Interscholastic Athletic
Policy
Holy Cross Church
Mission Statement
We, the community of Holy Cross Catholic Church, are called through
baptism to be a gospel-based community. We gather as a Eucharistic people to
celebrate God’s presence among us; to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord; to work
for peace and justice; and to live as a welcoming people reaching out through
educational, service and social ministries.
Holy Cross School
Mission Statement
Holy Cross School is a Catholic educational community committed to academic
excellence, deepening of Christian values, and fostering of service to society.
Supported by Holy Cross Parish, dedicated parents, and devoted faculty,
the school actively participates in the Catholic mission of evangelization.
The school provides a quality education to ensure that the students
become lifelong learners. Students grow spiritually through
faith, witness, and prayer by being called to live out the Gospel message.
Emphasis is placed on social responsibility and exemplary citizenship.
Holy Cross School develops and nurtures the whole person: mind,
body, and spirit.
Interscholastic Athletic Program
Mission Statement
The Holy Cross
Interscholastic Athletic Program provides both instructional and competitive
extra-curricular sports experiences for all Holy Cross students in grades 5
through 8 in basketball, football, volleyball, and cheerleading.
All students who
desire to participate in a sport will be placed on the roster. Holy
Cross has a “no-cut” policy as long as participants practice with the team
regularly and vigorously and positively contribute to the team.
All participants
will learn the fundamentals and strategies of each sport and be given the
opportunity to develop those skills in practice and games.
Goals of the
Interscholastic Athletic Program:
-
give students the
experience of being part of a team;
-
develop school spirit
and team spirit;
-
increase
self-confidence and self-esteem;
-
promote higher academic
performance;
-
help students develop /
maintain good health through physical fitness;
-
provide enjoyable
recreation activity;
-
encourage values of
self-discipline, self-confidence, fair play, and cooperation;
-
teach the proper
attitude toward winning, losing, and competing with dignity.
Holy
Cross Code of Ethics
The
Holy Cross Interscholastic Athletic Program exists as an integral part of the
Holy Cross Parish, a faith-centered community. As such, the program
consciously does its part to fulfill the educational mission of the Church,
“to teach and proclaim the Gospel in a challenging and supportive climate”.
Meetings, practice
sessions, gatherings and games will therefore be guided by the following
behavior guidelines:
-
Participants will be
taught and demonstrate good sportsmanship and teamwork, they will use their
talents and recognize the efforts and contributions of others. Members of the
various teams and support staff are expected to be self-disciplined and able
to follow instructions. Participants
are to:
-
Play by the rules in
letter and spirit,
-
Maintain positive
attitudes and try one’s best,
-
Conduct oneself with
honesty, integrity, and with personal responsibility,
-
Respect the rights and
dignity of others,
-
Bring honor to one’s self,
one’s team, and one’s school.
-
Coaches, instructors, and
the Holy Cross Boosters will show mutual respect and dedication and will abide
by the Interscholastic Athletic Policy and decisions of the Pastor, Principal,
and Holy Cross School Board.
-
Parents, relatives,
guests, and visitors will use only positive expressions of enthusiastic
support and active participation. They will use established channels to voice
suggestions for improvement.
-
This code of ethics is to
be is to be displayed in the Holy Cross gymnasium and communicated to coaches,
participants, and parents, relatives, and guests periodically.
At any and all sporting events, parents, coaches, athletes, and fans from Holy
Cross are to remember that they are all representatives of Holy Cross Parish
and must properly conduct themselves according to the Christian ideals we
proclaim as a Gospel based community. Any who cannot
conduct themselves in this manner will be excluded from extra-curricular
sports events at Holy Cross.
Holy Cross Interscholastic Athletic Policy
Table of Contents
InterscholasticAthletic
Program
Program
Definition and Objectives
5
Responsibilities and
Expectations
Principal
6
Athletic
Director
7
Coaches
9
Parents
/ Guardians
12
Student-athletes
14
Boosters
17
Practice
/ Game Schedules / Participation
Football
18
Volleyball
19
Basketball
20
Cheerleading
21
Awards,
Banners, Recruiting, Team Name, Council Management
21
Grievance
Procedure and Appropriate Escalation
22
Holy Cross School does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin in
its admission or hiring policies, educational programs, loan or scholarship
programs, athletics or any other school-administered program.
No liquor may be issued at
parish-sponsored sports events where children are present. There will be no
smoking or alcoholic consumption at any sporting events where school children
are present.
This policy conforms to
policies, procedures, and rules established by the Catholic Archdiocese of
Chicago and / or the Office of Catholic Schools.
Federal Law prohibits sex
discrimination in private schools’ education programs or activities.
The Archdiocese of
Chicago, following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, encourages
equal treatment of the sexes. Consequently,
all Archdiocesan schools, through their athletic programs, must provide equal
opportunity for both sexes. Accordingly,
Holy Cross provides comparable interscholastic athletic programs for both
sexes.
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC
PROGRAM
School-sponsored athletic
programs are an extension of the school and its curriculum and are subject to
the authority of the pastor by virtue of his office, the principal, and any
pertinent policies of the local school board per Archdiocesan Policy.
This policy and
handbook are compiled and governed by the Holy Cross School Board and will be
reviewed periodically.
Coaches,
students, and parents are required to read and abide by this policy.
To
participate in athletics at Holy Cross, you will acknowledge (via signed
forms) that you have read, understood, and agree to be governed by this policy.
Acceptance
and acknowledgment (via signed forms) will be required for participation in
each sport. Behavior
contrary to this policy will be cause for exclusion from participation in the
Holy Cross Interscholastic Athletic Program.
The Program
If possible, the Program
shall consist of at least the following:
i.
Basketball:
grades 5-6-7-8
boys/girls
ii.
Football:
grades
5-6 (Junior Varsity); 7-8
(Varsity) boys
iii.
Volleyball:
grades 5-6-7-8
girls
iv.
Cheerleading: grades
5-6 (Junior Varsity); 7-8
(Varsity) girls
Objectives
of interscholastic sports at Holy Cross
The
objectives of the sports programs at Holy Cross are:
·
to further players’
understanding of offensive and defensive strategies
·
to instill /
continue development of fundamental skills
·
to instill the
concepts of team play, of an individual’s responsibilities as a team member
and of good sportsmanship.
·
to introduce the
realities of team sports competition, while assuring adequate playing time for
all participants.
·
to provide a
challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.
Interscholastic sports at
Holy Cross School are made possible by a collaborative effort by a number of
dedicated people – the administration, parent volunteers, professional
coaches, and the Boosters. This
handbook outlines the responsibilities and expectations for those groups and
for the student-athletes who participate in the many sports opportunities
available at Holy Cross School.
Please note:
While this handbook
defines the policy, procedures, and expectations of our interscholastic
athletic program as adopted by the Holy Cross School Board,
circumstances may require changes or variations to ensure our children’s
best interests are maintained.
Principal
– Responsibilities and Expectations
The principal oversees a
comprehensive program of physical education for all students and an
interscholastic program that is in union with the Mission and purpose of
Catholic education.
In regards to the
interscholastic program, the principal will:
1.
Employ a qualified
athletic director.
2.
Ensure the athletic
director has a specific role description.
3.
Supervise the
athletic director’s activities and ensure delegated responsibilities are
carried out in an appropriate manner.
4.
Establish and
communicate the mission of the interscholastic athletic program.
5.
Determine local
eligibility requirements for the student athletes and ensure these are fairly
and uniformly enforced.
6.
Oversee parent,
student, and coach compliance with all legal and safety aspects of the program
are in compliance: i.e. verification of athlete’s age, parental permission /
waivers in writing, insurance coverage, yearly physicals or other verification
of fitness, and emergency information.
7.
Oversee
verification of applications, letters of reference, the 7703 Forms of the
coaches and volunteers. A
criminal background check is required for adults who will be in contact with
student athletes.
8.
Ensure all adults
in the program, especially the coaching staff, are Christian role models, are
qualified to instruct and work with student athletes, and are supportive of
the mission of the interscholastic athletic program.
9.
Establish
communication and accountability mechanisms among all participants of the
program.
Athletic Director – Responsibilities and Expectations
The Athletic Director,
under the guidance of the Holy Cross Principal, is primarily responsible for
organizing and managing the Interscholastic Athletic Program.
1.
Supervise the
athletic programs following the Athletic Policy established by the School
Board in accordance with the policy of the Office of Catholic Schools
(Archdiocese of Chicago).
2.
Ensure that
coaches implement the Athletic Policy as they execute their coaching duties.
Mentor new coaches and provide in-service training as necessary.
3.
Working with
the school faculty as a liaison in reporting to coaches those students who are
ineligible to participate due to academic reasons.
4.
Responsible for
selecting, supervising and dismissing of all coaching personnel, with the
assistance of the Principal.
5.
Representative
of Holy Cross to Council II3A athletic director’s meetings.
6.
Assist the
school’s administration in promoting a program of good conduct and
sportsmanship on the part of all athletes, coaches, and parents.
7.
Arrange all
dates for interscholastic games and shall contact with the officials for all
home games except where done by the league(s).
8.
Work with the
coaches to assure proper playing facilities.
9.
Responsible for
working with the Booster Club in the formulation and administration of the
financial budget, coordination of equipment needs, and compensation of hired
coaches.
10.
Monitor
inventory of all athletic equipment and will work with the coaches for proper
maintenance and return of the equipment.
11.
Maintain first
aid equipment and ensure access and availability.
12.
Oversee all
athletic events including award night activities.
13.
Manage the
number of and compilation of teams. In
the event that there are a sufficient number of players such that two or more
squads of substantially equal talent can be formed, and the game schedule
divided such that each squad plays in a substantially equal number of games
(both conference and non-conference), and there are a sufficient number of
available coaches, then multiple squads will be formed.
Generally, both
squads would practice together and each squad should have an equal number of
conference and non-conference games.
14.
Approve and
sign all team rosters.
15.
Work with
parents and coaches on gym security and crowd control.
16.
Report monthly
on Athletic Activities to the Principal.
17.
Periodically
arrange parent and/or coaches meetings as required.
18.
Conduct
evaluations of coaches at the end of each season, provide feedback to the
coaches, and share results of review process with the Pastor and Holy Cross
School Principal. At
the end of each season, the Athletic Director will make a determination of
whether coaches will be engaged the following year.
Coaches who have
been negligent or deficient in carrying out their duties will not be retained
and will not be involved in any other aspects of the athletic program.
Coaches –
Responsibilities and Expectations
The Holy Cross School
Board appreciates the endeavors of those individuals who comprise our coaching
staff. The following standards have been developed to make the Holy Cross
athletic program as meaningful as possible from the viewpoint of students,
coaches, teachers, and parents alike.
Experience in coaching a
youth sports team and knowledge of the rules, regulations, strategies and
other aspects of the sport, along with enthusiasm, love and concern for
youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the
programs will all be weighed in the selection of coaches.
For
the 5th through 7th grade basketball and volleyball
squads, coaches will be adults, preferably parents of participating children.
Previous
experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules;
regulations, strategy, and other aspects of the game are desirable, but not
required.
For the junior varsity
football program and for all other “varsity” squads, paid, experienced coaches
will be sought and utilized to
provide the
students with the best possible sports experience.
Coaches will be held to
high expectations and standards as detailed below.
Appointment /
Compensation of Coaches
a.
The Athletic
Director and the Holy Cross School Principal must approve all coaches.
b.
The Athletic
Director and the Holy Cross School Principal may remove coaches failing to
comply with the Program guidelines.
c.
The Athletic
Director will seek volunteers to coach the 5th through 7th
Grade teams.
d.
Holy Cross
employs professional coaches for Varsity Football, Junior Varsity Football, 8th
Grade Volleyball, and 8th Grade Basketball teams.
From time to time,
depending on funding availability, professional coaches will be employed for
other teams. Paid
coaches will receive compensation from the Parish.
Eligibility
a.
All coaches
must be at least 18 years of age.
b.
Head coaches
should be at least 21 years of age.
c.
All coaches
must read, understand and agree to abide by the Athletic Policy of Holy Cross.
d.
All coaches
must complete and sign an Archdiocesan coaching application and criminal
background check form (7703). Completed
forms will be submitted to the Athletic Director.
Results will only
be made available to the Principal and the Pastor.
Any discussion
regarding the outcome of these background checks will only be conducted by,
and between, the Principal and Pastor.
e.
Every coach
must complete Archdiocesan Virtus training to qualify as a volunteer.
f.
Coaches are
encouraged to complete a formal clinic or in-service in their particular
sport. Coaches must be familiar with the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child
Reporting Act and should clearly understand their legal responsibilities.
g.
The ability to
responsibly supervise and instruct the students in her or his care.
h.
Continual concern
for the safety and well-being of the children.
i.
An
understanding of the basics and rules of the sport to be coached and the
techniques for teaching the fundamentals of the sport – use of tactics and
strategies that are appropriate for the age and skill level of their team.
j.
The ability to
develop the potential, confidence, and skills of each athlete.
k.
The ability to
separate winning from the important goals and values of the Holy Cross
Interscholastic Athletic Program.
l.
Coaches who
have been negligent or deficient in carrying out their duties will not be
retained and will not be involved in any other aspects of the athletic program.
Requirements
1.
Before the
season commences, a meeting must be held with students desiring to play with
at least one parent attending. At
this meeting the coach will outline the specific program for the relevant
sport and grade level.
2.
Coaches must
communicate the schedule of practices and games and alterations to the
schedule in a timely manner via written communications – paper or emails.
Coaches cannot
assume participants and their parents will receive oral messages.
3.
Head coaches
must have a first aid kit available at all practices and games. The Holy Cross
Permission Slips also are to be on hand, with accurate and up-to-date health
information for each athlete, at all practices and games in the event of
emergency treatment. However,
coaches never administer medication(s).
4.
In
case of an apparent serious injury, the coaches should immediately call for
paramedics. In
addition, the coaches should notify the parents or emergency contacts as
quickly as possible; using the phone numbers listed on the permission slips.
When paramedics arrive, the coach is to give them the permission slip (which
has a section authorizing emergency medical treatment) and provide answers to
any questions they may have concerning the circumstances of the injury. The
coach must complete a Holy Cross School accident report and submit copies to
Athletic Director and Principal.
5.
Coaches are to
keep written records of accidents and injuries and notify parents of the
injured participant on a timely basis. Accidents
and injuries are also to be communicated to the Athletic Director on a timely
basis.
6.
Transportation
to and from practices and games is a parent’s responsibility. Coaches should
be aware of the fact that if they provide transportation to a player, they
could be held personally liable in the event of an accident. Coaches are not
covered under any school liability insurance policy, and must sign
volunteer forms or other forms required by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
7.
Coaches should
attend all practices and games. In
their absence, coaches must ensure there is responsible substitute adult
supervision. Coaches
are responsible for all participants’ conduct and behavior at practices and
games.
8.
Coaches must
strive to be fair and unprejudiced in their relationships with the student
athletes and their parents. They
must strive to faithfully and fairly adhere to the guidelines for ‘playing
time’ for each student athlete.
9.
Coaches are to give
each athlete an appropriate opportunity to participate.
Coaches must
remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success
and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is
understood that coaches will seek to provide meaningful playing time for all
student-athletes.
10.
Coaches must
not tolerate any player’s words or actions that de-value another player,
name-calling, taunting, etc. Likewise,
any action that is physically dangerous - deliberately trying to injure
another player – is absolutely not allowed.
11.
Coaches are to
show respect for game officials and opponents – publicly shaking hands with
the officials and the opposing coach before and after a game demonstrates this
respect. Coaches
are to refrain from
public protests that may lead to similar behavior from spectators.
12.
Coaches must
plan for proper physical conditioning of the student athletes.
Practices are to
begin with stretching and warm-up exercises and end with cool downs.
13.
Coaches must
ensure the student athletes wear all proper safety equipment at all practices
and contests.
14.
Coaches are to
maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of
game scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
15.
Coaches are to
recruit “team parents” to assist with gym supervision during home games,
scoreboard operations during home games, team parties, etc.
16.
Coaches are
responsible for the safety and welfare of the team.
Coaches must know
the Emergency Plan and periodically rehearse it with the team.
Coaches must wait,
after practice, until all students are collected by their parents or guardian.
17.
Coaches are to
discipline inappropriate student behavior or disrespect; however, coaches must
never resort to physical or verbal abuse or profanity.
Coaches are to know
and be aware of the difference between punitive touching (physical discipline)
and corrective touching (correcting an athlete’s hold on a ball, etc.).
Punitive touching
is prohibited. Coaches
are to also to be aware and careful that touching is never interpreted in a
sexual manner. Coaches
are to use common sense and fairness in resolving problems and conflicts.
18.
Coaches must
keep objective, factual, written records of problems concerning an athlete’s
attitude and / or behavior. These
records will be critical if disciplinary actions lead to suspension or
expulsion of an athlete from the interscholastic program.
Parents/Guardians
- Responsibilities and Expectations
Parents and guardians play
an important role in the success of the student athlete and also in the
success of the team.
Parents and guardians must
understand that enrolling a child in a sports program is a commitment that the
child play according to all rules, attend practices, and arrive in a timely
manner at all locations that the team is scheduled to play.
Full participation
in all aspects of the program, e.g. driving student athletes to “away games”
or tournaments that are a distance from the school, tournament participation
during the holidays, etc. is expected.
-
Parents agree to arrange
to have participants complete medical exams and required paperwork and submit
that information on a timely basis.
-
Parents agree to support
and encourage their child’s efforts. Attending games and cheering the team on
as a show of support, however parents are always reminded to act in a
responsible manner and show good Christian sportsmanship.
Poor sportsmanship by
parents may result in ejection from a facility and may result in temporary or
permanent ineligibility of their child to participate in Holy Cross sports.
-
Parents agree to make
no attempt to instruct or direct the play of an athlete or of the team or an
opposing team. They should not criticize the playing efforts of any athlete or
of the team.
-
Parents agree to be a
model for putting losses in perspective and moving on. Questioning,
criticizing or berating the coach, the referees, or any other officials is
inappropriate behavior.
-
Parents must realize that
they can and may be required to leave a practice, game, or tournament if they
are not able to maintain a standard of acceptable behavior.
-
Parents agree to
contribute their time and service in support of the team and interscholastic
athletic program. Parents
may be asked to assist as scorekeepers, timekeepers, monitors of crowd control
or to serve as an assistant coach or to help with set-up and cleanup.
-
Parents agree to provide
transportation for their children to and from games and practices in a
timely manner.
-
Parents cannot allow
younger siblings to attend practice(s) or games with the student athlete when
the parent will not be there; there is insufficient supervision to do this.
-
One or two parents may be
asked to serve as team liaisons and assist with phone calls and other tasks.
Where multiple
tasks are regularly required, a schedule rotating the tasks among parents
should be created and communicated to ensure all tasks are completed and
rotated in an equitable manner.
-
Parents agree to assist
the student in maintaining their athletic uniforms.
-
Parents may be required to
bring their school fees and tuition account current as a pre-requisite of
student participation in the athletic program.
-
Parents agree to
communicate, at appropriate times, with the teachers of the student to ensure
that academic and behavior eligibility requirements or standards are being met.
-
Parents agree to
communicate with the coach or athletic director on matters of concern at
appropriate times; not immediately before, during or after a game.
-
Parents agree to initially
communicate directly with their child’s coach in order to resolve issues.
If an issue cannot
be resolved with the coach, then it can be elevated to the athletic director.
See grievance
procedure.
Student-Athletes - Responsibilities and Expectations
Eligibility
All students at Holy Cross
are eligible to participate in each interscholastic sport at their grade
level. There are no limits on the size of rosters for teams. If 16 or more
players are present in 5th grade basketball, and 18 or more players
are present for 6th, 7th and 8th grade
basketball, then two teams may be formed subject to these rules.
Number of teams and
compilation will be determined by the Athletic Director based on resources
available – coaches, equipment, facilities, etc.
Holy
Cross has a “no-cut” policy as long as participants practice with the team
regularly and
vigorously and positively contribute to the team.
Eligibility primarily
depends on participants maintaining “good” academic standing in all their
studies.
Participation Fees
There shall be a fee for
participation on Holy Cross teams. The
fee level is set by the Athletic Director in conjunction with the Holy Cross
Boosters, taking into account such items as conference fees, referees fees,
average annual equipment expenditures, fund raising expectations, etc.
The fee will be
announced at the start of the sign-up period for that sport.
Financially
challenged families should contact the Principal if participation fees are
beyond their current means. The
Principal and the Booster Club will ensure provisions are made for such
situations.
Requirements
-
Participants agree to
conduct themselves properly at all times because they are official
representatives of Holy Cross School. Students
who participate in interscholastic athletics have chosen to represent Holy
Cross in a highly visible manner. They
must act in a manner that reflects favorably upon the school and on themselves.
This expectation is
not limited to the field or court, but must be evident at school, in the
community, at other schools, and before/after all games.
-
Participants agree to
maintain satisfactory academic standing by completing homework and submitting
it on time, and by achieving at least the minimum academic standard for
participation. Failure to maintain the minimum academic standard for
participation in the Holy Cross Athletic Program as prescribed by the school
will result first in a warning letter delivered to the participant’s
parent/guardian for signature and return. If academic performance remains
deficient, the participant will be suspended from the team until the minimum
passing grade is attained.
The Holy Cross
Principal
may, as a
disciplinary measure, temporarily or permanently suspend a student from
participation in a sports program. Likewise, if the student is not a
disciplinary problem but it appears to the principal that athletic
participation is interfering with the student’s scholastic achievement, the
principal may suspend the student from the activity.
-
Participants agree to
complete medical exams and paperwork and submit that information on a timely
basis. Every
student must deliver a completed copy of the permission slip, signed by at
least one parent or guardian, prior to the first practice. This permission
slip informs parents that Holy Cross School does not provide automatic medical
or health insurance.
-
Participants agree to
display good sportsmanship at all times. Sportsmanlike behavior is important
in the development of each participant. Therefore, any unsportsmanlike
behavior by a participant, such as loss of temper towards a coach, referee,
opposing player, or spectator, or use of inappropriate or profane language or
gestures, deliberately rough or unfair play or conduct contrary to the best
interest of the team warrants removal from a game or practice.
-
Participants agree to
attend each practice session and game, to be on-time for each practice and
game, and to remain for the full time of each practice and game, unless
excused by the coach after advance notice to the coach.
Absences due to illness,
family vacation, etc. are to be expected, but should be limited.
Excessive absence
will reduce playing time of the participant. If
a child is involved in a non-school organized activity outside of Holy Cross,
practice/match conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed
practices or games will impair the development of the player; and it is
probable that team development will be negatively affected as well.
Thus, players are strongly
encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of
other organized activities.
-
Participants agree to show
respect for coaches and cooperate with them fully.
Respect must also
be given to members of their own team, their opponents, and to officials of
the sport. The
athlete also must respect the spectators and fans.
-
Participants agree to
accept custody of uniform and equipment items supplied by the school, to
provide proper care and cleaning as needed, and to return the items as
required in good condition.
-
Participants agree to
attend practices and games in proper uniform, with proper equipment, and in
good physical condition.
9.
Players who
miss practices or matches, or who consistently goof around during practices
will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the match following the
infraction. To
the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending
problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of this
type of infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with
the team.
-
Participants
agree to conscientiously support the team by learning the rules and skills
of the game, by
following the instruction of coaches, by encouraging and not criticizing
teammates, and by
focusing on the team’s success first before their own.
-
Participants
agree to accept and practice the philosophy, and policy of the Holy Cross
Athletic Program,
which emphasizes participation and skill development over winning.
-
Participants
will not be allowed to practice or play in game on any day that
he/she is not in
class.
-
Participants
agree that he/she may not be eligible for a game if they receive a detention.
The game suspension
will be served on the next game.
-
Violation
of any of the responsibilities may result in disciplinary action.
-
Participants
are to be given written notification and the opportunity to be heard, with
their
parents, if there is the possibility of suspension or dismissal from a team or
the athletic
program.
-
Participants
who are suspended or dismissed from a team or the interscholastic athletic
program may not
attend practices or contests.
Holy
Cross Boosters – Responsibilities and Expectations
1.
Provide funding of
Holy Cross School’s athletic programs – physical education and interscholastic.
2.
Purchase / maintain
uniforms and equipment and coordinate the management and use of those uniforms
and equipment.
3.
Aid the Holy Cross
Athletic Director in determining fees to be charged participants of each sport.
4.
Aid the Holy Cross
Athletic Director in determining compensation of paid outside coaches.
5.
Where possible,
provide building maintenance funds.
6.
Organize and host
the Fall and Spring Sports Recognition nights.
7.
Provide Banners for
the Holy Cross gym for championship Varsity Football and 8th Grade
Basketball and Volleyball teams.
8.
Provide
championship special recognition awards, such as a specially printed Holy
Cross jacket or sweatshirt, to all members of any 8th Grade, or varsity Holy
Cross team that wins its conference championship, regular season and/or
conference play-offs.
INTERSCHOLASTIC
PROGRAM REGULATIONS
1.
Practice/Game Schedules
/ Participation
Junior
Varsity Football (5th and 6th Grade)
Practices begin in
mid-August and are held daily, Monday through Friday.
League games are played
per the conference schedule. The number of league games depends upon the
number of conference schools participating with junior varsity teams.
Coaches may schedule
additional scrimmages during the season with non-conference teams on which the
players are of the same ages as the Holy Cross team; but the total of league
games, non-conference games and scrimmages may not exceed eight.
Junior
Varsity Football is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The
emphasis is on
putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.
6th graders will get
substantial playing time in each game. Fifth graders may get to play in games,
but the coaching staff will determine playing time based on readiness for game
situations. The
safety of the student-athlete will be the primary and governing factor.
Varsity
Football (7th and 8th Grade)
Practices begin in
mid-August and are held daily, Monday through Friday.
League games are played
either on Friday evenings or on Saturdays. The number of league games depends
upon the number of conference schools participating with varsity teams and
upon the divisional make-up. The maximum number of games is nine plus
play-offs.
The conference title game
is normally played on the first Sunday in November and marks the end of the
season.
Varsity Football
institutes the objective of prevailing over opponents and the realities of
team sports competition — coaches will determine playing time.
Players
and parents should therefore expect that not all players will play in each
game, and that total playing time may vary significantly from player to player.
5th
& 6th
Grade Girls Volleyball
Practices begin in
September and are limited to four per week.
A schedule of 8-12 matches
(excluding tournaments) shall be sought, with not more than three during any
one week, excluding tournaments. Combined matches/ practices shall not exceed
five during any one week, excluding tournaments. No matches, including
tournaments, shall be scheduled beyond the first Sunday in November.
Fifth and Sixth Grade
Volleyball is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The emphasis
is on putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.
Every player on the
team will play substantially equal time in each match, including tournaments,
except in the case of disciplinary action. Significant
playing time differentials must be avoided.
7th
Grade Girls Volleyball
Practices begin in late
August and are limited to five per week.
A schedule of 12‑18
matches, excluding tournaments, shall be sought, with not more than three
during any one week, excluding tournaments. Combined matches/practices shall
not exceed six during any one week, excluding tournaments. No matches,
including tournaments, shall be scheduled beyond the first Sunday in November.
Seventh Grade Volleyball
introduces the concept of prevailing over opponents while still providing
adequate playing time for all players. Each
player shall play at least the equivalent of one full game except in the case
of disciplinary action.
8th
Grade Girls Varsity Volleyball
Practices begin in late
August and are limited to five per week.
A schedule of 14‑20
matches, excluding tournaments, shall be sought, with not more than three
during any one week, excluding tournaments. Combined matches/practices shall
not exceed six during any one week, excluding tournaments. No matches,
including tournaments, shall be scheduled beyond the first Sunday in November.
Varsity Volleyball
institutes the objective of prevailing over opponents and the realities of
team sports competition — coaches will determine playing time.
Players and parents
should therefore expect that not all players will play in each game, and that
total playing time may vary significantly from player to player.
5th
& 6th Grade Basketball (Boys and Girls)
Practices begin in early
November and are limited to five per week.
A schedule of 14-18 games,
excluding play-offs and tournaments, shall be sought, with not more than three
during any one week, excluding tournaments. Combined games/practices shall not
exceed six during any one week, excluding tournaments. No games, including
tournaments, shall be scheduled beyond March 15th.
Fifth and Sixth Grade
Basketball is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The emphasis
is on putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.
Every player on the
team will play substantially equal time in each game, including tournaments,
except in the case of disciplinary action. Significant
playing time differentials must be avoided.
7th
Grade Basketball (Boys and Girls)
Practices begin in early
November and are limited to five per week.
A schedule of 14-20 games,
excluding tournaments, shall be sought, with not more than four during any one
week, excluding tournaments. Combined games/practices shall not exceed six
during any one week, excluding tournaments. No games, including tournaments,
shall be scheduled beyond March 15th.
Coaches are required to
play each player for at least the equivalent of one full quarter in each game,
except in the case of disciplinary action.
8th
Grade Varsity Basketball (Boys and Girls)
Practices begin in early
November and are limited to five per week.
Games are scheduled by the
Conference(s) to which Holy Cross belongs and shall be supplemented, if
necessary, by the scheduling of non-conference games.
A schedule of 16-22
games, excluding play-offs and tournaments, shall be sought, with not more
than four during any one week, excluding tournaments. Combined games/practices
shall not exceed six during any one week, excluding tournaments. No games,
including tournaments, shall be scheduled beyond March 15th.
Varsity Basketball
institutes the objective of prevailing over opponents and the realities of
team sports competition — coaches will determine playing time.
Players
and parents should therefore expect that not all players will play in each
game, and that
total playing time may vary significantly from player to player.
Cheerleading
The
JV Squad will be composed of 5th and 6th grade girls.
The Varsity Squad
will be
composed of 7th
and 8th grade girls. The
squads cheer at the respective football team games.
There are no
individual awards.
2.
Awards
Conference Champions - All
members of any 8th Grade, or varsity Holy Cross team that wins its conference
championship, regular season and/or conference play-offs, shall receive a
special recognition award from the Boosters (i.e. Holy Cross Jacket).
For
varsity sports, coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players,
choosing from the following categories:
Ø
Most Valuable Player
Ø
Most Improved Player
Ø
Coach’s Award
Ø
Best Offensive
Player
Ø
Best Defensive
Player
Trophies will be given to
recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season.
All participants
will receive a team photo.
Varsity Football, 8th
Grade Volleyball and 8th Grade Basketball teams that win their
conference (regular season and/or conference play-offs) shall be recognized on
banners displayed in the Holy Cross gym.
4.
Recruiting
According
to Archdiocese policy, elementary schools may not recruit promising
student athletes to
their schools with the promise of tuition, special considerations, or any
other incentives. The
athletic director and the principal will review participation of transfer
students, especially those enrolling after the opening day of school.
Holy
Cross interscholastic athletic teams and cheerleading squad will be known as
the “Chargers”.
6.
Council Management
of the Interscholastic Athletic Program
The Council may develop
and communicate athletic program guidelines and procedures for all of the
schools within a Council. This
uniformity of expectations and procedures ensures that all aspects of the
athletic programs within the Council are governed and managed fairly and in a
consistent manner.
The Athletic Director is
Holy Cross’s representative to Council II3A of the Chicago Archdiocese.
Council guidelines
and procedures will be considered, acted upon, and communicated with the Holy
Cross community as necessary.
7. Grievance Procedure
If a parent has a
complaint or problem concerning a coach or other matter relating to a sports
team, then that parent must first contact the coach of that team to
resolve the issue. Contact
with the coach must be conducted in private and never in front of the team.
Parent communications must
be handled at appropriate times – never immediately before, during, or after a
game.
If the parent remains
dissatisfied after discussing with the coach, then the parent should contact
the Holy Cross Athletic Director. If
the parent is still not satisfied, then that parent should contact the Holy
Cross School Principal. If
the situation has still not been resolved in a satisfactory manner, the parent
should then contact the Pastor of Holy Cross.
Grievance Procedure
– Appropriate Escalation
Grievances
must be processed in a respectful manner by all parties according to the Holy
Cross Code of Ethics.
First
Step: Contact
Coach of Team
Contact should be made,
at the least, the day after an incident occurs to ensure emotions are in check.
If a satisfactory
resolution cannot be arranged, then:
Second Step:
Contact Holy Cross
Athletic Director
If a satisfactory
resolution cannot be arranged, then:
Third Step:
Contact Holy Cross
Principal
If a satisfactory
resolution cannot be arranged, then:
Fourth Step:
Contact Holy Cross
Pastor