! Trinity Christian Academy Athletic Manual 2014-2015
Trinity Christian Academy Athletic Manual 2014-2015 Trinity Christian Academy 7592 South Military Trail Lake Worth, FL 33463 www.tcalw.org (561) 967-1900 ! Assistant Athletic Director Donna Aron (561) 967-1900 ext. 254 ! Athletic Director Austin Johnson (561) 967-1900 ext 257 ! Table of Contents ! School Mission Statement 4 Philosophy of Athletics 4 Sportsmanship 5 Responsibilities of Students 5 Attendance 5 Conduct 5 Player Expenses 5 Equipment and Uniforms 6 Insurance 6 Student-Athlete Commitment 6 Warriors Athletic Parent Covenant 7 Coaches Role 8 Coaches 9 Coaching Agreements 9 Coach’s Responsibilities/Requirements 9 Coaching Evaluations 10 Parent-Coach Communication 10 General Parent-Coach Communication Guidelines 10 CPR/First Aid Training 11 Hiring Process 11 Supervision of Student-Athletes in Gym/Playing Field Areas 12 Summer Camps 12 Summary of Important Information for Coaches 12 Eligibility 13 Student Eligibility 13 Academic Eligibility 13 Limits of Eligibility 13 Transfer Students 13 Required Forms 14 !2 Home School Participation 14 International Students 14 Facility Usage 16 After School Gym Usage 16 Facility Usage Rates 17 Policies 17 Conflict Resolution Policy 17 Administrative Supervision 18 Attendance 18 Quitting a Team 18 Multi-Sport Athletes 18 Athletic Awards/Honors 19 Unsportsmanlike or Inappropriate Conduct 21 Spectator Conduct 21 Music 21 Non-School Competition 21 Out of Town Activities/Overnight Policy/Chaperones 22 Chaperones 22 Student Pick-Up 22 Practice Clothing 23 Practice Times 23 Rainout Procedure 23 Senior Recognition 23 Parent Meetings 23 Transportation 24 College Recruiting 25 Conclusion 25 !3 School Mission Statement ! Trinity Christian Academy is a Christ-centered school with the purpose of preparing young men and women for either full-time service in the ministry or full-time service as Christian lay persons serving Christ in their calling. This philosophy allows Trinity Christian Academy to believe with conviction in “Strong Education for World Change.” ! Philosophy of Athletics ! The purpose and mission of the Athletic Department at Trinity Christian Academy is to fulfill the mission of TCA through competition in interscholastic sports–implementing Biblical principles in our instruction and setting Godly examples. The goal of our Athletic Department is to do our best not only for our school but also for the Lord. It should be the desire of every coach at TCA to use interscholastic sports as a means of developing champions on the field, in the classroom, and on the mission field. ! Our coaches will: ! ! • Build relationships with players and parents • Emphasize that student-athletes are leaders who must demonstrate strong Christian character • Embrace and teach the team concept, understanding that participation is a privilege, not a right • Pursue competitive excellence and present teams prepared to play • Coach with the understanding they represent TCA and Jesus Christ The Athletic Department will provide every parent and student-athlete with a detailed Athletic Manual via the Trinity Christian Academy website. ! Because our mission statement is for all sports and students, students are encouraged to try out and participate in sports at Trinity Christian Academy. All athletes, coaches, and fans are expected to represent Trinity Christian Academy in a Christ-like manner. Athletics at Trinity Christian Academy are an extension of the classroom; thus, the principles and expectations outlined in our Student Manual are met also throughout the Athletic Department. ! It is the goal that the athletes develop positive Christ-like character and express these characteristics through their involvement in athletics. It is the job of the coaches to model Christlikeness and properly direct the students in all situations so as to build the Biblical character qualities. Athletics should help introduce and strengthen relationships among team members coming from the team concept and direct leadership of the coach. There should be a commitment to excellence in each sport. ! !4 Athletics represents an aspect of the educational program, not the main focus of the program. One of the main goals of the athletic program is that the student becomes a well-rounded individual, striving to maximize his/her God-given potential. The athletic program shall provide well-planned and well-balanced interscholastic activities for as many participants as possible, consistent with available facilities, personnel, and financial ability. The athletic program shall be planned so as to present a minimal amount of interference with the academic program. The athletic program shall function so as to involve not only the participants, but also the student body and school community. The athletic program shall provide an opportunity for the loyalty of parents and friends of the school to be renewed, strengthened, and united. ! Sportsmanship ! Sportsmanship at Trinity Christian Academy is an expectation, not a request. Always let the players play, the coaches coach, and the officials officiate. We encourage players and spectators to enjoy the game and cheer for our teams, but we will not allow for behavior that does not reflect the Christ-like attitude that our school should embody. ! ! Attendance ! Responsibilities of Students A participant is expected to attend all scheduled practices, meetings, and contests whether or not school is in session. If it is necessary to miss any meeting, practice, or game, prior arrangements must be made with the coach. Participants may be dismissed from the team after any unexcused absences. ! Conduct ! The student who chooses to participate in the TCA athletic program is in a unique position. this position will be observed by many public and private schools, media, parents, guests, peers, teacher, and the public at-large. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one’s desire to be Christ-like in sportsmanship and performance. ! Player Expenses ! The athletic program at TCA is supported in part by concession stand and gate receipts, fundraising, and gifts. The student-athlete’s parent(s) will be scheduled to work the concession stand and gate for games. Student-athletes and parents are expected to participate in fundraisers throughout the school year. ! In addition to the sports’ fees and necessary uniforms and equipment, the athlete may incur personal expenses while the team is traveling. ! !5 Equipment and Uniforms ! • The athlete will be held financially responsible for any lost or misplaced equipment. The cost of any deliberate mutilation of school property will be charged to the athlete. • The Athletic Department supplies the player’s game uniforms. The cost of any uniform returned in a condition in which it cannot be reissued will be charged to the athlete; this includes uniforms that have been improperly laundered or cared for. • The player is expected to furnish his/her own shoes, socks, and other needed items for the sport in which they care competing. The Athletic Department will provide criteria for shoes. • Special wraps, braces, or supports must be provided by the student. • Athletes will not be allowed to continue or begin a new season until all financial obligations have been cleared. Current replacement costs will determine the amount for which the athlete will be held accountable. • Players will be required to purchase a practice uniform which complies with the TCA Practice Clothing policy. ! Insurance ! Each athlete will be covered with accident insurance. The insurance shall be a second carrier for families who have other insurance policies. ! ! Student-Athlete Commitment Attendance • As a Student Athlete, I will attend and be on time to practices, games, and team functions. • As a Student Athlete, I will contact the coach by noon or earlier that day, to notify that I will be absent. ! Work Ethic • As a Student Athlete, I will be diligent in preparation, displaying a coachable spirit, and providing great effort each time I step on and off the field of play. • As a Student Athlete, I will not allow negative situations to affect my attitude, effort, or demeanor. ! Conduct/Accountability • As a Student Athlete, I will demonstrate respect, discipline, humility, and self-control in all situations working towards Christ-like character on the field of play. • As a Student Athlete, I will always be positive toward teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. • As a Student Athlete, I will refrain from the use of ridicule, harassment, profanity, teasing, or name-calling. • As a Student Athlete, I am afforded the privilege to participate in athletics, thus the responsibility rests on me to adhere to the standards set forth in all student manuals. !6 Communication • As a Student Athlete, I will maintain open avenues of communication with teammates, coaches, and parents which will help to build teamship and excellence. • As a Student Athlete, I will speak to coaches in regard to my role, playing time, and areas of needed growth. • These kinds of conversations will assist me in working towards developing my sport-specific skills, growth, and maturity in my life skills. ! Leadership • As a Student Athlete, I understand that Team Captains will be selected based on character and leadership ability rather than athletic performance or status. • As a Student Athlete, I will be responsible to the Athletic Department and Administration for my actions both on and off the field of play. ! Honor Code • As a Student Athlete, I understand that participation on a team is a privilege, not a right. • To remain a Student Athlete in good standing (remain on the team), I must uphold the Mission Statement of the school and conduct myself in accordance with the Student Athlete Commitment ! ! Warriors Athletic Parent Covenant Competition • As a parent, I understand and agree that the Trinity Christian Academy Athletic Department fields competitive programs in each sport. ! Playing Time • As a parent, I understand and agree that all players may or may not play during each game. • As a parent, I understand that not all players will have equal playing time. • As a parent, I understand and agree that the coaches will not discuss playing time with parents. ! Role Players • As a parent, I understand and agree that each player will have a role to play on their respective team. • As a parent, I understand that the coaching staff will determine the role of the player, and I will support that decision with our child, other parents, and coaches. ! Coaching • As a parent, I understand and agree to let the coaches coach and the players play, while focusing my energy on encouraging and cheering. I will not give direction to my child from the stands or sidelines. ! ! !7 Payment of Fees • As a parent, I understand and agree to pay all athletic fees associated by the published due date for each season. All participation fees will be billed, paid, and managed through the Finance Office. Fees not paid by required deadlines will result in the Student-Athlete being removed from participation. ! Fundraising • As a parent, I agree to allow coaches and administration to plan and organize fundraisers. I, as a parent, will aid coaches and administration in creating ideas for fundraising opportunities. ! Conflict Resolution • As a parent, I will demonstrate Christ-like behavior in resolving conflict. I will follow the Matthew 18 principle and will not complain, gossip or criticize those with whom I may have disagreement. • As a parent, I agree to abide by the conflict resolution policy found in the Athletic Manual to resolve all athletic related concerns. ! Coaches Role ! • As a Coach, I am responsible to select Student Athletes that best represent Trinity Christian Academy’s Mission Statement without regard to ability or status. If a student does not represent the Mission Statement, he/she should not be selected as a member of the team. • As a Coach, I will use a thorough approach when evaluating a Student Athlete using qualities such as character, integrity, leadership, coachability, and a love for the sport. • As a Head Coach, I will have the responsibility to make sure there is no use of “unfair advantage” based on contributions, status, or influence within the program. • As a Coach, I will instruct Student Athletes using positive methods to create an ideal learning environment. • As a Coach, I will assist in the total development of all athletes by helping them through their life journey, not just their athletic journey. • As a Coach, I will provide an open line of communication with Student Athletes that allows for questions and feedback for means of improvement. • As a Coach, I will approach parents individually or collectively to pass along necessary feedback during the season. Athletes will also be encouraged to accurately communicate with their parents about their experiences on the team. • As a Coach, I will take the responsibility to select team captains that will best emulate the core Christian values expected at Trinity Christian Academy. Those positions will not be based on status, position, or ability. • As a Coach, I will communicate to Student Athletes and parents all necessary information needed for fees, practice and game schedules, and any other program needs prior to the first game at a mandatory parent meeting. • As a Coach, I will create and implement a meaningful practice structure to enhance instruction, development, and effective use of time for all teams within the program. !8 • As a Coach, I will work toward the desired outcome of developing the total athlete to become faith-based athletes. • As a Coach, I understand that coaching at Trinity Christian Academy is a privilege and not a right. I will remain in good standing and uphold the Mission Statement of the school and conduct myself according to the standards and procedures listed in the Athletic Manual and will remain in compliance with all FHSAA rules and regulations. ! Coaching Agreements Coaches ! ! All coaches will be given a one-year coaching contract prior to each season. Coaches maintain their positions at the Athletic Director’s discretion and may be moved with or without cause. ! Coach’s Responsibilities/Requirements ! • Coaches are expected to maintain an appropriate coach’s demeanor at all times and model Christ-like character • Coaches must continually work to enhance parent-coach communication • All changes to practices and/or games must be reported to the Athletic Director prior to 1:30 p.m. on the day in question. • Coaches are responsible for staying with students after practices and games until all players have been picked up or signed into aftercare by the coach. • Physicals, Students Covenants, and Parent Covenants must be on file in the Athletic Office prior to a student participating in practices or games. Failure to comply with this policy will result in denial of participation, including practices and games. • Head coaches are required to submit team rosters for their team to the Assistant Athletic Director prior to the first game/match so that we can insure the eligibility of all athletes. Rosters must be updated when there are changes made to the team. An email must be sent to the Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director noting the roster change. • All purchases must be submitted to the Athletic Director prior to purchase. Unauthorized purchases may be subject to non-payment and will become your personal responsibility. • All fundraising must be approved by the Athletic Director, Principal, and the Receivables Bookkeeper. • Coaches are required to secure all facilities at the end of practice/games if they are the last scheduled event for that day. • Coaches are required to attend all games and practices unless previous approval has been given by the Athletic Director. Head Coaches must ride the bus with the team for away games. If a coach is unable to ride the bus for an away game, they must find a “stand-in” who must be approved by the Athletic Director. • Varsity coaches are expected to report all game scores and stats to the Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel at the completion of each game. !9 • Junior Varsity and Varsity Head Coaches are responsible for being familiar with requirements, deadlines, rules and regulations published in the FHSAA Handbook. • All team uniforms must be turned in to the Head Coach within one week of the last game of the season. The uniforms must be clean and given to the equipment and uniform manager. Once pick-up of the uniforms is complete the all missing uniforms must be returned to the Athletic Department directly. Coaches must verify they have received all uniforms. Missing uniforms will be charged to the individual student. ! Coaching Evaluations ! Every head coach will be evaluated by the Athletic Director at the conclusion of each season. The Athletic Director will schedule a meeting following the last game of the season. Based on these evaluations, the Athletic Director will decide whether or not to renew the coaching contract for another year. ! If the Athletic Director decides to renew the coach’s contract for another year, and the coach would like to coach the next year, the Athletic Director will ask the coach to sign a letter of intent to signify the coach’s intention to return the following year. This letter of intent is non-binding, but allows for the Athletic Department to plan for the next athletic season. ! Parent-Coach Communication ! Parents are obligated to understand the expectations that are being placed on their children as well as their child’s role on the team. Communication is the building block of all relationships, including the parent-coach relationship. Through building this strong relationship, parents and coaches are better able to support our student-athletes and respond appropriately when concerns arise. ! Each player on a team receives differing amounts of playing time. However, every child plays a critical role in supporting team success. As a parent, it is important to recognize the role your student-athlete plays on the team. Like parenting, coaching can be difficult. It is important for parents to remember that coaches are qualified to coach and make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for the team. ! General Parent-Coach Communication Guidelines ! Expected Communication from Coach to Parent • Philosophy on coaching • Locations and times of all practices • Team requirements (equipment, off-season work) • Procedures if a student-athlete is injured during practice or a game • An explanation of disciplinary procedures • Details of student-athlete’s role on the team !10 ! Expected Communication from Parent to Coach • Advance notification of any schedule conflicts • Medical or physical limitation of a student-athlete • Concerns expressed in an appropriate manner that abides by the resolution policy outlined in the Athletic Manual Parents and coaches are urged to communicate with each other frequently. However, parents will not have the ability to discuss every aspect of team management. Parents may discuss the physical or emotional mistreatment of the student-athlete, concerns about a student-athlete’s behavior, or ways to help the student-athlete improve. Parents may not discuss playing time, team strategy, play calling, or other student-athletes with the coach. If a conflict arises with a coach or parent please refer to the conflict resolution policy outlined in the Athletic Manual. ! CPR/First Aid Training ! All coaches are encouraged to be certified in the areas of CPR and First Aid. Trinity Christian Academy will provide on-campus training in both areas. CPR certification is valid for one year; First Aid certification is valid for three years. ! Hiring Process ! When there is a coaching vacancy, the following hiring procedure will be followed: ! 1. All candidates (except those currently on staff at TCA) must complete the TCA coaching application and return the completed form to the Athletic Director via email ([email protected]) or fax (561-965-2714). ! a. Coaches who will receive a stipend for their services must complete the entire coaching application. A background check from TCA must be completed upon hiring. b. Volunteer coaches (those who do not receive a stipend) must complete the coaching application and a TCA background check. c. TCA will not cover the cost of the background check. 2. When the coaching application is complete, the following interview process will be followed: a. The Athletic Department will check references. b. Candidates for a head coaching position will interview with the Athletic Director. In some instances, an interview with the school principal may be required. c. Candidates for assistant coaching positions will interview with the head coach and the Athletic Director. In some instances, an interview with the school principal may be required. !11 d. Candidates for volunteer positions must interview with the head coach and Athletic Director. ! 3. Upon completion of the interview process, a hiring decision will be made. ! a. All hiring decisions are contingent upon a background check from TCA. ! This complete procedure must be adhered to, prior to hiring. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should individuals (paid or volunteer), who have not had a background check, be allowed to help our student-athletes at practices, coach in games, or ride a bus with our student-athletes. Nor should individuals who are to be paid coaches be allowed to coach if they have not completed their employment forms. ! Supervision of Student-Athletes in Gym/Playing Field Areas ! Student’s will not be permitted to enter the gym/playing field without a coach’s supervision. Student’s found in the gym/playing fields unattended will be asked to report to aftercare. Coaches will instruct student-athletes not to enter the gym when unsupervised. If a coach is going to be late for practice or pre-game, he/she must arrange adequate adult supervision until they arrive. • Coaches who are responsible for supervision of the gym will have a physical presence in the gym at all times. • • • • ! Summer Camps ! Summer Camps are approved and scheduled under the direction of the Athletic Director. All dates and offerings are to be advertised through approved mediums selected by the Athletic Director. All flyers must be approved before being disseminated. ! Summary of Important Information for Coaches ! • Schedules are to be submitted to the Athletic Director and the Assistant Athletic Director prior to each season so that each game/match can be contracted in a timely manner. Any changes to a schedule must be submitted to the Athletic Director for approval. • Coaches are responsible for staying with students after practices and games until all players have been picked up. • Physicals and Covenants must be on file in the Athletic Office before a students may participate in practices, tryouts, or games. • Head coaches are required to submit a team roster for their team to the Assistant Athletic Director prior to the first game/match to insure the eligibility of all athletes. • All fundraising ideas must be approved by the Athletic Director, Principal, and Receivables Bookkeeper. !12 • Coaches are responsible for securing all facilities at the end of practice/game if they are the last scheduled event for that facility. • Varsity coaches are expected to report all game scores and stats to the Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel. Student Eligibility ! Eligibility ! ! Trinity Christian Academy is a member for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which is the governing body for Florida high school sports. FHSAA rules and regulations governing eligibility can be found in the FHSAA Handbook which can be downloaded at www.fhsaa.org. ! Academic Eligibility ! • Students in grades 9-12 must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale to remain eligible. • Students in grades 6-8 must have been regularly promoted from the previous grade, carrying a normal class load, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. • Individual coaches may not set academic eligibility requirements. • Students participating in middle school sports may not have an “F” in any class. At the end of each semester, if a student has an “F” average, they will not be permitted to play any sports the following semester. ! Limits of Eligibility ! • Students have four consecutive years of eligibility, beginning when they first enroll in 9th grade. • Middle School students may participate in interscholastic athletics one year as 8th graders, one year as 7th graders, and one year as 6th graders. • A student must be less than 19 years, 9 months of age to participate in high school athletics. Beginning with students entering grade 9 in 2014-2015, and thereafter, a student who reaches the age of 19 on or after September 1st, and who has not exceeded his/her four-year limit of eligibility, may participate in interscholastic athletics during that school year. ! Transfer Students ! A student who transfers to Trinity Christian Academy prior to the official start date of a sport is eligible to compete if all other eligibility requirements have been satisfied. Any questions in relation to transfer students should be directed to the Athletic Director. The guidelines for transfer students can be found and reviewed in the “Transfer Regulations” section of the FHSAA Handbook. !13 Required Forms ! The following forms must be turned in to the Athletic Office before a student is permitted to practice or play for a team: ! • FHSAA Physical Form (EL2) • All students are required to have an annual physical examination by a physician. Only the FHSAA’s form can be accepted. This form can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page. • FHSAA Parent/Student Consent Form (EL3) • Both the student and parent are required to sign this form in order for the student to participate in athletics. This form can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page. • FHSAA Concussions and Heat Related Injury Form (EL3CH) • This form can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page. • GA4 Form • All newly enrolled 9th-12th grade students must complete the FHSAA Affidavit of Compliance with the Policy on Athletic Recruiting. This form can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page. • Student-Athlete and Parent Agreements • All student-athlete and parent agreements must be signed. These forms can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page. ! Home School Participation ! • Trinity Christian Academy will allow any student enrolled in Florida Virtual School to participate in TCA sports. Home school students are required to pay the full athletic fee. This fee does not guarantee participation and will not be collected until a student has been placed on a team. • The following forms must be completed and submitted to the FHSAA by the Athletic Department before a home school student will be allowed to practice or play for any TCA sports team. • Home Education Application (EL7) • Home Education Verification (EL7V) • Home Education Progress Report (EL9) • These forms can be found on the Trinity Christian Academy sports page and on the FHSAA website. ! International Students ! Trinity Christian Academy athletics operates within the policies imposed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Trinity Christian Academy athletics reserves the right to act above and beyond the FHSAA’s policies in the case of student-athlete eligibility. !14 ! Trinity Christian Academy will provide students with a list of available host families. Students are not limited to choosing a family from the list provided, and may find a host family outside of this list. Before a student-athlete is officially placed with a host family, the decision must be approved by the athletic department to ensure compliance with FHSAA and TCA policies and standards. ! In the case of an international student staying with a host family the following rules are implemented by the FHSAA: ! • Policy 17.1.2(b)- no member of the school’s coaching staff may serve as the host family. • Policy 17.1.2(c)- no representative of the school’s athletic interest, as defined in Bylaw • ! 1.4.18(c-f), who is associated with the same sport as the youth exchange student, may serve as the host family. Policy 17.1.2.1- A host family that wishes to host more than one youth exchange student per school each year, for the same gender and sport, must have the approval of the Executive Director (of the FHSAA). In the case of an international student staying with a host family, Trinity Christian Academy requires page two (2) of this document to be completed, signed, and notarized. Trinity Christian Academy provides notaries if the signers are present. In the event a student-athlete moves after completing this agreement, a new agreement must be completed before eligibility will be granted by Trinity Christian Academy. ! If a student-athlete, host family, or student-athlete representative is found to falsify the host family name or address reported to Trinity Christian Academy, the punishment for such action is as follows: ! ! • If a student or student's parents are found to be untruthful in reporting their host family, the student will be deemed athletically ineligible by Trinity Christian Academy for one (1) calendar year, at which point the student will have to re-report his host family in order to regain eligibility at the discretion of the athletic director and school principal. International Student/Host Family Agreement ! Student Name __________________________________________________________________ ! Parent’s Name(s) _______________________________________________________________ ! Host Family Name(s) ____________________________________________________________ ! Host Family Address ____________________________________________________________ ! !15 Host Family Phone Number _______________________________________________________ ! I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the statements made in this agreement and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment. I further understand that the penalties for knowingly making a false statement may subject THIS SCHOOL to fines, forfeitures, probations and possible expulsion from membership in the FHSAA, and may subject THIS STUDENT to a loss of athletic eligibility. ! FOR STUDENT/PARENT(S)/LEGAL GUARDIAN(S): _________________________/__________ Signature of Student Date State of Florida, County of _____________________ ! !! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Sworn to or affirmed before me on (date) __________ Notary Seal: ____________________________________ Printed Name of Student ! _________________________/__________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date ! ____________________________________ Printed Name of Parent/Guardian ! ___________________________________________ Signature of Notary _________________________/__________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date ! ___________________________________________ Printed Name of Notary ____________________________________ Printed Name of Parent/Guardian ! _________________________/__________ Signature of Host Family Date Personally known to me ________ ! OR Produced Identification ________ ____________________________________ Printed Name of Host Family Type of Identification Produced _________________ ! ! After School Gym Usage ! NOTARY PUBLIC My commission expires: ________________ Facility Usage • Open gym will not be held as an alternative to after school care for students. • All events, practices, and open gym times are to be approved and scheduled in EventU through the Athletic Department prior to the use of the gym. • Students will not be permitted to be in the gymnasium without a designated supervisor on site at all times. The supervisor must be a TCA coach or faculty/staff member. !16 • Unsupervised students will be directed to aftercare. Students who fail to comply with this policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the Student Manual. • To schedule the use of the gymnasium, please contact the Athletic Department. ! Facility Usage Rates ! ! • The Trinity Christian Academy gymnasium can be rented by outside companies or teams at a rate of $100 per hour. • The Trinity Christian Academy soccer field can be rented by outside companies or teams at a rate of $100 per hour. Policies ! Conflict Resolution Policy ! All sport related concerns will be resolved internally by the athletic department according to the principle outlined in Matthew 18. The Athletic Department will not mediate concerns related to playing time or team strategy. ! Levels of Athletic Conflict Resolution ! 1. Personal Meeting between Parent and Coach 2. Personal Meeting with Athletic Director 3. Personal Meeting with Athletic Director and Principal ! What should a parent do if he/she has a concern to address with a coach? ! ! 1. Wait at least 24 hours after a game or practice 2. Call or email the coach to schedule a convenient time to discuss the situation face to face. This phone call or email should not be used to resolve the concern. If the coach does not respond within 1 business, please contact the Athletic Director. What should a parent do if a personal meeting with the coach does not provide satisfactory resolution? 1. The parent should notify the Athletic Director. 2. The Athletic Director will respond within 1 business day to arrange a personal meeting. 3. The Athletic Director will mediate a personal meeting between the parent and coach to promote resolution of the concern. What should a parent do if a personal meeting with the Athletic Director does not provide a satisfactory resolution? ! 1. The parent should notify the Principal. !17 2. The Principal will respond within 1 business day to arrange a personal meeting. 3. The Principal will mediate a personal meeting between the parent, coach, and Athletic Director to promote resolution of the concern. ! Administrative Supervision ! • All varsity athletic events will have a TCA administrator on duty. Duties include, but are not limited to, providing safe crowd control, contacting appropriate personnel in case of emergency, securing gate and concession receipts, and dealing with facility issues. • After school supervision will be provided only for student-athletes who are in attendance of their respective team’s practice or game/match. Students who are not members of a designated team will not be allowed to remain in the gym or on the practice fields. Unsupervised students will be directed to aftercare. ! Attendance ! • Students must be in attendance for the majority (at least four periods) of the school day, or be under an excused absence from TCA, in order to practice or participate in a contest. • Homeroom/Lunch periods do not count toward the four period attendance minimum. • School-sponsored games are considered an excused school-related absence from school. • Students are expected to be at all practices and games. • Students who are injured but able to attend school are expected to attend practice sessions and games. • If a student is absent from a practice, the coach reserves the right to punish the studentathlete through a loss of playing time. ! Quitting a Team ! • If a student-athlete is cut from a team, he/she may join another team in that sport season. • After being placed on a roster, a student-athlete may not quit one sport and join another sport in the same season. • If, after being placed on a roster, a student-athlete quits a team, he/she may not join another team until the sport he/she quit has completed its season. The student-athlete may not attend any practices or games for the new sport during this time. • After quitting, if a student-athlete wishes to rejoin the same team during a subsequent year, disciplinary action may include a maximum suspension of 5 games/matches. ! Multi-Sport Athletes ! The FHSAA divides the school year into 3 distinct sports seasons. These season are fall, winter, and spring. A student-athlete at TCA may compete in multiple sports in the same season provided the following guidelines are met and adhered to: ! !18 • A written agreement between the athlete, both coaches, and the parents with final approval of the Athletic Department • The athlete must designate a primary sport • Participation in the primary sport requires attendance at all regular and tournament contests without penalty of the secondary sport. • In case of non-simultaneous seasons, the prior sport season has priority and athletes may not compete until the prior season has been completed. Coaches at Trinity Christian Academy will encourage athletes to participate in multiple sports throughout the year. The Athletic Director will not permit coaches to suggest to players that they specialize in one sport to the exclusion or others. High school is a time when trying different sports should be encouraged. • Each sport’s coach may only provide the student-athletes with the positives of concentrating on one sport and may not suggest the student-athlete will be cut from the team or lose playing time due to playing the subsequent sport. ! Athletic Awards/Honors ! All varsity and junior varsity awards will be presented at the end of the school year. ! Varsity Letters ! ! One chenille letter will be awarded to an athlete per career. Pins and bars will signify the sports and years of participation. In order for a student to letter, he/she must meet the following criteria: • A player must be a member of the team the entire season. A student who does not meet this criterion will receive a Certificate of Participation. • Students who are injured may still earn a varsity letter if they attend all contests. • Students who participate in a varsity sport during 7th or 8th grade will receive a pin for each year they participated during middle school. Once the student has participated during High School (9th-12th Grade), he/she will receive Varsity Letters. Team Awards Trinity Christian Academy will provide 3 trophies for every Elementary, Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity team. These awards are as follows: 1. Most Improved Player-this award recognizes improvement in skills related to the particular sport and the understanding of the sport. 2. Warrior Award-this award may be defined and used by each coach to recognize any particular trait he/she wants to see developed in his/her players. This award may also recognize the player who rises above circumstances and remains positive, is less self-focused and more team-focused, is encouraging to others, is a warrior in that the player does all he/she can to “get the job done.” !19 3. Most Valuable Player-this award is based on statistical performance but should also reflect the player’s positive traits, such as hard work, leadership, and commitment. ! ! ! ! ! ! While the Trinity Christian Academy athletic department encourages all coaches to find one winner for each award, coaches may choose to award the same award to 2 athletes. If this is the case, all selections must be approved by the Athletic Director. Any other awards must be purchased by the coach or team and will not be eligible for a refund from TCA. Warrior Hall of Fame Trinity Christian Academy will award a maximum of one male and one female induction into the Warrior Hall of Fame. Student-Athletes will be nominated by current or past coaches, parents, faculty, or staff. Coaches will nominate athletes at the first coaches meeting of the year. At the following coaches meeting, coaches will cast votes for the nominated individuals. The following guidelines will serve as the minimum requirements for a Warrior Hall of Fame inductee: • Student-athlete must have graduated from Trinity Christian Academy • Student-athlete must have excelled athletically while at Trinity Christian Academy. Any other athletic accomplishments shall not be considered. • Student-athlete must be 4 years removed from graduation of high school. • Student-athlete must have competed at the varsity level in the sport nominated for Jersey Retirement Jersey Retirement for Trinity Christian Academy is an honor bestowed on very few student-athletes. Upon retirement of a jersey, the number may never be used by the student-athlete’s sport again. The following is a list of minimum requirements for jersey retirement. ! • Student-athlete must have graduated from Trinity Christian Academy. • Student-athlete must have an exemplary disciplinary record both while at TCA and since graduation from TCA. • Student-athlete must have competed at the highest possible level for his/her sport. • Student-athlete must be a role model for past, current, and future students of TCA Only the Principal and Athletic Director may choose jersey retirement nominees. Coaches, parents, faculty, and staff may suggest a student-athlete, but will in no way be a part of the decision making process. ! ! !20 Unsportsmanlike or Inappropriate Conduct ! • Any act of unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct will be dealt with swiftly. If the act occurs during an athletic contest, the student will be removed from the contest by the head coach. • A student who strikes, curses, or threatens an official, coach, spectator, or opposing team member during a game, or at any other time, or who fails to maintain a standard of conduct satisfactory to the FHSAA and/or the coaches and administration, will be ineligible for a period of up to six weeks and must pay the fine, if assessed, by the FHSAA to the school. • A student who is ejected from a contest for a flagrant foul or unsportsmanlike conduct will be ineligible to participate in any contest for one week. If no contest are scheduled during that week, the student will miss the next two contests and must pay the fine, if assessed, by the FHSAA. • All students who act in an unsportsmanlike manner, resulting in a letter/penalty, will be required to meet with the Athletic Director before resuming athletic participation. ! Spectator Conduct ! Everyone associated with an athletic event plays a vital role in upholding the standards of sportsmanship. Fans are reminded that their sportsmanship and behavior reflect upon the reputation of TCA. ! Fans are not permitted in the playing area at any point during an athletic contest. ! Bringing animals to athletic events is prohibited. ! Music ! All music played at any TCA athletic event must be free from profane, harsh, or suggestive lyrics. All music must be approved by the Athletic Director before it may be played at any game or practice. Failure to comply with these standards will result in the loss of the privilege of playing music at any athletic event for that sport. ! Non-School Competition ! Participation in non-school teams is encouraged by the Trinity Christian Academy Athletic Department. However, TCA teams and their commitments must take priority over any outside team event. The expectation is that any TCA athletic event that conflicts with a non-school athletic event will be attended by the student-athlete. Failure to comply with this policy may result in dismissal from the TCA team. ! Students who participate in non-school competitions will not receive an excused absence from school. !21 ! Out of Town Activities/Overnight Policy/Chaperones ! In the event that a team will travel for an extended or overnight trip (tournament, playoff, etc.), plans must be discussed and finalized with the Athletic Director, Principal, and Finance Office prior to being discussed with parents or athletes. The following guidelines will be followed: ! • All field trip policies of Trinity Christian Academy apply for overnight activities. • Curfew for students nightly is midnight. Should circumstances prevent the midnight curfew from being upheld, the coach must notify the Athletic Director of the change. • Students are never to be in the rooms of students of the opposite sex. • Students are not to be in a room with non-TCA individuals or groups • All activities (dinners, lunches, theme parks, movies, etc.) must be approved by the Athletic Director. Should a “spur of the moment” event occur, the Athletic Director must be contacted for approval before the event may be attended. ! Chaperones ! Any chaperones for trips must have completed and passed a background check given through Trinity Christian Academy. Chaperone guidelines are as follows: ! • Chaperones understand that their purpose is to oversee and monitor students so that everyone may enjoy the trip and benefit from its activities. • Chaperones must dress in an appropriate manner suitable for one who is faculty of Trinity Christian Academy at all times. • No chaperone may make a decision outside the determined parameters of the trip without contacting the team’s coach(es). TCA staff is the authority on the trip. • Only TCA staff may discipline student-athletes. Chaperones are only to report any misconduct to a TCA staff member. ! Student Pick-Up ! ! ! • Parents are asked to assist the coaches by arranging for their students to be picked up at the designated time after practice. • Upon completion of practice, the coach will place the student-athlete who has not been promptly picked-up in aftercare should aftercare still be open. A fee of $13 will be assessed to any student who is not picked up on-time at the end of practice, plus $1 per minute for every minute after 6:00 p.m. If a student-athlete is picked up after 6:00 p.m., a fee equaling $1 per minute will be assessed to the student-athlete’s account. • If a parent is a repeat offender and is habitually late, the coach reserves the right to remove the student-athlete from the team. !22 Practice Clothing ! • Coaches may require team members to purchase practice clothing bearing the school name and sport. • Students are not permitted to wear revealing clothing, clothing with references to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, profanity, Satan, or clothing that has offensive symbols. ! Practice Times ! • Non-varsity athletes are not permitted to practice/condition before school starts in the morning. • A practice schedule will be established by the coach and communicated to all parents prior to the start of the season. • No practices or meetings are permitted on Sundays or on days that would conflict with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. • No practices or meetings are permitted on Wednesdays without direct approval from the Athletic Director. Wednesday practices will be finished no later than 5:30 p.m. • When school is out because of hurricanes, or other natural disasters, all practices will be cancelled or postponed. ! Rainout Procedure ! Middle School, JV, and Varsity student-athletes are in charge of contacting their parents when a practice/game is cancelled. The front office will make an announcement to cancel any game or practice. If there is no announcement made, teachers are to assume the practice or game is still being conducted. Students who do not have a phone will report to the office to call their parents from the school phone. Elementary and pee wee sports participants are not in charge of contacting parents. Each elementary and pee wee sport’s coach will either have a team parent or they will contact all parents. The coach is in charge of supervision of student-athletes for all cancellations made after 2:30 p.m. Students who are already signed up for aftercare will report to aftercare as usual. ! Senior Recognition ! Senior athletes will be recognized at the end of each season during scheduled games or events. ! Parent Meetings ! Parents and players will attend a parent meeting prior to the first game (exceptions may be approved by the Athletic Director). ! The following information should be covered at the parent meeting: ! !23 ! • • • • • • • • • • Physicals Student eligibility Practice and game schedules Team rules and expectations Philosophy and vision for the program Team costs/fees Team discipline policies Protocol for conflict resolution (as outlined in the Athletic Manual) Off-season expectations Coach, parent, and player relationships All parent meetings must be put on the athletic department calendar, through the Assistant Athletic Director, as soon as a date is established. ! Each head coach will write a Parent Letter. It must receive prior approval from the Athletic Director before distribution. It will serve as a contract laying out rules and expectations for the student-athlete, along with the lettering policy. This letter is to be signed by both student and parent. ! Transportation ! Trinity Christian Academy will attempt to provide transportation to all games. Many practices must be held off campus due to facilities; therefore, student-athletes are permitted to travel to practices in their own vehicles. Student-athletes are required to travel to and from away games with their team in school sponsored transportation. However, if the student-athlete’s parents attended the game they may travel home with them. Any student-athlete who wishes to travel with another student’s parents must get permission from the Head Coach. Students requesting an exception to the transportation policy must present a written request from their parents to the Athletic Director. ! • When leaving during school hours for an athletic event, the coach is responsible for ensuring all players are on the bus and properly equipped. • If an athletic event does not require leaving during school hours, the parent is responsible for transportation to and from the event unless otherwise noted. • Transportation of students in student vehicles is highly discouraged. Coaches and parent must understand that if this is done personal insurance is exposed and should not be done without written parental permission. • TCA coaches should not transport students in their personal cars without prior approval from the student-athlete’s parents. • Directions for athletic events will be linked to the team schedule provided on the TCA Sports page. • Only team coaches, assistants, and team members are allowed to use TCA transportation. !24 • Coaches and players are responsible for keeping buses clean and free from trash. Seat belts must be placed over the seats and all trash deposited in the trash can before exiting the bus. Failure to do this will lead to loss of privilege. • Parents should arrange for pick-up of their children in a timely manner after games and practices. Failure to do this can result in the child being removed from the team. • Coaches may not leave athletes unsupervised, whether on TCA campus or an off-campus site. ! College Recruiting ! Trinity Christian Academy coaches will offer support to those student-athletes who wish to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The Athletic Department and Admissions Office will work together to support those student-athletes who wish to participate in collegiate athletics. Below is a list of a few things to consider concerning a student-athlete playing collegiate athletics. If you would like more detailed information, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletic Director. ! Discuss the idea of playing college athletics with your parents. Meet with varsity head coach to assess your potential and current athletic ability. Research schools that fit your needs and ability level. Contact the college coach regarding your interest and fill out the college's student-athlete questionnaire. • Attend camps and tournaments to increase visibility. • Maintain solid academic standing. High School cumulative GPA of core classes as well as SAT and ACT tests. Once in 9th Grade, EVERYTHING COUNTS!!!! • Stay informed! Maintain communication with potential colleges/universities to see how you fit in and to help narrow the college selection process. • • • • ! Conclusion ! Trinity Christian Academy and the Athletic Department will consistently strive to conduct athletic programs that compete at the highest possible level on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The support of and adherence to the policies outlined in the Student Manual as well as the Athletic Manual will ensure that every participant and supporter of Trinity Christian Academy athletics is working toward creating a premier athletic program. Go Warriors! !25
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