Philosophy

The Athletic Program at Our Lady of Lourdes provides the opportunity for every child who attends the school or belongs to the parish community to participate in team sports. The program promotes self-esteem and respect for others through competition in a Christian manner, with the emphasis on good sportsmanship.

Objectives

Developing knowledge of sports and acquiring the associated athletic skills are the primary objectives of the athletic program at Our Lady of Lourdes. Another important objective is the development of a positive self-image and sense of teamwork for every participant. Winning is inherent to competition, and being part of a successful program is important, but winning cannot be the primary objective. There is, however, an obligation to take the game seriously, and for all children to be taught to play to the best of their ability.

Organizational Structure

The Athletic Ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes exists for the benefit of the children of our parish who wish to improve their physical and mental well-being by participating in structured athletic programs. The Athletic Ministry is made up of two organizations: The Athletic Committee , headed by the Athletic Director , and the Booster Club , headed by a group of elected officers. The Athletic Committee establishes policies, guidelines and operating budgets for the sports programs. The Booster Club is responsible for the fundraising activities supporting the sports programs. The roles of each organization are as follows:

Athletic Committee

The Athletic Committee consists of the Athletic Director, two Assistant Athletic Directors, Sports Coordinators, and six parish members at-large who are elected to serve a three-year term. The Committee helps set guidelines and policy for the sports programs. They must have knowledge of the OLOL Athletic Handbook and of CSAA standards and regulations. The Committee monitors all sports programs to assure that all regulations and objectives are followed. The Athletic Committee also recruits and elects new members to the Athletic Committee to fill vacancies or expired terms. The Athletic Committee addresses grievances via a Grievance Committee and appoints individuals to schedule the use of the field and gym. The Athletic Committee evaluates the performance of the Athletic Director on an annual basis.

Athletic Director

The Athletic Director is responsible for overseeing the day- to- day operations of the athletic program. The Director assures that the program follows regulations and standards established by the Catholic School Athletic Association and the guidelines of the OLOL Athletic Committee. The Pastor appoints the Athletic Director for a two-year term on the recommendation of the Athletic Committee and the Booster Club. The Athletic Director recruits and recommends Sports Coordinators, chairs the Grievance Committee, handles all administrative duties required by the CSAA and establishes an operating budget for all sports programs, with input from the Sports Coordinators and the Booster Club. The Athletic Director also authorizes expenditures for the sports program.

 The Assistant Athletic Directors

The Assistant Athletic Directors are responsible (one each) for Spring and Fall sports. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the athletic program. The Assistant Athletic Directors assure that the program follows regulations and standards established by the Catholic School Athletic Association and the guidelines of the OLOL Athletic Committee.

Sports Coordinators

Each sport at OLOL will have an assigned coordinator for that sport. The Sports Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and assigning coaches on an annual basis, for presentation to the Athletic Director for approval. He/she must also for supervising try-outs and team player selection. He/she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport to maintain day- to- day operations. Sports Coordinators are recruited by the Athletic Director and approved by the Athletic Committee.

Sports Coordinators can not coach the same sport they are responsible for due to conflict of interest. Sports Coordinators are evaluated annually by the Athletic Director and team coaches. These evaluations will serve as the basis for retention or removal of a Sports Coordinator. The Athletic Director will share these evaluations with the Coordinator and the Athletic Committee in order to facilitate the improvement of the Coordinator’s performance. Sports Coordinators serve at the discretion of the Athletic Director and sit as members of the Athletic Committee.

The Booster Club

The Booster Club is the primary fundraising organization to support the athletic programs. The Booster Club is headed by an elected group of officers including a President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. The Boosters provide finances and personnel support for all the athletic programs offered by the school. They contribute to the Activity Center debt retirement fund and perform capital improvement projects, maintain the athletic field, and contribute to various stewardship and charitable causes. Funds are raised through the summer Festival Homecoming, the Lenten fish fries, concession sales and admission charges at athletic events, and vending machine sales. The Boosters work with the Athletic Committee and Athletic Director to establish fee structures for the sports programs based on budgets for the individual sports and the Booster Club budget for capital improvements, operating expenditures, and stewardship commitments. Booster Club info

The Sports Calendar

OLOL offers a wide variety of sports for children in our Catholic Elementary School and Parish Evening Religious Education Program. Sign-up dates for each sport will be communicated via the Sunday bulletin. Following is a list of the sports that are offered subject to available participants and coaches:

Registration Requirements

a. Fees Average fees are $30.00 to $45.00 per sport (football --- $100.00) and are subject to change. All sports fees are to be paid at the time of sign-ups. No player will be allowed to participate in practice and/or games until fee is received. If a parent elects to withdraw their child and receive a refund of the sports fees, the parent is required to submit a written request to the coach prior to the second scheduled practice. Fees cover the expenses incurred by the Athletic Program, which include CSAA league fees, uniforms , banquets, tournaments and the purchase and maintenance of equipment for each team. The Athletic Ministry is managed to a fiscal budget, and makes every effort to keep sports fees minimized. The Booster Club pays all other incurred expenses not covered by fees. The Athletic Ministry does not cover expenses related to trophies or other memorabilia with the exception of championship teams.

b. Communications Parents are required at each sport registration to submit an e-mail address to be used for communication purposes.

Equipment/Uniforms

Personal equipment for some sports will be issued to each athlete, with certain exceptions. The athlete is responsible for the care of this equipment. If this personal equipment is lost or unnecessarily damaged, the athlete/parent will be liable for the cost of its replacement. Uniforms are purchased through the Athletic Committee’s approved budget for all sports. Information regarding the return of the uniform will be given during that sports season. No player will be allowed to participate in another school sport until the uniform is returned.

Facility Use OLOL sports facilities, including all fields and gymnasium, will be used exclusively for CSAA-sponsored sports, as well as OLOL-sponsored events. Use for any other purpose is not supported (AAU, club ball, pickup games, etc.).

Inclement Weather Policy In severe weather conditions, if school is closed during the school week (Mon.-Fri.), all GAMES AND PRACTICES WILL BE CANCELLED FOR THAT DAY. For weekend games, if warranted, the CSAA will make the decision to cancel games. This OLOL inclement weather policy is the same as the CSAA policy.

Coaches

The OLOL Athletic Program is totally dependent on volunteers. All are encouraged to apply to coach or assist in the various sports offered. All coaches must possess strong Christian ethics, along with good teaching and communication skills. The primary goal must be to teach basic skills and positively reinforce the self-image of each team member. Each coach must also promote Christian values through sportsmanship. As role models, coaches will not be allowed to smoke, drink alcohol, or use profane language during practice and games. The use of profanity and negative comments to players, competitors or officials will not be tolerated. Grounds for removal or discipline of a coach include the following: violation of OLOL Athletic Committee policies, guidelines or procedures; conduct not consistent with OLOL Parish values; failure to follow directives of the Sports Coordinator, Athletic Director or Athletic Committee; poor performance of coaching duties.

1. Anyone wishing to coach must submit his/her name to the Athletic Director or Sports Coordinator prior to that sport season. Open coaching positions will be communicated via the Sunday bulletin. He/she will be required to fill out a Coach Selection form, which provides background information and experience.

2. Head coaches are recruited by the Sports Coordinator.

3. All coaches will be presented to the Athletic Director and approved prior to the first practice.

4. Coach Evaluation forms will be given to athletes and parents at the end of each season and will be used to assist the Sports Coordinator in the decision to retain or dismiss coaches.

5. A coach will be encouraged to continue coaching with the annual approval of the Athletic Director and the Sports Coordinator. In the event the Sports Coordinator and the Athletic Director disagree on the selection or retention of a specific coach, the Athletic Director’s decision will be final.

6. Coaches shall not show preferential treatment to any member of the team, such as showcasing individual players.

7. Coaches’ shirts will be provided per guidelines established and communicated by the Athletic Committee.

It is the coach's responsibility to conduct orderly practices. Because the players are the coach's responsibility for the entire practice period, players may not leave practice without written permission unless a parent or a person with parental permission picks them up. Coaches under the age of eighteen must have an adult present (preferably a parent of a team member) at all team practices and games. A coach must remain at practices and games until all team members have departed. Any practice held will be for all team members. Before the season begins, the coach will hold a meeting for parents in order to answer any questions. Gifts for coaches are not necessary, but if the team wishes to present a gift to the coach, they should make arrangements on their own time and not at group sports function.

Team Selections

Prior to tryouts, the Sports Coordinator will assemble a group of coaches and individuals with knowledge of the sport to serve with him/her on the Team Selection Committee. Every effort will be made to avoid any conflicts of interest, and the team selection process will be conducted in a fair, impartial manner. Players will be assigned to a team based upon the consensus of the Selection Committee. Parents may address questions or concerns to the Sports Coordinator and then to the Athletic Director, if necessary.

1. When appropriate, teams are divided into 5th/6th grades and 7th/8th grades.

2. All students in the grade level will be eligible to play on the A, B, C, etc. team. There will be no cuts; all players will be placed on a team. All teams are selected using CSAA guidelines. CSAA rules require that in cases where a parish has more than one team competing in a grade division, the best, and most skilled of those teams must compete in the "A" league for that grade division. The "A" team will participate in the highly competitive "A" league for the grade level on a very competitive basis. The "Non-A" teams will place greater emphasis on participation and instruction. (See Guidelines for Playing Time)

3. A player will be selected on his/her athletic ability, knowledge of the sport, skill level, attitude towards the sport and the needs of the team

4. No student participant will be signed up on a team after the second game of the sport season without special permission of the Sports Coordinator and Athletic Director.

5. Once the Selection Committee has completed team selections, parents/players will be notified by the team coach.

6. Only in special circumstances will an athlete be placed on a higher-grade team (i.e. 4th grader on a 5th & 6th grade team).

7. The Selection Committee is encouraged, but not required, to ensure that at least two athletes from the same grade level are assigned to any team. In the event that this cannot be accomplished, the committee will consult with parents prior to placing an athlete on a team where he/she would be the only member of their grade level on the team (i.e. 7th grader on a team with all 8th graders or a 6th grader on a team with all 5th graders).

8. The student is required to attend all scheduled tryout sessions. If a conflict arises that will prevent the student from attending all sessions, they are required to notify the Sports Coordinator in advance of any sessions that they will miss. If prior notice is given, or in the case of an emergency, the student will be placed on an appropriate team based upon input from previous coaches or from an individual tryout. If prior notice is not given, the student will be placed on the lowest level team for their grade that meets the criteria listed above.

Code of Behavior and Expectations for Student Athletes

Athletes need to be reminded that the focus of the Athletic Program is to promote the self-esteem of each participant, to learn the skills involved in playing the sport well, and to practice these skills through competitions. Good sportsmanship should rule in all situations. Players, coaches or fans that fail to adhere to high standards of sportsmanship will not be allowed to participate. Disrespect toward authority, property, or rules will not be tolerated. Athletes are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. An athlete's first priority is academics, with athletic and all other aspects of school life second.

2. An athlete must be dedicated to the sport and team.

a. Do your best to be present and on time for all games and practices.

b. Keep yourself in the finest physical condition by abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products.

c. Maintain a strong academic record in order to set a positive example for others. An athlete who can think in a tight competitive situation will do well.

d. Always behave in a manner that reflects well upon yourself, your teammates and your school.

e. Strive at all times to be the best that you can be.

f. Promote team spirit by encouraging fellow athletes.

3. An athlete must make a commitment to practicing his/her sport.

a. Team sports require participation in practices to teach teamwork and to develop team cohesiveness. An athlete must attend all practices and all games unless excused by the coach in advance. Sickness, family emergencies and school/church-sponsored activities are excused absences, and notice to the coach should be made in advance out of consideration. Unexcused absences include club ball, extracurricular activities, and participation in other CSAA sports during the same season. Unexcused absences require notification to coaches in advance

b. Every athlete will be expected to give 100% effort in practices as well as games. Athletes should give their coaches their undivided attention and full cooperation. Unexcused absences and poor practice habits may affect playing time.

4. On any team at any grade level, only those team members will be allowed to suit up for a game if that team member had participated in an adequate number of practices (as determined by the coach) since the previous game. If a child misses school because of illness or disciplinary action, the child may not participate in practices or games that day or night.

5. Any infraction of the rules governing student athletes’ participation may result in suspension or expulsion from the team.

Guidelines for Playing Time (See Expectations of Student Athletes)

1. 4th grade A team and below – a good faith effort will be made to play all participants as equally as possible.

2. 6th & 8th grade A teams – each participant will get significant playing time throughout league play (significant means at least ¼ of contest). In tournament play there will be no guarantee that all participants will get significant playing time, but full participation will be encouraged.

3. 8th grade B team – same as 8th grade A team

4. 8th grade C team and below – a good faith effort will be made to play all participants as equally as possible. In tournament play, all participants may not get equal playing time; however, they will get significant playing time.

5. 6th grade B team – same as 6th grade A team

6. 6th grade C team and below – a good faith effort will be made to play all participants as equally as possible. In tournament play all participants may not get equal playing time however they will get significant playing time.

Football

The football program will abide by the same guidelines and objectives of all the other sports at OLOL with the exception of playing time, however a strong effort will be made to play as many players as possible each game. The coaching staff will utilize several players at the unskilled positions and on the special teams. A depth chart will be provided to the sports coordinator prior to the start of the season. Each member of the team will receive substantial instruction and be allowed to participate in all drills during practices, regardless of their position on the depth chart.

Every effort will be made to give all members of the team the opportunity to play in scrimmages and practice games. The coaches will arrange scrimmages for the non-starters to be played under game-like conditions.

If the opportunity presents itself, a developmental team may be created for any given grade level. The selection process for such teams must involve and be approved by the Football Coordinator. These teams will compete against other developmental teams in the CSAA organization.

Parents

Signing your child/children up for playing sports at OLOL automatically makes you a member of the Athletic Program. Some important things to remember as a member of OLOL all volunteer Athletic Programs are:

1. Sign players up on time. (See Scope of Sports Program/Calendar Section )

2. Pay participation fees at sign-ups of each sport. Fees are based on the expenses incurred by the Athletic Program.

3. Have players at practice on time (no earlier than 10 minutes before) and picked up on time.

4. Do not leave any player at practice without adult supervision.

5. Donate a minimum of five hours per sport for support duties such as but not limited to field setup/takedown, concessions, uniform distribution or collection, etc.

6. Help the athlete maintain proper care of uniform. If uniform is not properly cared for, lost or not returned when requested, a replacement cost will be charged.

7. Promote Christian values and sportsmanship at all times. Excessive yelling and abusive language are unacceptable. CSAA rules state that unsportsmanlike behavior will not be accepted, and the parent will be removed from the game. At the end of each sport season, parents will have the opportunity to evaluate their child's coach. Those who think the season could have been better and would like to voice their opinions should complete the Coach Evaluation form and/or initiate the grievance procedure. Those who have had an enjoyable season are asked to also complete the Coach Evaluation form.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each parent to monitor their child’s overall time involved in sports activities. Weekly hours of eligibility are outlined by CSAA policy.

Grievance Procedure

If a problem should occur while a child is participating on a team sport at OLOL, the grievance procedure is as follows:

1. Contact the coach and discuss the problem.

2. If the problem still exists, contact the Sports Coordinator.

3. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Athletic Director or member of the Grievance Committee. (At this time, the grievance may be put into writing for future reference.)

ANY EXCEPTION TO THE ABOVE POLICIES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ATHLETIC COMMITTEE