St. Catherine

Athletic Handbook

Waiver and Release of All Claims

St. Catherine Athletic Program

Child’s Name: __________________________________________________

(Last) (First) (M.I.)

School Year: 200___ - 200___ Grade: _______

Parents(s)/Guardian(s) Name(s): _______________________________

_______________________________

Name of Primary Residential Parent (If Applicable): ________________________

For and in consideration of my/our above named child’s participation in St. Catherine Athletic Program, I/we hereby waive, release, acquit and forever discharge both St. Catherine’s School and St. Catherine Church and both entities’ authorized agents and employees, including, and not limited to, it’s coaches, faculty members, staff, their heirs, executors, administrators, agents and assigns, of any and all actions, causes of actions, including actions for negligence, claims, demands, costs, loss of services, expenses and compensation, or suits at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind of nature, arising out of any and all know and unknown personal injuries and damages resulting or to result from my/our above-named child’s participation in the St. Catherine School Athletic Program, if said injuries or damages result from the conduct of any of the above persons to the extent that such negligent conduct is either uninsured or causes damage which is in excess of the available insurance. Nothing herein shall affect the legal rights of any subrogated parties and no claims of any subrogated parties are released by my signature below. Subrogation claims are specifically excepted from the effects of this release. In addition, nothing herein shall affect my/our ability or my/our child’s ability to pursue any and all insurance recovery which may be available to me/us or my/our child.

Furthermore, I/we do hereby agree in consideration of my/our above-names child’s participation in the St. Catherine Athletic Program to further indemnify and forever hold harmless all persons released by this agreement, their successors, employees, agents, or principals for loss from any and all claims that may hereafter be made seeking compensation for any and all actions, causes of action, including actions of negligence, claims, demands, costs, loss of services, expenses and compensation, or suits at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind or nature, arising out of any and all known and unknown injuries and damages resulting or to result from my/our above-named child’s participation in the St. Catherine School Athletic Program specifically agreeing that I/we will pay for any and all court costs, attorney’s fees, and any other legal expenses in connection with such claims against all released persons with the exception of any subrogation claims pursued by any health insurer or other entity holding similar subrogation rights.

I/we further state that I/we have carefully read the foregoing waiver and release all claims and know the contents thereof, and I/we sign the same as my/our free act. I/we acknowledge that I/we have been given the right to review the contents of this document with an attorney of my/our choosing or any other professional with whom I/we may wish to consult prior to signing. I/we willingly, knowingly, and voluntarily execute this waiver and release of all claims.

Witness my/our hand this ________ day of ________, 200____.

Parent/Guardian Witness

Signature _________________________ Signature ______________________

(Witness must be over 18yrs. of age)

Parent/Guardian Witness

Signature _________________________ Signature ______________________

(Witness must be over 18yrs. of age)

Mission Statement

St. Catherine Athletic Program

The Saint Catherine Athletic Department is committed to showing sportsmanship and dignity in all that we do. We strongly believe in placing our Christian Values above all competitiveness and we believe in showing our Respect for others in all situations. All Parents, Coaches, and Players strive to promote our beliefs in God through all actions on and off the court.

We Believe…

§ All athletes, coaches, and parents will strive to promote their Christian Values.

§ Sportsmanship and Respect for our competitors must NEVER be compromised.

§ We must strive to maintain a cooperative spirit among parents, coaches, teachers, and student athletes that will make it possible for out athletes to develop into leaders in the parish and community.

§ Teamwork is the key to success. Athletes, Parents, Teachers, and Coaches make up our team.

Purpose

The Athletic Program is established at St. Catherine as an extracurricular opportunity operated under the direction of the Athletic Director and the Athletic Committee.

The purpose of the Athletic Committee is as follows:

To provide opportunities for student athletes to play in well-organized and supervised sport leagues.

To select volunteer coaches willing to teach sportsmanship at all times and situations while participating in these leagues.

To teach the participants to play sport well.

To emphasize the importance of performing at high levels in the classroom while working within the athletic eligibility guidelines of the school.

Athletic Committee

St. Catherine Athletic Program

The composition of the Athletic Committee at St. Catherine is as follows:

Athletic Director

Assistant Athletic Director

Principal

Parent Representatives

Athletic Director

Responsibilities if the Athletic director

& Assistant Athletic Director

To recruit and select the Assistant Athletic Director and oversee the selection of the Parent Representatives who, along with the Principal, comprise the Athletic Committee.

To determine all operating rules, participation fees, and budgets for each sport with the oversight from the Athletic Committee.

To select and approve all team coaches, managers, assistance, etc.

To manage the finances of the athletic program and provide periodical financial statements to the Athletic Committee.

To attend league organizational meetings.

To ensure all league fees and game officials are paid promptly.

To ensure all athletic uniforms are delivered to players and returned.

To supervise the organization of teams and obtain the necessary uniforms and equipment needed.

To secure all necessary concession supplies, gate workers, qualified officials, and other parent volunteers in order to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly environment before, during, and after each game.

To schedule and ensure practice times for all teams.

To meet with the principal on a timely basis to keep the school informed about the athletic program.

To coordinate an awards banquet each year.

To schedule periodic meetings with the Athletic Committee.

Coach

General Guidelines for St. Catherine Coaches

Each Coach selected must agree to follow rules placed in our policy.

Each Coach must complete the National Youth Sports Certification Training (NYSCA). A Coach may also obtain certification through the KHSAA.

All Coaches must have a Criminal Background Check completed and on file.

All Coaches must attend the Safe Environment Training Course and have a certificate of completion on file.

Coaches are required to promote good sportsmanship through their teaching and actions.

Coaches must work with Athletic Director in scheduling all practices.

Coaches must devote an equal amount of time with each player to help he or she progress.

Coaches must obtain and keep with them a copy of each player’s Medical Release Form.

Coaches are responsible for ensuring the gymnasiums, restrooms, and locker rooms are left clean after each practice and game.

Coaches are responsible for all players during practices and games. They are to assure that a player does not leave the gym without the accompaniment of a parent or guardian.

Each Coach will be evaluated at the end of his/her season to be sure all guidelines have been followed.

All athletic designs/logos printed on apparel must be approved by the Athletic Director and the Athletic Committee.

Collect the proper paperwork (permission forms, medical release forms, etc.)

Fill out game reports, score books, team rosters, etc. and turn them into the Athletic Director.

Coaches will not permit a student athlete to participate in a practice session or game if he or she:

A. Is academically ineligible during that week

B. Has received disciplinary action at school during that week.

C. Has missed school due to an illness that day.

Guidelines for Practice Sessions

Coaches must work with Athletic Director to schedule practices in the gym.

Each team is required to enter/exit the practice facility in a safe secure manner.

Coached must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled practice.

Practices are open for parent observation only. Other students, friends, or family members may not attend practice sessions.

Each team coach is responsible for leaving the gym clean and properly secured after each use.

Coaches are responsible for seeing that all student athletes have left the practice facility with an adult before leaving. NO ATHLETE IS EVER TO BE LEFT UNATTENDED FOR ANY REASON.

Any scrimmages, practices, etc. that involve players of anther team/school need to be approved by the Athletic Director.

Students missing a practice need to provide a note to the coach from their parent explaining their absence.

Guidelines for Games and Tournaments

All tournament participation must be approved by the Athletic Director and the Athletic Committee.

Coaches need to arrive to a game at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start.

Parent/Guardian

General Guidelines for Parents/Guardians

Parents/Guardians of St. Catherine student athletes are crucial to the success of the schools athletic program. As primary educators of their children, they must set examples for their student athletes that teamwork is essential. Parent involvement is another form of stewardship – giving of ones time, talent, and treasure. Parents should act as role models for their student athletes. Whether on the sidelines as coaches or in the stands as fans, parents must set a Christian example for their student athletes to follow.

General Guidelines:

Read this entire handbook with your student athlete; know the responsibilities, rules, and procedures associated with every aspect of the athletic program.

Complete and submit all of the required paperwork on time.

Pay all fees and purchase the required items needed to complete your child’s uniform.

Help your student athlete to manage his/her time responsibly so that there is appropriate attention paid to academics.

Attend orientation and other meetings scheduled by coaches.

Guidelines for games, practices, and tournaments:

Parents are expected to work gate and help in the concession stand during our home games.

Parents are responsible for the supervision of any child they take to a ballgame. No child is to be dropped off at a ballgame unless another designated adult is present to supervise the child.

The rules of the host facility are to be respected at all times.

Children are to remain in the gym during games, seated with their parents. Children are not to be running around the gym or hallway of the school.

Transportation to and from games is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Do not drop your child off at practice without first entering the gym to assure the coach is present.

Parents must enter the gym to pick up their student athlete after all practices.

Make sure that your student athlete’s uniform is properly cared for throughout the season and turned into his or her coach promptly after the conclusion of the season.

Athlete

General Guidelines for Student Athletes

On the court, at practice, or in the game, the St. Catherine athlete must be an ambassador for St. Catherine. He or she is considered a Student Athlete meaning student first, athlete second. Therefore a student athlete must first perform well in the classroom, maintain good Christian conduct, and reflect the teachings of St. Catherine School at all time to enjoy the privilege of participating in its sports programs.

Eligibility and Ineligibility

Eligibility will not be impacted by the student’s athletic ability or inability to purchase athletic apparel.

Student athletes must attend scheduled practices and games and abide by all team rules.

Athletes must maintain a “c” average in order to participate.

Any athlete failing a drug test will be removed from his or her team for the entire season.

Student athletes must have respect for any and all athletic facilities and equipment. They must do their part to keep practice and play facilities clean and orderly. Damages or property loss caused by a student athlete will be the responsibility of the student athlete’s parent/guardian.

Student athletes are considered ineligible to participate in a game or practice session if they have been absent from school on that day to due to illness.

If a student athlete’s academic performance indicates a lack of attention in the classroom that student may become ineligible to participate. The eligibility will be determined by the teacher and the Athletic Committee.

If a student athlete is given detention they must sit out one practice and one game. The player must still attend the practice and game however he or she will not play. If problems continue, a meeting will be held with the athletic director, coach, teacher and parent to determine eligibility to play that season.

Uniforms

All uniforms are property of St Catherine Athletic Department.

All uniforms and equipment damages beyond normal wear or not returned will be replaced at the expense of the student athlete’s family.

At the conclusion of the season, all uniforms will be cleaned, bagged, and labeled with the athlete’s name and returned to the team’s coach.

Uniforms are to be worn only during games. They are not to be worn during practices.

Grievance Procedures

Authority as exercised in the Catholic School System depends in large measure upon a spirit of willing cooperation among the administrator, coaches, parents, and athletes. The St. Catherine Athletic Committee does realize that honest disagreements can sometimes occur. Likewise, the Athletic Committee believes that these disagreements or complaints can and should be discussed and resolved at the level closest to the dispute.

Normal Levels of Resolving Grievances

Coach
Athletic Director
Principal
Athletic Committee
School Board
Pastor

Developmental and Competitive Teams

4^th, 5^th, and 6^th Grade Teams are Considered Developmental Teams.

Developmental Team Goals

While winning the game is the object, equal playing time is a higher priority at the developmental level. All coaches will follow league rules concerning equal playing time for all student athletes. Participation on a developmental team allows the student athlete to develop and strengthen skills and build confidence. This type of team is outstanding for the growth of the player.

7^th and 8^th Grade Teams are Considered Competitive Teams.

Competitive Team Goals

A competitive team is designed to be as competitive as possible. For this reason, playing time may not, and likely will not, be equal for all players in each game. In some games, the more skilled players will receive the majority of the playing time while others may receive little or no playing time. This is to be determined by the coach.

Rules By Grade Level

4^th Grade

There must be a 4^th Grade Team before we will have a 3^rd Grade Team.
We will set an 8 Player Roster.
If a team has more then 8 on that grade level, all will be allowed to play. We will NOT cut players on this grade level.
If a 4^th Grade Team has less then 7 players and there are several 3^rd Graders wishing to play, the roster can be filled up to 8 players. The 3^rd Graders chosen to play-up will go by age starting with the oldest.
If a player is moved up to play on the next grade level, this player is eligible to play as much if not more then other players on the team. Playing time for each player will be determined by the coach.
There is a set time for playing and sitting out of each player on the team, this will be determined by our league’s rules.

5^th and 6^th Grade

We will set an 8 Player Roster.
If a team has more then 8 on that grade level, all will be allowed to play. We will NOT cut players on this grade level
If a team has 8 players on that grade level, there will be NO bringing up players from a lower grade.
If there is less then 8 players on that grade level, the coach will be allowed to bring players up from one grade lower to fill the 8-player roster.
If a player is moved up to play on the next grade level, this player is eligible to play as much if not more then the other players on the team. Playing time for each player will be determined by the coach.
There is a set time for playing and sitting out of each player on the team, this will be determined by our league’s rules.

7^th and 8^th Grade

This is considered “Competitive Basketball”
There will be a 10 Player Roster
If there is more then 10 players on the same level, all will be allowed to play. There will be NO cutting players on this level.
If a coach has 10 players on the same level wishing to play, they will not be allowed to bring up any other players from lower grade levels.
If a coach has less then 10 players on the same level, he or she will be allowed to bring up enough players from the lower grade levels to fill the roster. This will be the coach’s decision and based on the players’ skill level.
There is no set playing time for any player on this level.
Players will be played based on who the coach feels should be in the game.

Parent Code of Conduct

St. Catherine Athletic Program

____ I will remember that as an adult and a parent, I am my child’s primary role model. I have read the St. Catherine Athletic Handbook with my child and will agree to support and abide by the rules and responsibilities therein.

____ I will demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use during and when traveling to all sports events.

____ I understand that participation in the St. Catherine Athletic Program is an added privilege and responsibility. Homework is not a valid excuse to miss a practice or game. I understand that practice or a game is no excuse for my child to not complete his or her homework. I will help in every way possible to teach my child how to manage his or her time in order to meet both homework and athletic commitments.

____ I understand that practice time is integral to my child’s success in the Athletic Program. I will make every effort to assure they are on time for all practices and arrive at games at least 30 minutes prior to game time.

____ I understand that I am a reflection of St. Catherine School. I understand that my behavior before, during, and after games and practices should reflect good sportsmanship. I will not use profanity or make obscene gestures at games or practices. I will refrain from criticizing other athletes, coaches, and officials.

____ I understand the “chain of command” in force for addressing problems and concerns. The chain of command for grievances is as follows: Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, Athletic Committee, School Board, Pastor.

____ I will attend all mandatory meeting scheduled by the Coach and/or Athletic Director.

____ I have read the St. Catherine Athletic Handbook in its entirety and I understand and agree to abide by and support the rules and requirements therein.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: ________________

Coaching Code of Conduct

St. Catherine Athletic Program

____ I understand that it is an honor and a privilege to be a coach. My role in the development of student athletes cannot be too greatly stressed. The task I have chosen is a difficult one because of the important influence I will have on student athletes.

____ I agree to remember my first responsibility is to be a Christian in all that I do and say.

____ I agree to have an open, consistent communication with the Athletic Director, Principal, Parents, and Student Athletes.

____ I will demand a sports environment free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use before, during, and after games and practice sessions.

____ At all times I will be conscious of the safety of student athletes. I understand that I cannot have an inappropriate contact or communication with student athletes or other children in connection with my coaching position.

____ I understand that practice time in integral to all student athletes success in the Athletic Program. I agree to make every effort to attend all practices and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of my teams games.

____ I will attend all mandatory meeting scheduled by the Athletic Director.

____ I have read the St. Catherine Athletic Handbook in its entirety and I understand and agree to abide by and support the rules and requirements therein.

Coach’s Signature: _____________________________________Date: _____________

Student Athlete Code of Conduct

St. Catherine Athletic Program

____ I agree to remember that my first responsibility is to be a Christian in all that I do and say, and that my goal in life is to model the life of Jesus.

____ I agree to respect coaches, teammates, game officials, opponents, other adults, and all other associated with the athletic program in any capacity.

____ I will not argue with the coaches, teammates, game officials, opponents, other adults, or fans.

____ I will not use profanity of obscene gestures at any time.

____ I will demand a spots environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all times.

____ I understand that participation in the St. Catherine Athletic Program is an added privilege and responsibility. Homework is not a valid excuse to miss a practice or game. I understand that practice or a game is no excuse for me to not complete my homework. In the event that I am no longer able to fulfill both my schoolwork and athletic responsibilities I will notify my coach immediately.

____ I will meet or exceed the athletic eligibility requirements set forth in the St. Catherine Athletic Handbook.

____ I agree that if, in the opinion of the Coach, Athletic Director, or Principal I am not abiding by the policies of the Athletic Program or my conduct is not benefiting St. Catherine School, I may be temporarily or permanently suspended form the Athletic Program.

____ I have read the St. Catherine Athletic Handbook in its entirety and I understand and agree to abide by and support the rules and requirements therein.

Student Athlete Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________