GRIFFIN CHRISTIAN
 ATHLETIC MANUAL

2005 - 2006

Athletic Policies Manual

PHILOSOPHY

 Our Athletic Department goals are to assist in developing each athlete and participant into loyal, disciplined, honest, faithful, dependable and committed individuals whose lives are Christ centered. 

PURPOSE 

It is our sincere desire that you find competition at Griffin Christian challenging, fun and Christ centered.  The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with information needed to help us accomplish these goals.  The Crusader Athletic Program currently offers the following:

 “There are no secrets to success.  It is a result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”  General Colin L. Powell

 Crusader Athletic Program Eligibility for Griffin Christian is as follows:

1.      Academic

Eligibility for extracurricular participation is “No pass, No Play” based on previous grading period (quarter or mid-term).  Students placed on probation based on discretion of Administration.

 2.      Age
You are eligible to participate if you are in 6^th grade or above.

3.       Discipline
You are eligible to participate if you are not currently under disciplinary actions, which include In School (ISS) or Out of School (OSS) Suspensions. 

ATHLETE GOALS

            1.                  Show a Christian attitude on and off the playing field or court.
            2.                  Train and practice diligently and play every game and match to the best of your God-given ability.
            3.                  Encourage teammates at all times.
            4.                  Remember that teamwork is essential.
            5.                  Learn how to be a leader as well as how to be a follower.        
 

ATHLETE PARTICIPATION
While one of our goals is to promote the greatest athletic participation possible with the Crusaders, it may be necessary in some sport to cut a squad.  This may occur due to limitations of our facilities, regulations specific to some sports, travel restrictions and other factors.  It is also important to remember that there are no guarantees.  Players from the previous year’s team, for example, do not automatically make the team the following year.  Having been a member of a team during the previous year or even being a senior does not ensure that an athlete will make the team.  Anyone who is cut from a team is encouraged to try out again next season or to try another sport.  Parents should expect that every candidate is treated fairly and given every consideration.  Coaches are sensitive to feelings of disappointment and will be available to answer any questions the athletes or parents may have.

 It is important to understand that participation on an athletic team with the Crusaders is a privilege, not a right.  Being on and maintaining one’s membership on the team means accepting all the responsibilities of an athlete.  However, unlike recreation or intramural teams, equal or guaranteed playing time does not exist.  In an effort to win, a coach will use players best suited to the conditions or demands of the contest at that time.   

Unsportsmanlike behavior or any display of unsportsmanlike conduct, including profanity, taunting or gesturing toward an opponent, the crowd or an official is unacceptable whether a technical is issued or not.  Disciplinary action will be taken against any athlete who displays unsportsmanlike conduct.

 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
 Each participant will be issued uniforms and equipment, which will be in good condition.  Athletes are expected to keep up with and take care of their uniform or equipment while it is in their possession.  If lost or abused, the student will be charged for full replacement.  Uniforms may only be worn for games or special events designated by the coach. 

 SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Athletes are not to be tardy or absent to school the day after a game.  Assignments that are due are not to be excused; he/she should plan for this.  Also work that is due or assigned because of early dismissal to participate in a game must be completed and returned as requested by the teacher.  In order to participate in practice or a game, athletes must be present at school at least ½ of the school day. 

PRACTICE AND ATTENDANCE
Athletes need to be at all practices and games; however, we understand that some things come up that are unavoidable.  It is the athlete’s responsibility to inform his/her coach PERSONALLY (not sending word through a friend) when an occasion arises that will cause a missed practice or game.
 

Dress Code
Practice – Loose fitting, modest clothing is to be worn.  Tops must have sleeves and shorts must have 5 inch inseams or longer.  If spandex is worn, loose fitting shorts must be worn over them.  No bare midriffs.

Away Games/Matches – Team uniforms are worn for travel, except for basketball. Athletes are to wear a collared shirt and dress code pants (no jeans). No sleeveless shirts.   

Home Games/Matches – Athletes may wear their jerseys for their respective sport.  No Cheerleading skirts or other sport shorts during school hours. 

Athletic Banquet – Girls are to wear modest dress slacks and tops, skirts and tops or dresses.  Boys are to wear dress shirts and dress pants and dress shoes. 

AWARDS 

End of Year Awards

A.                 Trophies – the following three awards will be given in each sport.
            1.                  MVP
            2.                  110% Award (Best Defensive Player)
            3.                  Most Improved

B.                 Certificates of Participation  are given to all student athletes.

C.                 The Crusader Award – this plaque is awarded each year to 1 girl and 1 boy
            following the guidelines described below.

            1.      This award will be given based on Christian Character Only.
            2.      Coaches will nominate one player from their team for the award.
            3.      Each teacher/faculty member (grade 6-8 for GCA) will vote for one girl and one boy on a ballot the         
                  nominated athletes.

D.                 Scholar Athlete Certificates – these certificates will be given to any athlete who in a
            sport has a 3.5 GPA for the year.
 

TRANSPORTATION
All athletes must travel in designated vehicles to away games/matches.  If a parent or legal guardian wishes to take his daughter/son home after the game, that parent must sign the athlete out on the “sign-out sheet” that will be at the athlete’s bench.  If a parent or guardian is allowing his daughter/son to ride with someone else, that parent must sign the “sign-out sheet” or send a note with his daughter/son.

 There is no sitting on the backs of seats, horseplay or yelling out of windows.

 Boys sit with boys, girls sit with girls.

 No students are permitted to have hands, arms, feet, etc. outside of windows.

 No one is permitted to throw anything out of the windows. 

Food and drink will be allowed on the bus only by permission of the coach.  The bus must be cleaned up upon return to the school.

 CONDUCT
Conduct for a Crusader athlete should be representative of the philosophy Griffin Christian on campus as well as off campus. With the privilege of being a Crusader Athlete comes the responsibility of being a leader.  Any misrepresentation of that leadership, on campus or off campus, will be dealt with accordingly by the Coach, Athletic Director and Administration of Griffin Christian.

 MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
A Medical Release Form is required for each athlete, per sport.  This form must be turned in along with the athletic fee prior to the first game of each season.

ATHLETIC FEE
An Athletic fee for GCA is $100.00.  No athlete will be permitted to take the court/field until this fee is paid.

 Revised –11/2/05