Evangel Christian School Athletic Policy Manual

 
Purpose
The purpose of the Evangel Christian School Athletic Program is to provide a challenging and enjoyable sports environment for our students that is distinctively Christian and that will point them and those who observe them to Christ.
 
"Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (I Corinthians 9:24-25)
 
We hope striving to please and enjoy God in athletics will be a blessing to our student-athletes and their families and will have eternal significance on their lives and those with whom they come into contact.
 
Organization
The program will be organized by and under the authority of Evangel Christian School and its Board. The directors of the athletic program will consist of:
 

• Evangel Christian School Board
• School Administrator
• Athletic Director
• Head Coach for each sport

 
Head Coaches will be staffed by volunteers chosen by the Athletic Director and approved by the School Board. The ECS Board may designate a Sports Oversight Committee to advise and review all athletic policies and decisions. This Sports Oversight Committee comprises the athletic director and at least one member of the ECS Board.
 
The Athletic Director provides the primary interface between sports activities and any league of teams and schools that we compete against. The Athletic Director's responsibility will also include various administrative matters.
 
The Head Coach is responsible for organizing the team, working with the Athletic Director in selecting and maintaining facilities, and will be responsible for all training and coaching-related activities supporting a specified sports activity. They will oversee player conduct and provide for player discipline as required.
 
Evangel Christian School, through its Board and Athletic Director, will confirm that each sport complies with ECS standards of excellence and conduct, approve the selection of various sport-specific positions, and provide for disciplinary action as required.
 
Each sports team under this program will be segregated by gender (e.g., boys' baseball team, girls' softball team, etc.). Each team will compete within an approved conference or play an independent, non-conference schedule as approved by the Athletic Director and School Board.
 
Support and Funding
The Evangel Christian School Athletic Program will be financially self-supporting if possible and will not operate out of regular school tuition fees and operating budget. Each specific team will charge individual participation fees and may engage in additional fundraising activities to meet the operational expenses of that team.
 
Associations with Conferences
To facilitate a more structured organization with available competition, it is desirable to be associated with a league or conference of similar schools or athletic organizations. To support the stated purpose, such a league must be Christ-centered. The Evangel Christian School Board and Athletic Director will pursue such an association if it benefits the players, families, and school. Any association of this program or its teams with a State or Government-Sponsored Athletic Association will be closely examined by the Evangel Christian School Staff and School Board to ensure no inappropriate entanglement results.
 
Teams under this program may periodically compete with other teams that do not specifically have a Christian purpose. The Evangel Christian School Staff will pursue such competition with discretion and a desire to show Christ to those who do not know Him.
 
As the athletic director and school board approve, the athletic staff may pursue funding through sponsors, including advertisements on team facilities, printed programs, or other visibility. Such relationships will only be with organizations that do not detract from Christian ideology or conduct.
 
Eligibility
 
Participating athletes will be Evangel Christian School students of an appropriate age for the specific team or league. The following eligibility guidelines will apply:

• The student must be regularly enrolled in Evangel Christian School and not have graduated before September of the current academic year.
• The student's family (represented by at least one parent) must agree to the Evangel Christian School Family Covenant and Statement of Faith, agree with this program's purpose, and subscribe to its Code of Conduct.
• At least one parent and the student-athlete must sign a Parent/Player Contract and a Participation Form for each sport they will participate in.
• Validate the above guideline on the Statement of Faith and Conduct Agreement.
• For J.V. (Junior High) team participation, a student must be in grades 6 through 9, must be at least 12 years of age, and cannot turn 16 on or before September 1 of their 9th-grade year. Exceptions to this can be made upon agreement between ECS coaches (with the approval of the Athletic Director) and the coaches and schools of the opposing team on a game-by-game basis.
• For Varsity team participation, a student must be in grades 9 through 12, be at least 15 years of age, and cannot turn 19 on or before September 1. A student who is younger than 15 and is in grade 7, 8, or 9 may be considered for varsity team membership if they are deemed physically qualified as agreed upon by the player's family, the coaching staff, and the Athletic Director and if this does not violate any specific rule by the conference of which we are a member.
• All student-athletes must be in satisfactory academic standing and pass all subjects as determined by the teaching parent or cooperative instructor.
• This program is intended to enhance education and not detract from it. Parents have ultimate responsibility for their children's education. Any parent who believes that this program's activities detract from their child's academic performance is encouraged to discuss the issues with the Evangel Christian School Staff or School Board members.

 
Player Selection and Playing Time
The Coaching Staff for each sport will determine player selection for that team. A tryout may be required to assess player talent and select an appropriate team for each sport.
 
Each player is required to attend all practice sessions unless circumstances prevent attendance. In these cases, the player is expected to communicate the reason for his absence to the Coaching Staff. A player who does not attend practices should be allowed little or no playing time in games unless there is a shortage of players or an injury situation that may require that such a player be allowed to play.
 
Coaches will try to allow every player on the team to get some playing time, but there are no minimum playing time requirements. Player substitution is at the discretion of the Coaching Staff. 
 
Behavior and Discipline
 
Family Code of Conduct 

• I will conduct myself in a Christ-like manner and abstain from inappropriate behavior while representing my team and school in any sports-related function, including travel to and from events.
• I will submit to the authority of the coaches, Athletic Director, School Administrators, and the Evangel Christian School Board in all athletics matters.
• As a witness for Christ and as an example to others, I will work to promote unity among team members by being an ambassador for Christ, reaching out to those who have needs, and treating all team members with respect.
• I will demonstrate personal integrity by always obeying all game and ECS rules.
• I will view my membership on any athletic team of Evangel Christian School as an opportunity to grow close to God and share the love of Christ with others, such as teammates, members of opposing teams, officials, and fans.

 
Coaches and Adult Leader Code of Conduct

• I will model accountability to all players by remaining active in my local church.
• I will subject myself to the authorities God has placed in my life, including my church, the ECS Board and Administration, game officials, etc.
• As a witness for Christ and an example to youth, while serving as a Coach (Leader), I will exhibit conduct that provides an example of excellence.
• I will always demonstrate personal integrity by obeying Evangel Christian School's rules and policies.
• I will respect players and other adult leaders and expect the same in return.
• I will help build team spirit by encouraging every player, including those whose abilities may not be as great as others.
• I will exhibit Christ-like behavior and expect it from others in their conversation, treatment of each other, and actions at sports events.
• I will always help protect the safety of the players and provide appropriate supervision of players while traveling to and from each game.

 
Game Day Rules (for us as hosts and fans)

• The following artificial noisemakers are not allowed at an ECS athletic event: 
  • containers with rocks, marbles, etc., inside, which might be used for rattling purposes, 
  • power systems, i.e., horns, microphones, etc., 
  • cowbells, and 
  • others disallowed as needed. 

 
Departure from this code of conduct will be addressed according to our Lord's guidance in Matthew 18:15-17 and may result in disciplinary action such as game suspension or dismissal from the team and program. Each Coach is responsible for communicating these rules and expectations to each participating family and requiring written agreement from each family as part of player registration. More specific disciplinary guidelines follow.
 
Discipline of a Player or Family Member
Any issue that may call for the discipline of a player or family member will be handled at the discretion of the Coach or delegated team leader. Issues of significance will result in consultation with the player's parents. If inappropriate behavior continues, disciplinary action may include suspension or expelling the player from the team. If a player or parent wishes to question the corrective action, they should first meet with the Coach. If the issue cannot be resolved in consultation with the Coach, the family should approach the Athletic Director. If problems cannot be resolved at this level, a meeting with the ECS Board and all parties concerned will be arranged.
 
Discipline of a Coach or other adult leader
Any issue that may call for a Coach's discipline will be handled case-by-case using Biblical guidelines and with Christian love. This action, if required, will be initiated by the Athletic Director and require concurrence by the ECS Administrator and Board.
 
Modification of Athletic Policy
Any Athletic Program Coaches, adult leaders, Athletic Director, or ECS Board members may suggest modifications to this athletic policy. The Athletic Director will submit the final revision to the Evangel Christian School Board for approval.