The interscholastic athletic program of the Phoenix Diocese Catholic Schools is an integral part of the education program. It must, therefore, be in harmony with the educational objectives. Any interscholastic athletic activity should teach athletes:

To be responsible and contributing team members
To be committed to reinforce Christian values while in the classroom and on the field/court
To exercise competition in order to contribute to the development of an athlete’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being
Selfless effort in working with others to reach a common goal
Appreciation of others efforts, whether they be teammates, opponents, officials, or coaches
To keep activities and games in proper prospective in order to learn, achieve and benefit oneself individually as well as through team sportsmanship.

Athletics should be a significant, valuable community activity, fostering loyalty, school spirit, student participation, and healthy competition. Goals for the Athletic program should be meaningful to ALL students at St. John Bosco.

Emphasis should be placed upon the development of game fundamentals. Principals, faculty, coaches, and parents should encourage players to give their best, to improve their skills, and HAVE FUN when participating in competitive games.

Students choosing to represent St. John Interparish School on an athletic team must realize that the school team requirement comes first; league and club teams, come second.

Sports Offered

Boys’ Athletics Girls’ Athletics

Flag Football Volleyball

Basketball Softball

Baseball Basketball

The Following are non-CYAA athletic/activity events:

Soccer Co-Ed Soccer Co -Ed

Archery Club Co-Ed Archery Club Co-Ed

Track Co-Ed Track Co-Ed

Wrestling

Grade Level Philosophy

5^th Grade Philosophy
This program is available to ALL students in the 5^th grade.
At the 5^th grade level the focus is on learning the athletic skill and game rules, fundamentals of team play, emotional growth, and healthy competition. Participation is a key component for our 5^th graders.
When there are large numbers of students participating in a sport, there may be multiple teams. At the 5^th grade level teams will be divided equally and by ability and skill level.

6^th, 7^th, & 8^th Grade Philosophy
This program is available to ALL students in the upper middle school grades.
At the middle school level there will be an increased emphasis placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills, elements and strategies of team play in addition to emotional development, game knowledge, and rules.
Team selection in the middle school will be based on the number of participants, skill level of participants, and possibly a combination of grade levels will be combined in order to have the minimum requirements as specified by the CYAA standards. John Bosco will adhere to the requirement of CYAA regulations that all students who want to participate can do so.

There is NO CUTS and no “stacked” teams based on skill levels. Should there be a sufficient number of participants, it is the coaches and the Athletic Director’s responsibility to create teams that will encourage the development of our student-athletes. Selection of team members will be communicated to the parents based on the evaluations assessed.

Ultimately, the number of teams and size of the squads in a sport will be determined by the availability of:

1) qualified and certified coach’s

2) suitable facilities

3) a safe environment.

Student Eligibility

Sports: In order to be eligible to participate in sports, students must maintain a satisfactory academic record and satisfactory behavior. Students must maintain at least a “C” average and any student receiving a “D” or a “F” in any subject is ineligible to play. During the course of each sport’s season, a student receiving a referral for behavior may be “benched” in full uniform for the next two games. If he or she receives a second referral during the season, he or she may be ineligible to play for the remainder of that sport’s season. If at any time during the sports season, a student receives a suspension because of serious behavior problems, he or she may be ineligible to participate.

*** Classroom behavior may affect eligibility pertaining to on campus status as well as overall behavior off-campus. (Example: being a part of derogatory usage of My Space .com/)

During the course of each sport’s playing season, a student receiving an office referral for behavior could possibly be “benched” in full uniform for the next two games. If a student-athlete receives a second office referral during the season, then he or she will be deemed ineligible for the remainder of the season. A student receiving an STP and serving a detention will be asked to attend practice/game but not eligible to participate. If at any time during the sports season, a student receives a suspension because of serious behavior problems, he or she will be ineligible for the remainder of the season.

Students participating in CYAA sports are obligated to review and understand all the rules governing the sport and the expectations given to all players.

*** If an athlete has been determined ineligible, his/her playing status will be suspended for the following week. Changes in ineligibility status may take place on a weekly basis with a grade check on Monday. It is the student’s responsibility to work with their teachers in order to make his/her self eligible. They must print out their eligible progress report and have the Assistant Principal sign off and inform the Athlete Director of their improved status. The student-athlete will then become eligible on Tuesday.

Emergency Numbers

In case of an emergency, the following telephone numbers should be used.

Assistant Principal: Mary Reese 480-221-8497

Boys Athletic Director: Gregg Buchanan 480-219-4850, ext 1026

Or 602-762-5408 (cell)

Girls Athletic Director: Sue Lapsys 480-219-4850, Ext 1027

Or 480-522-7563 (cell)

St. John Bosco Interparish School 480-219-4848

Emergency Number HELP: 911

Absentee Policy

On a school day, if any athlete misses school because of illness or an injury, he/she will automatically be excused from practice or a game for that day.

The coach must approve absences for any other reason in order to be deemed an excused absence for the practice or game. Unexcused absences from a game or practice will result in a one game suspension. An athlete suspended from the team due to excessive tardiness or absences may be removed from the team.

Accident / Injury

It is important that all coaches know how to care for their athletes in case of injury or accident. Coaches must have the basic knowledge of First Aid and CPR skills. It is also important that the coach knows what procedure to follow reporting an accident or injury. The coach should do the following:

If necessary Call 911

Check the scene for safety

Care for the athlete by administering First Aid

Give comfort to the athlete

Contact the parent(s)

Contact the Athletic Director by cell phone or by leaving a message at SJB

Fill out necessary accident/injury report and turn in the report to the Athletic Dept within 24 hours

If Emergency vehicles are involved appoint an assistant coach to take team responsibility and assist injured athlete to Emergency Care.

Awards / Sports Banquets

In recognition of our athletes and coaches, an awards dinner will be held at the end of each season. (Fall, Winter, Spring) Coaches, parents, and friends are invited. Each athlete will receive a certificate or medal of appreciation from St. John Bosco. Up to and only three awards will also be given out as determined by the coach of a particular sport. Those awards are categorized as Bulldog Award, Most Improved, and Best Christian.

Summaries of those awards are as follows:

Bulldog Award – Given to the student-athlete who has shown exceptional leadership qualities both on the field or court and definitely in the classroom. This individual is not necessarily the best skilled representative, but one with the best leadership qualities.

Most Improved – From the beginning of the season to the end this athlete is the one who has demonstrated the greatest improvement all around in skill development.

Best Christian – This award is given to the student-athlete who has shown the best Christian values on the playing field as well as across St. John Bosco campus.

Fees

Due to league fees, tournament fees, cost of officials, and update of uniforms, participants will be assessed a fee of $50.00 per sport. This fee must be paid before the start of the season or arrangements must be made with the Athletic Dept and or Finance Office. This fee is non-refundable to those who wish to drop out of the program, are suspended or ineligible due to grades or conduct. The athletes are responsible for the uniforms and maintaining the condition for which they are given. Should an athlete lose or damage their uniform a regular priced replacement will be asked.

Practice/Game Uniforms

Students participating in St. John Bosco athletics will be required to wear proper practice uniforms (depending on the season) for all practices.

School issued uniforms must be worn for all games. If shorts are not issued from the school, regulation physical education shorts (navy blue) must be worn by all players. The Athletic Director and Assistant Principal must approve any changes to the uniform policy. If a student does not have the proper uniform and/or equipment (ie. Volleyball knee pads) for a game they will not be permitted to play in the game but are required to attend the game.

If a coach, parent(s), group or company would like to donate a particular uniform item(s) they need to continue to follow school policy. After the season, the uniforms will become the property of the school and athletic department. A contribution receipt will be provided once the item(s) are donated to the athletic department.

These purchases can be worn at all off campus regular season games as well as CYAA tournament games. By following this guideline the parents, groups or companies can continue to support our program without alienating the other respective SJB teams.

Pre-season requirements

Before an athlete can begin participating and competing for a particular activity, the following criteria must be met.

1. Athletes must have received a physical and turned in the completed physical form.

2. Athletes must have turned in a completed permission form marked for that sport, consent emergency form, driver information form and the transportation form must be notarized.

3. Athletes and parents/guardians must have read this Sports Handbook and turned in the signed form giving consent to participate.

4. Athletes must have paid the participation fee for each sport. The fee is $50.00 per sport.

Supervision

Athletes must report to the coach or designated adult when they arrive at practice or game site.
Athletes will not leave a site without permission.
Coaches or designated adults must be present before team members arrive for practices or games. (If you are running late you must contact athletic director, office, or the assistant principal)
Coaches must supervise players until all have been picked up from a practice or a game. Parents must be on time to pick up athletes. If parents are more than ten minutes late the athlete could be sent to aftercare at the parent’s expense. Parents consistently picking up their child late from practices or games may result in your child being dismissed from the team. REMINDER our coaches are Volunteers.

Suspension and/or Removal from the Team

Players must follow school & CYAA guidelines while participating for St. John Bosco School. An athlete, who violates the rules listed below could be suspended or removed from the team. A player may be suspended or removed by the Athletic Director once he/she has been notified of a violation under the following conditions.

Suspension from Team

Receiving any notices of concern that the administration determines is substantial enough to warrant disciplinary action.

Unexcused tardiness from practice/games.

Unexcused absences from practice/games.

Misconduct during practice/games.

Violation of the Athletes Code of Conduct (listed in the CYAA handbook)

Inappropriate behavior towards coaches, teammates, officials, or the opposing team.

Removal from Team

Any action the administration determines is substantial enough to warrant this disciplinary action.

Athlete is suspended from the team three (3) times.

Excessive unexcused tardiness or absences from practice/games.

FIGHTING – during school, practice and / or games.

Excessive inappropriate behavior towards coaches, teammates, officials, and or the opposing team.

Failure to maintain a GPA of 2.3 and or continual misbehavior actions in any class.

Tardy Policy

An athlete is tardy when he/she arrives at a practice or a game after the designated starting time as determined by the coach.

Team Pictures

St. John Bosco school team pictures will be announced during the sport season.

Team Schedule

St.John Bosco teams are limited on the amount of time they may have for practices and games. Practices or games, except CYAA and or other tournaments, are Mondays through Thursdays. Practices and or games may be scheduled on the weekend but we ask the coach not to make them mandatory (except for season ending tournaments). All non-CYAA tournaments must be approved by the Athletic Director and or Assistant Principal.

Transportation

Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from games and practices. If a parent is not able to transport their child they must make arrangements with another parent. In order for a child to be allowed to ride with anyone else other than that child’s parent, St. John Bosco must have a Transportation Consent Form on file and it must be notarized. SJB cannot arrange car pools. Coaches are not permitted to transport team players unless the athlete is their child or part of their car pool. Accidents should be reported to the school administration immediately and parents should be notified even if athletes are not injured.

Athletic/Parent Code of Conduct

Student-Athlete

St. John Bosco School student athletes are expected to represent themselves, their team, and the school in an exemplary manner at all times. Athletic participation is considered a privilege, not a right. Each student athlete is to be a positive influence on his/her fellow students at all times during the school day and at athletic or school-sponsored events, both at home and away.

All participants in St. JohnBosco School athletics agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

I will be a worthy representative of my faith, St. John Bosco School, my coaches, and my team.

I will treat opponents with respect and shake hands after each contest.
I will respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the contest.
I will accept seriously the responsibility of representing St. John Bosco School by displaying positive behavior at all times.
I will refrain from using foul, obscene or threatening language or gestures.

Consequences: Failure to abide by these principles may result in a minimum of a one game suspension to a maximum of being excluded from athletic participation for one calendar year.

I will be a responsible, team player.

I will act in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values at all times. I will exhibit the highest standards of sportsmanship.
I will attend every practice and game unless excused by the coach.
I will support my teammates and interact with them in a positive manner, always showing mutual respect, not participating in gossip, hazing, harassing, making derogatory remarks or any other behaviors that may bring dishonor to my team, St. John Bosco, or myself.
I will help earn the respect of my teammates and student body, which is the core of developing effective school spirit and student involvement. Being a highly recognizable representative of St. John Bosco School, I am in a position of great influence; therefore, high standards of conduct are expected of me. I will demonstrate positive personal behavior an act honorably to enhance squad cohesiveness.
I will place the good of the team over my own personal achievement or aggrandizement.
I will properly care and maintain all equipment and uniforms provided. I will promptly return these items in good condition at the end of the season.

Consequences: Failure to abide by these principles may result in a minimum of a one game suspension to a maximum of being excluded from athletic participation for one calendar year. Furthermore, if team members do not exhibit the characteristics/ values of St. John Bosco School, the team my be disbanded for the remainder of the school yearpr for one calendar year, depending on when the violation occurs.

· I will maintain the academic requirements to remain eligible to participate in the athletic program.

· I will maintain a passing grade of at least 70% in every class.

· I am aware that, if placed on an academic contract, I must abide by the conditions set forth in my contract or I will become immediately ineligible.

Parent/ Spectators

As a parent and / or spectator I will maintain acceptable standards of behavior at all times. I will:

Remember that the players are young adults and are playing for their enjoyment NOT mine.
Respect decisions made by contest officials.
Be a role model by positively supporting teams and by not shouting instructions or criticism to the players, coaches, and officials. I will not coach form the stands or approach coaches or officials before or during the contest.
Make NO derogatory comments or gestures to players, coaches, parents of the opposite team, officials or league administrators.
Follow the chain of command to resolve an issue, speaking first to the coach then to the Athletic Director if a resolution cannot be reached.

Consequences: Failure to abide by these principles may result in removal from the contest. If a spectator is removed from a contest for any reason, he/she will also be banned from attending the next home event of the sport for which the removal was made. If a spectator is removed for a second time, he/she may be barred from attending any athletic event at St. John Bosco for one calendar year.

____________________________________

Student-Athlete Name (Print)

_____________________________________

Parent Name (Print)

_____________________________________

Student-Athlete Signature

______________________________________

Parent Signature

______________________________________

Date

Especially for Coaches

This manual was designed to assist coaches in their everyday tasks to organize and promote St. John Bosco Athletics. Additional handouts may be distributed throughout the year as new information is published by the CYAA.

Our coaches will be knowledgeable of the CYAA rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines in order to build solid relationships with their athletes. The coach’s success will enable student-athletes to reach their full potential through positive encouragement in a Christian atmosphere.

Saint John Bosco

Mission Statement

With Christ Jesus as our Guide, we are called to become one community that provides a safe and nurturing environment dedicated to developing the whole child. We promote critical thinking, self-discipline, and excellence in Catholic education, while empowering all community members to be lifelong learners who serve God and God’s creation.

Forms

For all forms required by St. John Bosco and the CYAA please click on the Phoenix Diocese website at:

www.diocesephoenix.org/catholicschools/cyaa.htm

Coaches Checklist

This checklist will help you start your team off to a great season. All these items need to be checked off before your first game.

Fill out roster form and return to the Athletic Director.

Fill out Coach Information form (found in CYAA handbook) and return to the Athletic Director. (includes: information on fingerprinting, safe environment training and First Aid/CPR)

Read CYAA Handbook and rules

Prepare for Parent/Team meeting:
- Introduce athletes/parents /yourself
- Go over team rules, code of conduct for both athletes and parents, and goals.
- Hand out practice and game schedule (if available)
- Review <st1:place w:st="on">St.</st1:place> John Bosco general policies.
Recruit at least one assistant coach before first practice.

Assign a team parent to be responsible for phone calls, arranging carpools, assigning snacks, assigning concession stand workers, helping with sports banquet, and setting up and picking up after athletic contests. This is a “team” effort where everyone is involved.

Plan your practice according to the appropriate age level and skill level. If you need guidance, please do not hesitate to ask the Athletic Director.

Practice and schedule games are held more than three times per week during the regular season. (All other times will be considered “Volunteer” and will not affect game playing time for a participant)

Before the first practice, review the athlete’s code of conduct. Be firm about expectations of upholding the code of conduct and academic requirements.

HAVE FUN!!

Coaches Code of Conduct

Since coaches are representing St. John Bosco Schoolthey must follow a code of conduct at all times. The following is the code of conduct.

1. I hereby pledge to live up to my responsibilities as a coach at St. John Bosco School.

2. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of myself.

3. I will remember to treat each player as an individual, remembering the large spread of emotion and physical development for the same age group.

4. I will play each player up to or beyond the standards set forth by the CYAA.

5. I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.

6. I promise to review and practice the necessary first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.

7. I will lead, by example, in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to my players.

8. I will use coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills I teach.

9. I will insure that I am knowledgeable in the rules of the sport that I am coaching.

10. I will be sensitive to the score and the game conditions so as to not embarrass or belittle an opponent.

11. I will respect the judgment of the officials and their interpretation of the rules.

12. I will put sportsmanship over winning.

13. I will always model ethical behavior and sportsmanship.

14. I will remember that I am a youth coach, and that game is for the athletes and NOT THE ADULTS.

______________________________________

Signature of Coach

______________________________________

Signature of Athletic Director

______________________________________

Date

Page updated: Thursday, September 18, 2008

St John Bosco Interparish School

A Learning Community Dedicated to Educating the Whole Child.

Navigation

2007-2008 Athletic Handbook

St. John Bosco Sports Philosophy

Sports Offered

Grade Level Philosophy

Student Eligibility

Absentee Policy

Accident / Injury

Awards / Sports Banquets

Fees

Practice/Game Uniforms

Pre-season requirements

Supervision

Suspension and/or Removal from the Team

Tardy Policy

Team Pictures

Team Schedule

Transportation

Athletic/Parent Code of Conduct

Especially for Coaches

Forms

Coaches Checklist

Coaches Code of Conduct

Sections of the Website

Search the website