Saint John School

Attendance

1. An athlete must be in attendance the ENTIRE school day to participate or to compete in an athletic event that day or evening (this includes practice). Exceptions to this rule may be made by the principal or athletic director.
2. Regular attendance at practice and games is mandatory, as is a genuine effort at improving one’s playing ability as a constructive team member.
3. If you are going to miss a practice you must notify your coach in advance. Unexcused absences negatively affect the team and will jeopardize your game time.
4. Interscholastic sports must take precedence. If an athlete misses practice or a game he/she may be benched partially or fully for the next game. Such consequences will be administered at the discretion of the coach. Please schedule other activities prudently.
5. Please note that there may be occasional weekend practices or tournament games that you will be expected to attend.

Dress Code

1. Athletes will dress in appropriate athletic t-shirts (no spaghetti tanks) and shorts of proper length for practice.
2. Suitable shoes (i.e. court sneakers for basketball; cleats for soccer) are mandatory at all times.
3. Athletes will dress in full uniform throughout every game. DO NOT tailor any part of the uniform, as these are re-used each season. Proper care must be given to the uniform to allow maximum durability
4. No jewelry is permitted.
5. Mouth guards are advised but not mandatory

Play Time

Participation is emphasized in the SJS athletic program. Coaches are encouraged to get all players involved. Athletes will not get equal playing time; however, all will play and contribute towards a team’s success. A variety of factors affect one’s playing time: ability, student-athlete’s daily work ethic in class, practices, and games; attitude; absences; disciplinary issues; academic performance; and game conditions (i.e. safety, etc.). Please see sport specific game time policies below.

The coach reserves the right to withhold game time/race entry if an athlete does not comply with team or school policies.

If it becomes necessary for the Varsity coach to recruit substitute players from the JV team the selections must be approved by the JV coach, Principal, and Athletic Director prior to consulting with the player or parent.

Please note: A Varsity player can only be used on the JV team if he/she meets the league’s age requirements or receives approval by the opposing coach.

1. Basketball:

This does not apply to tournament play or mini-game scrimmages

            Varsity team members will play a minimum of 4 minutes per game.

            Junior Varsity team members will play a minimum of 2 minutes per half.

2. Soccer:

This does not apply to tournament play or mini-game scrimmages

            Varsity Co Ed team members will play a minimum of 10 minutes per game.

            Junior Varsity Co Ed team members will play a minimum of 5 minutes per half.

            Single Sex team members will play a minimum of 5 minutes per half.

3. Cross Country:

            All runners run every race provided they are in proper physical condition.

Team Selections/Tryouts

Occasionally, the number of players on a team substantially exceeds the number of players necessary. Additionally, with game time restraints in most cases it becomes impossible to allow the minimum play time to all athletes. In cases such as this, two things can happen. A: the athletes are divided into two or more teams by the coaches (provided there are ample coaches and gym time available) and the schedule is divided among the teams B: a tryout will take place to determine team selections.

 If “B” is chosen, the coach must adhere to the following try-out procedure:

            Written Announcements: contains all necessary information as well as provide ample preparation time for the 
            athletes and parents

            Practice week: coach-run sessions with clear instruction and practice of tryout expectations.

            Tryouts: will commence the following week and is run and rated by a panel of 3 or more knowledgeable adults which
            the coach and athletic director establish.

Sport Specific Training & Team Rules

Training and team rules for each specific sport shall be established by the coach, recommended and approved by the athletic director and principal. Such rules shall be formally issued to each athlete. The coach may impose reasonable punishment on the athlete violating training or team rules.

Sports Physical Examinations

Sports physicals are required yearly of any student in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 who will be playing interscholastic sports. Each student must have a Sports Participation Health Record form filled out and signed by his/her physician and submitted to the school nurse before the first day of practice. Sports physicals must be renewed each year. See the school nurse for all health information and forms.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs

Use, sale, or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs is prohibited. If a student athlete is observed by any staff member, school official, or law officer indulging in any of the above during their season, they will be reported to the athletic director or Principal who shall notify the Resource Officer. The authorities will investigate and file a written report of the incident. Specific procedures developed by the Principal and Resource Officer are to be followed.

Transportation

Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from all practices and games. Car pooling is encouraged.

Early Class Room Dismissal For Games

Early dismissal for games is only permitted if the coach has received prior permission from the Principal. The players will not be released from class if the coach is not present in the school at the time of dismissal.

Equipment

All school issued equipment must be returned to the coach at end the season. If an athlete fails to comply, the Principal has the right to withhold report cards and transcripts until such equipment is returned or restitution has been made.

Conflict Resolution

In the event that a problem arises, an appropriate approach should be made in the following sequence in an attempt to resolve the problem. An initial approach is made to the specific head coach of the sport or supervisor of the activity by the parent/student-athlete by way of making an appointment. Please allow 24 hours to elapse after the incident or conflict before contacting the coach. Do not approach the coach during or after practice or game, especially in full view of the children. The matter should be discussed in a Christian manner. If no resolution is reached then the athletic director is approached. If no resolution is reached then the Principal is approached. Due process must be used in handling all issues.

Postponements/Cancellations/Forfeits

All games must be played according to the schedule.

Requests for postponements will be honored if they are for a special reason such as a conflicting parish, community, or school function that involves a substantial number of players or coaches. The athletic director should be notified as soon as possible or at least one week prior to the scheduled contest.

The athletic director will make a decision with the coach’s advice on the cancellation of games due to inclement weather, driving conditions, or field conditions. Coaches may not cancel or change unless authorized by the Principal or athletic director.

Forfeit-rules are specific to individual league policy and must be adhered to. Notification will be given as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary traveling.

Tournaments

Coaches will accept, decline, or suggest to the athletic director tournament games that would be beneficial to their teams. Consideration is to be given to the number of games each team play during school nights in a given week and the health of the players. Each team may participate in two tournaments per year (excluding play-offs). Due to a variety of factors, some players may not be eligible or available to participate in tournaments. The rosters will be determined by the coach. There is no minimum play time for tournaments. Particular notice will be given to choice tournaments, i.e. The Norwich Diocesan Tournament. Due to the competitive nature of tournaments such as this, a tryout procedure may be conducted to select players. Coaches will rate and recommend players to represent St. John school. Tournament fees are included in the cost of registration.

Awards

The members of the interscholastic teams will receive a participation certificate and St. Sebastian holy card.

Booster Club

The purpose of this volunteer parent group is to promote and contribute to the all of the athletic programs of the school, including Physical Education. The club makes significant financial contributions to the athletic program by fund raising. Students and their parents are urged to support and to participate in Booster Club activities. Membership can be acquired by completing the Booster Club membership form. Forms are located in the school or on the website.

Interscholastic Membership Checklist

The following forms and payments must be submitted before an athlete will be allowed to participate. A separate form and fee must be completed for each sport and each sibling.