BLESSED SACRAMENT ATHLETIC PROGRAM
                                              POLICY MANUAL
 
 
                                                                                                       Chapter I:
                                                                       Mission
 
            The Blessed Sacrament athletic program exists to support the school in the development of students spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically.  The athletic program supports this philosophy by providing a positive and supportive athletic environment for all its students.  Each child will have an opportunity to participate, with emphasis placed on teamwork, sportsmanship, physical fitness, and development of fundamental skills.
 
            The objective of our Blessed Sacrament athletic program is to provide the student with an atmosphere that encourages all athletes to reach their fullest potential, while being part of the team.  In support of this, the adult athletic leadership commits itself to support the school philosophy.  The adult leadership will place emphasis on development of the individual and the importance of working as a team and being part of a team concept.  With this as our objective and priority, along with hard work and determination, winning should be the result of our actions versus a goal or measure of success.
 
                                                                                                    Chapter II:
                                                                 Athletic Board
 
            According to Canon Law, the decision-making authority for the Parish and its subdivisions rests with the Pastor.  The Pastor has designated the Principal as the person responsible for the operation of the School’s athletic program.  The Blessed Sacrament Athletic Board (the “Board”) assists and advises the Principal with the athletic program, pursuant to the provisions of the Blessed Sacrament Athletic Board Constitution, attached hereto as Appendix A.
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                 Chapter III:
                                                              Athletic Director
 
            The Athletic Director is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the Blessed Sacrament athletic program, in consultation with the Board and subject to the approval of the Principal.  The Principal, in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Pastor, selects the Athletic Director, and he or she shall serve until he or she resigns or is removed by the Principal.  The Principal, in consultation with the Board, shall evaluate the Athletic Director.
 
                                                                                                     Chapter IV:
                                                                      Coaches
 
1.         Head Coaches
 
A.        Goals and Objectives
 
            Head Coaches are expected to perform in a manner consistent with the Mission of the Blessed Sacrament School athletic program.  The goals and objectives for Head Coaches include, but are not limited to the following:
 
 

1. Providing a Christ centered atmosphere that encourages all student athletes to reach their fullest potential;
2. Developing each individual student as an athlete;
3. Emphasizing working as a team, with the team concept of utmost importance;
4. Leading with an emphasis on Christian objectives;
5. Positively reinforcing student athletes’ abilities without excessive screaming; yelling, non constructive criticism, or demeaning comments;
6. Refraining from profanity;
7. Adhering to the policies set forth in the Blessed Sacrament School Athletic Program Policy Manual;
8. Demonstrating that the coach is meeting the objectives outlined in this policy and all policies contained in the Policy Manual as evidenced by annual parent reviews; and
9. Instilling in the student/athlete and demonstrating personally good sportsmanship toward all students, athletes, parents, officials, and other coaches.

 
B.        Selection
 
            Individuals seeking to fill a Head Coach vacancy and Head Coaches seeking to coach in the proceeding year are subject to the same application and selection procedures. 
 
 

1. The Board shall solicit candidates for all Head Coach positions.
2. Candidates should complete an application and submit it to the Athletic Director.
3. The Athletic Director will present all applications to the Board, which will review the submitted candidates.  The Board may in its sole discretion interview candidates, consider past Performance Reviews, and seek input from parents.
4. After evaluation of the applications and interviews, the Athletic Board will make a recommendation to the Principal.  The recommendation should be submitted to the Principal no later than 45 days prior to the start of the season (a season being defined as the first day of practice until the last game).

1. Final coaching appointments will be made by the Pastor and the Principal after due consideration of the Athletic Board’s recommendation.

 
            Any Board member who has a child on a team for which more than one candidate has applied for a Head Coach position shall be recused from the entire selection process for that position.
 
            C.        Term
 
            Head Coaches serve one-season terms, renewable only to the extent set forth below.
 
            Generally, a Head Coach that has performed satisfactorily, including meeting the “Goals and Objectives” set forth in this Policy Manual, during his or her first season coaching a team will be invited to return as that team’s Head Coach for the next season.  However, such invitation is not automatic.The application and decision-making process for retaining a Head Coach for a consecutive year is the same for those applying for a Head Coach position in the first instance; provided, however, that in evaluating competing applications, the fact that the Head Coach is applying for the second season shall be a factor that weighs heavily in favor of retaining that coach.
 
            A Head Coach may have his or her term renewed for only one additional season, unless a qualified replacement, as determined by the Board, is unavailable.  A two-season limit for Head Coaches of the same team will benefit student athletes by providing them with a new Head Coach with fresh ideas, methods, and philosophy, which will enhance the overall development and experience of the participants.
 
            This two-season limitation shall only apply to coaching the same team, and shall not affect the coach’s eligibility to coach any other team.
 
D.        Sanctions and Removal
 
            Failure to meet the goals and objectives by a Head Coach or violation of other Blessed Sacrament School athletic program policies may result in rejection of an application to coach in a proceeding year.  Severe violations as determined by the Principal in consultation with the Board may result in immediate dismissal.
 
            Where a violation of the goals, objectives, or policies is brought to the attention of the Athletic Director, he shall present the alleged violation to the Board for consideration.  The Board, in its sole discretion, may recommend the action to be taken based solely upon the information provided by the Athletic Director or after investigation.  The Athletic Board may provide a hearing to the Head Coach, but is not required to do so.  After the Board makes a recommendation, the Principal shall make a determination of what, if any, sanction should occur.  The decision of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor is final, without appeal.  A coach is not entitled to a hearing before or after a sanction or dismissal is made, although the Principal may grant one in his sole discretion.
 
E.        Performance Evaluation
 
            The Board may conduct an annual Performance Evaluation for all Head Coaches.  Such evaluation may include, but is not limited to, consideration of parent surveys, input from Board Members, the Principal, the Pastor, the Head Coach and any other information deemed by the Board to be relevant to the coach’s performance.  Such performance reviews shall determine whether the Head Coach complied with all athletic program goals, objectives, and policies.  If a coach applies to coach in the same or different position in a proceeding year, the performance evaluation shall be considered during the application process.
 
2.         Assistant Coaches
 
            A.        Goals and Objectives.   The goals and objectives for Assistant Coaches are the same as those for Head Coaches, as set forth in Subsection 1.A. above.
 
            B.        Selection.  Assistant Coaches shall be selected by the Head Coach of the team for which the Assistant Coach will serve, subject to the approval of the Athletic Director in consultation with the Board.
 
            C.        Term of Office.  Assistant Coaches shall serve until resignation or removal by the Head Coach or Athletic Director.
 
            D.        Sanctions and Removal.  Assistant Coaches are subject to the same removal procedures as those for Head Coaches, as set forth in Subsection 1.D. above.
 
            E.        Performance Evaluation.  Assistant Coaches are subject to the same performance evaluation standards and procedures as those for Head Coaches, as set forth in Subsection 1.E. above.
 
                                                                                                       Chapter V:
                                                                      Students
 
            1.  Eligibility for Athletics.  BSS provides an athletic program that currently includes basketball and track for boys and girls grades 5-8, volleyball for girls’ grades 6-8, baseball for boys grades 7-8, softball for girls grades 7-8, and cheerleading for 8th grade girls.  These programs are open to all students who meet the grade level and academic eligibility requirements.  The Principal determines eligibility of students for all athletic activities.  To maintain eligibility, students will:
 
 

1. Receive no cumulative grade of “F” or “U” grades in class;
2. Cooperate with home and school in maintaining academic standards and Christian conduct; and
3. Follow discipline rules as outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook, classroom rules, and the school philosophy statement.

 
            Students failing to meet eligibility standards will receive a written warning notifying them they have one week to improve performance, or a week’s suspension will be issued.  Warnings are to be signed and returned by parents to the principal.  Parents and students, upon receipt of a warning letter, are advised to confer with the teachers and or Principal to establish a plan for improvement.  Students may practice, participate, and play with the team during a warning week.  At the end of the warning week, the principal will evaluate performance.  If it does not meet standards, a week’s suspension will be issued.  Students may not participate, practice, or play during the suspension week.  Suspension notification will be issued on Monday, will begin on Tuesday, and end the following Tuesday.  Special eligibility rules apply in the case of gross misconduct or violation of school rules. 
 
            2.  Absences from Practices and/or School.  A student must attend school the entire day of a scheduled athletic contest in order to participate.  Absences prior to a weekend or holiday event may result in non-participation.  The principal may excuse absence due to medical appointments, emergencies, funerals, and family emergencies.  In such cases, a written note shall be provided to the principal for consideration and a final decision regarding a student’s eligibility to play in a scheduled athletic contest.  The principal will notify the Athletic Director of his decision, who will notify the appropriate coach.
 
            3.  Cheerleaders.  All interested and eligible students in the 8th grade may participate in the cheerleading program.  The number of cheerleaders asked to perform for any game is left to the discretion of the cheerleading coach.  The Principal and the Athletic Director, in their sole discretion, may ask for 7th grade participation in the cheerleading program where there is an insufficient number of 8th grade girls participating or eligible for the cheerleading program.  
 
                                                                    Chapter VI:
                                                                 General Policies
 
The seventh and eighth grade athletic activities will be governed by the policies as outlined in the IESA by-laws and the fifth and sixth grade athletic activities will be governed by the Diocese of Peoria Athletic Handbook for Elementary Schools.
 
All activities participating in the IESA state tournament should comply with applicable IESA rules and regulations.
 
            1.  Team Make-Up and Playing Time.  Blessed Sacrament follows a NO CUT POLICY.  No students will be cut from a team, except for disciplinary or academic reasons.  All students in grades 5 through 8 are eligible and encouraged to participate.
 
In the event a team does not have sufficient numbers to field a team, or in an effort to even out the teams to promote more playing time, the athletic department may move players from a lower grade to a higher grade team for the duration of the season.  “Sufficient numbers” shall be defined as enough players to compete in games and conduct meaningful practices. 
The following guidelines will be used
 

1. An assessment of all players in the grade level in question will be evaluated on a yearly basis before the season starts by two coaches and one athletic board member.
2. Playing up will be on a voluntary basis and those players chosen to play up will do so for the entire regular season playing exclusively for the higher grade level team.
3. Grade level will not affect playing time.
4. A player that has been moved up may be moved back down to their original grade level if it is deemed that the player’s development has been hindered by the move.  This will be done on a case by case basis by the athletic director with input from the parents and coaches.

 
            While exceptions are sometimes understood for unusually large numbered teams and for tournament play, the GOAL should be to offer meaningful playing time to each team member at the 7^thand 8^thgrade level.  For 5^thand 6^thgrade players the playing time should be distributed evenly to promote the development of all players.  Playing time is also earned by attending all practices, working hard to improve, and understanding one’s role on the team and his or her position on the court.
 
            2.  Awards and Recognition. 
 
 

1. Team recognition and team banners to hang in the gymnasium will follow the guidelines established by the Athletic Board.
2. Eighth grade players are eligible to receive trophies or suitable awards from the school.
3. Players in grades 5, 6, and 7 will receive certificates.
4. No other team awards are authorized.

 
            3.  Finance.  The athletic programs are self-supporting.  A segregated checking account shall be maintained at a bank in Morton.
 
            4.  Home Games.  Three adults are to be present at all home games.  The Athletic Director and the Athletic Board are responsible for staffing games appropriately.
 
            5.  Conflict Management.  Conflicts, questions, or concerns should be handled in the first instance through a discussion with the team’s head coach.  When doing so, common sense should be used as to the time, place and manner of addressing an issue with a coach, i.e. approaching a coach during or immediately after a game is an inappropriate time to discuss any matter.  Rather, the coach should be contacted by telephone or an appropriate time for a meeting should be arranged.
 
            If the issue cannot be resolved through a discussion with the head coach, the issue should be brought to the attention of the Athletic Director for resolution.  The Athletic Director, in his sole discretion, may seek the assistance of the Board in resolving a conflict. 
 
            If the Athletic Director cannot resolve the issue, or the issue involves the Athletic Director, the issue should be brought to the attention of the Principal.  The Principal, in consultation with the Pastor, will address the issue.  The decision of the Principal and Pastor is final, without the right to further appeal to the Board or any other entity.
 
            6.  Zero Tolerance Policy.  The goal of Blessed Sacrament Athletics is to have students, parents, coaches and the administration enjoy the athletic program at Blessed Sacrament. Our top priority is always the students, and their athletic, social and spiritual development.  The Pastor, Principal, Athletic Director, and Board believe sportsmanship is essential in all of our programs. Sportsmanship includes behavior and attitude from players, coaches, officials, parents, cheerleaders and fans.
 
            In an effort to encourage a positive support base for everyone, Blessed Sacrament has adopted a "Zero Tolerance Policy".  The goal of this policy is not only to promote sportsmanship, but also to encourage positive and effective communication among the board, coaches, players, officials and parents.
 
            Therefore, coaches, Board members, family members and spectators that demonstrate behavior that is detrimental shall be subject appropriate discipline.  Detrimental behavior is defined as physical and/or verbal abuse towards any participant, coach or official at any time.   Vulgar language, Physical Abuse or Gestures WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  Fans are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with good sportsmanship.  Coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Coaching Goals and Objectives.  Violators during Blessed Sacrament sports functions will be ejected.  If the violator is a coach or Board member, he or she will be brought before the Athletic Board for appropriate action.