2008 - 2009 CYO Sports

Handbook

ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

Rooted in the mission of Saint Helena’s, the philosophy of the athletic program clearly reflects Gospel values which enable the student-athletes to maintain academic, physical and spiritual integrity in all endeavors. Providing an athletic foundation that is child-centered, our program further develops the qualities of respect, self-worth, and mercy.

Built on quality instruction, the program is committed to enhancing unique individual talents and to promoting dedication to excellence. Student-athletes are encouraged to achieve personal athletic growth and to incorporate this growth into their team achievements.

A spirit of team play, responsibility, discipline, and leadership are key components of our athletic program. The program is rooted in a sense of pride: pride in oneself, pride  in the team, and pride in Saint Helena’s. All coaches, parents, student-athletes and spectators share a responsibility for promoting Christian leadership, good sportsmanship, and positive competition while demonstrating grace in victory and dignity in defeat.

OBJECTIVES

* To foster the development of strong character traits including

   self-esteem,  respect, responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship,

   and teamwork.

* To set individual and team goals.

* To teach skills and strategies of the sport being played.

* To foster the development and maintenance of good health and

   physical fitness habits.

* To promote a rewarding and enjoyable athletic experience.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Saint Helena’s provides the opportunity for teams to participate in the Catholic Youth Organization. Varsity and Junior Varsity teams represent Saint Helena’s in athletic competitions.

Our athletic program consists of the following levels:

5th and 6th grades— Junior Varsity

7th and 8th grades—Varsity

7th and 8th grades—Boys Parish Basketball Program

Team Sports

Football Basketball

 Baseball Track and Field

 Soccer Volleyball

 Field Hockey Club Cross Country

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:

Mr. Daniel O’Brien

Phone:  215-806-2281

E-mail: Obriend@whiteandwilliams

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COACHES

I. Code of Ethics

* Represent mission of Saint Helena’s.

* Be respectful to officials, coaches, student-athletes, parents and

   spectators.

* Play an active role in supporting and upholding athletic  

   philosophy as well as regulations outlined in this athletic handbook.

* Act as a positive role-model.

II. Coaching Objectives

* Give quality instruction with an element of fun.

* Assist in development and improvement of players.

* Communicate the “right way” to play the game.

* Teach athletes respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and

   the game.

III. Qualifications

* Have knowledge of sport being coached.

* Have experience in sport when possible.

VI. Responsibilities

* Promote the safety and supervision of student-athletes at all times.

* Create safe playing environment.

* Attempt to involve all student-athletes in some capacity.

* Develop student-athletes on the team.

* Ensure student-athletes represent Saint Helena’s in a positive way.

* Communicate effectively with parents.

* Assure that every competition is preceded by a prayer.

* Encourage teams to conclude each competition with a prayer of thanks for good health and sportsmanship.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STUDENT-ATHLETE

I. Code of Ethics

Represent mission of Saint Helena’s.

* Be respectful to coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and                  

   spectators.

* Show cooperation.

* Work as a team.

* Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

* Be a proponent of positive competition.

II. Responsibilities

* Practice good health and fitness habits.

* Attend all scheduled practices and games.

* Communicate with the coaches regarding individual circumstances       

   such as injuries, missed practices, and academic issues.

* Uphold signed athletic contract.

* Be aware that playing time is at the discretion of the coach.

III. Medical Issues

* Report all injuries to the coach within 24 hours.

* Communicate to the coaches about any medications being brought to

   practice or games for a chronic condition (i.e. inhalers for

   asthma or Epinephrine for allergic reactions).

* If taking prescribed medications, self administer as needed.

* Mark all personal medications with student-athlete’s name and the

   prescribing physician’s name.

* Provide a physician's note for athlete's participation in CYO

   activities while being medicated or undergoing treatment for an

   acute illness or injury.

IV.  Academics

* If a child is suspended from school, they may not participate in CYO

   activities during the suspension

* If a child fails a subject on their report card, they require the

   Principal’s permission to participate in CYO activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS

I. Code of Ethics

* Represent mission of Saint Helena’s.

* Be respectful to coaches, officials, student-athletes, opposing teams

  and spectators.

* Play an active role in supporting and upholding the Saint Helena’s

   athletic philosophy as well as regulations outlined in the athletic

   handbook.

· Give consistent encouragement.

II. Responsibilities

* Be supportive of the coaching staff and their decisions

Coaching from the sidelines is not permitted.

* Inappropriate parental behavior will be addressed by Athletic

   Director and may warrant removal and loss of privilege to attend  

   future games.

* Be on time for drop-off and pick-up of student-athlete. Continual

   lateness by the parent may result in child’s suspension/ *  

   disqualification from the team.

* A fee for all junior varsity and varsity athletes will be assessed at the

   beginning of each sports season. Payment must be received in order

   for an athlete to receive the team uniform.

III. Medical Issues

* Fill out all medical information forms correctly and make note when

   a student-athlete is self-medicating.

* Clearly mark all medications and medication containers.

* Communicate to the coaches about any medications being brought     

   to practice and/or games for a chronic illness.

* Provide a physician's note for athlete's participation in CYO

   activities while being medicated or undergoing treatment for an

   acute illness or injury.

SAINT HELENA’S ATHLETIC CONTRACT

As a student-athlete participating in after-Parish sports, I am a representative

of Saint Helena’s Parish. As a participant in the athletic program, I make this

commitment and will follow all the guidelines set forth by the Administration

 and the Athletic Department.

* Represent the mission of Saint Helena Parish.

* Observe all the rules and regulations of Saint Helena’s.

* Exhibit appropriate behavior both on and off the court or playing field.

* Be respectful to coaches, officials, teammates and opponents.

* Show cooperation.

* Practice good health and fitness habits.

* Do my best for myself and for the team.

* Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

* Be a proponent of positive competition.

* Be willing to abide by the rules in all games and practices and

   attend all scheduled practices and games.

* Respect equipment or property, including home and away sites,

   locker rooms, uniforms, and transportation vehicles.

This contract is to be understood, agreed upon, and signed by the student-athlete

and parents/guardians. Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a

suspension or dismissal from participation in the CYO Parish sports program.

I, ________________________________have read and understand the

ATHLETIC CONTRACT stated above.

__________________________________ ________________

(Signature of Student-Athlete) Date

I/We have read the Athletic Handbook and will  abide by the rules and

 regulations of the athletic program. I/We agree and support the Athletic Contract.

__________________________       ___________________

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                     (Date)

__________________________      ____________________

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                      (Date)

SPORTS PERMISSION FORM

Each student in fifth through eighth grade interested in participating in any sports program at Saint Helena’s must have the following consent form completed, signed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to the appropriate Athletic Director before he/she can participate.

Boys and girls in second, third and fourth grade may participate in instructional track and field. and club cross country.

ATHLETIC CHOICES: Please circle and initial all the sports your child could possibly participate in throughout the Parish year.

BASEBALL   ________ BASKETBALL __________

FIELD HOCKEY________ FOOTBALL __________

SOCCER   ________ SOFTBALL __________

TRACK   ________ VOLLEYBALL  __________

CLUB CROSS COUNTRY ____________

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL _________

I/we, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of: ____________________________ request that the Parish allow my/our child to participate in the above circled and initialed sport(s) at Saint Helena’s. We hereby release and save harmless Saint Helena’s, and any and all employees, coaches, and volunteers from any and all liability for any and all harm arising to our son/daughter as result of participating in the sports program. I/we have read the above information and I/we give my/our child permission to participate in the Saint Helena’s Parish sports program.

________________________      _________________

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)               (Date)

________________________     __________________

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                 (Date)