must have proof of a current physical examination and proof of insurance before s/he is allowed to practice.

2. Parents must sign the athletic permission slip prior to the first practice of each season.

3. Students who are absent from school due to illness will not be allowed to participate in either practice or games on that same day.