P.E.C.S.A.A. Athletic Handbook and Guidelines |
Blessed Sacrament School
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"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
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I. INTRODUCTION Athletics at the elementary and middle school levels can play an exciting part in a child’s overall development. It is important, however, that both parents and participants understand and appreciate the necessity of relevant controls, policies and attitudes that coincide with a successful athletic program. It is equally important that the administrators of this program communicate these elements in a cohesive and comprehensive fashion. The Piedmont Elementary Catholic Schools Athletic Association (P.E.C.S.A.A.) attempts to define and explain the various aspects of our program so that there is a better understanding by both parents and students. II. PHILOSOPHY AND PRINCIPLES A. The principles of the P.E.C.S.A.A. are to foster Christian ideals and sportsmanship among its member schools, teams and participants. B. To recognize the youth participant as an individual, with particular abilities and limitations, with every precaution taken to insure that each is developed to his/her highest potential. C. The purpose of the P.E.C.S.A.A. is to promote the teaching of basic skills, development of individual talents and teamwork. In addition, provide the league’s participants and supporters the opportunity to enjoy the best possible recreation advantages and atmosphere. III. PECSAA LEAGUE The Piedmont Elementary Catholic Schools Athletic Association (P.E.C.S.A.A.) is the facilitating body of our Catholic league. It consists of 6 Athletic Directors, one from each school. Each school in the league assumes the post of League Director every six years. School principals play an active part in establishing and revising league guidelines. The schools in this league are: Blessed Sacrament (BSS), Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), Our Lady of Grace (OLG), Our Lady of Mercy (OLM), St. Leo (SLS), and St. Pius X (SPX).
IV. POLICIES A. Eligibility 1. Age Limits Seventh and eighth graders are not allowed to play on JV teams. Any varsity player may participate as long as his/her 15th birthday is not on or before October 15th of that school year. Any JV player may not be older than 13. 2. Physical Exam Diocesan Policy states that all student athletes must receive an annual physical exam before they are allowed to participate in any practices or games. This physical will cover the athlete for the entire calendar year from the date of the physical. Diocesan forms are available from your home school’s Athletic Director. They must be completed and signed by a practicing, licensed physician. 3. Absence from School If a student does not attend school the day of a practice or game, that student will not be allowed to participate in a practice or game that same day. 4. Forms All required forms must be signed and returned before any student athlete may participate in practices and games. 5. Participation/Tryouts Each school sets its own plan for try-outs and participation. B. Practice Times The Piedmont Elementary Catholic School Athletic Association in collaboration with school principals, has established rules for team practice: 1. No team may practice more that 4 1/2 hours per week. 2. No team may practice after 9:30 p.m. C. Athletic Fees The athletic fee represents a charge that helps defray the costs of the athletic program. This fee pays for equipment, uniforms, referees, league fees, and other athletic expenses. Each school in the league sets its own fees. D. Inclement Weather On days when weather does not allow a P.E.C.S.A.A. school to open, there will be no practices or games. V. GUIDELINES A. Expectations of Athletes In order for students to participate in interscholastic athletics, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed. Expectations vary from coach to coach or sport to sport, but P.E.C.S.A.A. member schools have these general expectations for all team members.
B. Sportsmanship Promoting and encouraging good sportsmanship by coaches, athletes, fans and parents are very important to the P.E.C.S.A.A. schools. We believe, as Christian schools, that we must hold ourselves to the highest level of sportsmanship and behavior both on and off the playing field. Each P.E.C.S.A.A. School’s administration, Athletic Director, and coaching staff are committed to encourage an environment of enthusiasm and school spirit consistent with high standards of sportsmanship and respect for opposing teams and officials. All P.E.C.S.A.A. events should be fun and positively supported by all schools. Our schools and teams are best served by fan support that is directed enthusiastically toward our athletes. 1. The Athletes
2. The Coaches Since the coaches are volunteers, and are giving up their free time to coach your child, they deserve your respect and courtesy. In order to coach, the following guidelines must be followed:
3. The Spectators
4. The Schools The member schools of the P.E.C.S.A.A. have a responsibility to treat officials, opposing teams, and their spectators as guests. Schools should educate their supporters to cheer all of our member teams with enthusiasm. We should never behave in ways that are disrespectful toward opposing players, coaches, or spectators. C. Safety of School Communities
D. Admissions - Volleyball and Basketball The P.E.C.S.A.A. league charges admission to all volleyball and basketball games. The fee is $2.00 per adult and $1.00 per child (school age and up). These charges help to defray costs and keep athletic fees as low as possible at each school. Free admission is given at all locations to the following people only: Team members and a team manager, two coaches per team, Principals, Pastors, Teachers and Athletic Directors. Guidelines Set and Approved 8/15/2001League tournament admission fees can be different and are set by the host school. They are sometimes a little higher than regular season because of the cost of renting facilities outside of our league.
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