Eagle's Landing Christian Academy
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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Athletic Handbook  KINGDOM ATHLETICS
The purpose of this section is to establish rules, regulations, and policies for the Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy athletic program and to provide a framework within which students, parents, faculty, and staff can work together for the benefit of the athletic program.
The mission of ELCA is to glorify God by assisting parents in involving their children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through Kingdom Education, spiritually, academically, aesthetically, athletically, and socially. Our athletic program should support this commitment. Athletes must follow all rules that are stated in this section and the student handbook. Participation on an athletic team at ELCA is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be revoked if a student is not compliant with the guidelines established in this section.
The procedures in this section will be followed. The Athletic Director reserves the right to make final decisions regarding any policy and/or rule. If there are any suggestions for improving our athletic program, please present them to the athletic department. All coaches, student-athletes, and parents should know, understand, and abide by the information in the section.
PURPOSE FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
To compliment and advance the schools mission.
Romans 15:5-6 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. GOALS FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
1. To pursue with excellence an athletic program that seeks to glorify God.
2. To develop highly competitive programs, first class facilities, and a championship
mentality.
3. To develop a training system with the Youth/MS/JV programs that will prepare our
students for statewide varsity level competition.
4. To develop a training system beginning in the Lower School that will instruct our
Facility, Staff, Parents, and Students with our Kingdom Athletics philosophy.
5. To use athletics to share Jesus Christ with those who do not know him and to inspire
other schools to adopt Kingdom Athletics for themselves.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
ELCA is a member of the Georgia High Schools Association. Each student has to meet ELCA's requirements in order to participate in any extracurricular activities and to maintain eligibility. Students receiving two “F’s,” in any subject or an "F" in Bible on any semester report card will not be eligible to participate in any athletic activities, for the following semester. (Students who are ineligible at the end of second semester may attend summer school to become eligible for fall sports.) Students that are academically ineligible will not be allowed to dress out with the team, travel with the team, or practice with the team.
New first-year high school students (entering 9th grade) are eligible academically. In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, new second semester first-year students must have passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units the previous semester inorder to participate.New second-year students must have accumulated four (5) total Carnegie units in the first year, and passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units in the previous semester.New third-year students must have accumulated ten (10) Carnegie units in the first and second years, and passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units in the previous semester. New fourth-year students must have accumulated sixteen (16) Carnegie units in the first three years, and passed courses carrying at least 2.5 Carnegie Units in the previous semester. Students may accumulate the required Carnegie units for participation during the school year and eligibility will be reinstated at the beginning of the next semester.
ELCA CONNECT ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
Online eligibility for extra-curricular activities at ELCA is based on the following:
Elementary – a minimum of 1 online class; Middle School – a minimum of 3 online classes; High School – must be classified as a “full-time” student; * 8th grade students who want to play on a freshman or JV team must meet the same criteria as a “full-time” high school student.
Other considerations:
1. Students cannot be enrolled in another school, take online classes at ELCA and
participate in sports at ELCA.
2. Students must be academically eligible based on ELCA academic standards.
3. Students transferring in (other than "entering 9th graders" who have not established
eligibility at another school previously) must have approved eligibility from GHSA to
participate at the Varsity level. (See GHSA Bylaw 1.62 below for more information
on this or contact Athletic Department personnel)
To be eligible to participate and/or try-out for a sport or activity, a student must be enrolled full time in grades 9-12, inclusive at the school seeking eligibility for that student.
(a) Enrollment is defined as follows:
(1) Fall Semester: when the student participates in a practice or contest before
classes begin, or the student attends classes.
(2) Spring Semester: when the student attends classes.
(3) A student may be enrolled in only one (1) high school at a time.
(b) The student must be in regular attendance.
(c) The student must be taking courses that total at least 2.5 Carnegie Units that count
toward graduation.
(d) All or part of the course load of a student may be taken online through a virtual
school as long as the student’s grades are being kept at the school in which the
student is enrolled. Grades from virtual school courses must be on file at the
school by the first day of the new semester in order for the student to be eligible.
More information regarding athletic eligibility can be found at http://www.ghsa.net Virtual Academy Athletic/One Act Eligibility Information
YOUTH/JUNIOR HIGH/JV ATHLETICS
These programs are vitally important to the success of our athletic program. They concentrate on developing skills, sportsmanship, participation, and experience. The Youth/MS/JV programs prepare athletes for the varsity level. All athletes are expected to follow the same rules and policies as the varsity athletes. If an athlete plays on our school team and a recreational team/travel team/club team, the school team must take priority. Sixth through eighth grade students may try out for all junior high teams. Ninth and twelfth graders may play on the JV or Varsity teams (eighth graders may play up on the JV).
VARSITY ATHLETICS
The varsity teams have the commitment of winning and putting the best team on the field/court/track. Varsity players are the most visible and need to show positive leadership in all activities on and off campus. Coaches will make every effort to allow each athlete the opportunity of competing at the varsity level, but a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. All of our athletes are expected to participate in summer workouts. We will never have the desired athletic program if we do not work out in the off-season. All athletes are expected to go with their team to camp during the summer. These camp dates will be announced well in advance so families can plan around them.
PARTICIPATION POLICY
ELCA takes seriously the commitments of our student-athletes. We believe honoring commitments is essential throughout life, in marriage, family, church, career, and other areas. We believe athletics helps foster a spirit of genuine commitment. Quitting a team for reasons other than medical or family matters contradicts all we teach about what a Kingdom Athlete should be. A student should never quit a sport in the middle of the season regardless of how justified he/she may feel their reasons to be. We encourage all students and parents to “stick it out”. It is our desire to work with parents in teaching student’s perseverance, commitment, loyalty and fortitude. You never know what God has in store for your family. Any student who quits a sport after the try-out period (5 days) will still be billed the athletic fee, be ineligible to begin the next sport, join another in-season team, or participate in off-season training with another sport until the season of the sport he/she quit is over.
ACADEMIC WORK
Athletes are responsible for all of their academic work. Athletic teams will sometimes have to leave school early. It is the athlete’s responsibility to turn in any academic work and get assignments for that day before departing the school for a game. Athletic events can never be used as an excuse for unfinished academic work.
ABSENCES AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
No student will be allowed to participate in any after-school, extracurricular activity on a day that he/she has been absent from school. Students must be present a half-day (3 1 / 2 hours) in order to participate in a game that day.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS & CONSENT FORMS
A physical examination is required by the GHSA. The physical examination form & consent form must be on file before a student participates in any tryouts, practices, or athletic contest. All forms are to be filed with the athletic trainer. Physical Forms and Consent Forms may be downloaded from our website.
TRAVEL
All athletes are required to ride the bus to away games. Any exception must be authorized by the athletic director. The athlete must have the permission of the head coach to ride home with his/her parents or another parent after the away games. (A note from the parents will be required.) No athletes will be able to ride home with other students or non-adults. We are very thankful for the vehicles that God has provided for us, and we must do our best to take care of them. For directions to games, go to www.HighSchoolSports.net under Athletics on our school website, click on the Facility (highlighted in blue) under My Schedules. Absolutely No Headphones, IPods, MP3's, or Laptops On Buses Or At Away Athletic Events. Cell phones are allowed.
DRESS
Our athletes must wear their school uniform or their game uniform to all away games. (Example: the football team may wear their jerseys). This will be determined by the head coach. For all practices, at least 7 inch inseam shorts are to be worn.
PROFANITY
Profanity will not be tolerated in any form by our athletes. There is no excuse. If an athlete uses profanity, the disciplinary policy that is listed in the student handbook will be followed. (Four demerits)
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Unsportsmanlike conduct by our athletes will not be tolerated. Discipline for unsportsmanlike conduct violations (such as unsportsmanlike penalties, technical fouls, etc.) will be instituted at the discretion of the head coach. If an athlete is ejected from a game the GHSA rules and regulations will apply.
CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
The GHSA, ELCA, and member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned or ELCA events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds from removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. We strongly encourage our fans to cheer for our teams. If a fan is ejected, the ejected person will be suspended from at least one game. The ejected person must not be seen or heard during the period of suspension.
Codes of Conduct Contracts are an agreement by the parents and students to conduct themselves in a manner that is reflective of the overall philosophy and mission of ELCA.
EAGLES’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Speech:
1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. Anything that can be
misconstrued as negative or insulting must be avoided. 2. Be positive and encouraging. Uplift your student and others. Let them know the
importance and accomplishment of being a part of the team. Let them know they are important. 3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure,
the “boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. If you are “bad mouthing” your
children’s coaches or officials you cannot expect him or her to play for or respect
these people. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether
or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is
disobedience to God.
5. Insist that your students address the coach and the officials with respect. They should
call their coaches Coach or Mr., Miss, or Mrs. They should address the officials with
“Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” You should use these titles as well in the presence of your
students or when referring to the coach or officials.
6. Never be involved in negative cheering. Booing the officials or opponents or getting into
negative chants against the opposing crowd sets a bad example for your children and is
counter to everything we say we believe.
7. Never speak negatively around the students or other parents about:
a. the school: A negative atmosphere can be contagious. Instead, create an
atmosphere of gratitude.
b. the Church: Without Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church there is no Eagle’s Landing
Christian Academy. Such speech demonstrates ignorant arrogance and an
ungrateful heart.
c. other students or parents. Speak to parents only about your and their students.
Speak to other students only in an encouraging manner. The only time another
student or parent’s name should be mentioned is in a genuine complimentary
fashion.
8. Never criticize your children’s teammates.. This does not teach your student team
attitude and will allow them to make excuses for their own performance. Never offer
excuses for your children if they are not playing. Encourage them to do their best
and to keep striving for their worthwhile goals.
9. Always confront your coaches out of sight and earshot of students and other parents.
Speak with the coach privately. Call to set an appointment. Pray about what you will
say and what is motivating your discussion.
10. Smile, meet and greet. Often you may be the first impression someone has of
ELCA and of our Lord and Savior. Ask yourself this question “Is my speech setting
up an opportunity to share Jesus Christ or a need to apologize?”
1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with your students and their teammates.
God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. Use this opportunity to minister
and be an encouragement to others. You never know who is hurting and needs your
show of God’s love in their life. If sports becomes all about you and your student, you
need to not participate.
2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with other parents. You will need their
prayers and support as much as they will need yours.
3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with parents from other schools. Never miss
an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. Promote your school and your students
Needless to say, the relationship you develop is a reflection on our entire ministry.
4. Develop relationships with the coaches: Get to know the coaches. Pray for them.
Communicate with them with an open heart and mind. Be open, honest with gentle
words. Set appointments to meet with the coach rather than ambush them before or
after a game.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Our Unity:
1. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school.
Each of us have different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or
envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role. Your example of being a
unified school body is a valuable lesson for your students to learn.
2. Develop unity with our Church. ELCA is a ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist
Church working together for a common purpose. Be supportive in action and in spirit.
Without Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church there would be no Eagle’s Landing
Christian Academy.
3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other
schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met… to further the Kingdom of God.
It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for ELCA.
I Corinthians 12:12-13 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Our Motives:
1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.
2. Strive for victory as a tool to teach your students. Teach them that athletics is just a
means to an end and not an end unto itself.
3. Teach your students to abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics
that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.
4. Lead your students in athletics in light of your family mission, philosophy and goals.
What you are teaching your student through athletics should match with what you are
teaching them at home.
5. Use your child’s experience as a chance to be involved in the life of your child. Your
relationship with your child as an adult is a longer time of your life than when they are
in your home. If you want a relationship with them as adults you need to begin building
that relationship NOW. Athletics affords you that opportunity.
I Corinthians 10:31 …do all to the Glory of God.
Our Behavior:
1. Maintain class and character. You are setting the example for your students. Realize
that your every action reflects upon you, your family, ELCA, ELFBC and ultimately our
Lord. People will remember your actions long after they have forgotten your words.
2. Always insist that your children follow instructions. Coaches must depend on a player’s
ability to follow orders immediately and without question. Questions should be raised at
the appropriate time, such as at practice or after a game, when there is time for
explanation. This builds respect for authority and a bond of trust between your children
and their coaches.
3. Always dress appropriately. Modest attire that does not attract attention to you and
away from your child should be worn. Even in warm weather events a Christ-like
appearance must be maintained.
4. Be an example and a guard. Set the standard high for behavior and appearance and do
not be afraid to speak to those who are indifferent to our ultimate purpose.
5. Working with the officials …not working the officials. Badgering an official to persuade a
call our way comes with too high a price – our testimony and our ability to influence those
others for Jesus Christ. There is never a time at any contest where a parent is afforded
an opportunity to say anything to an official other than “Thank You”. Without these men
and women and their willingness to officiate, no one is playing ball.
6. Remain in the stands. Never attempt to approach the field, court, bench area, press box,
score table or the officials before, during or after a ballgame. Socially visiting with the
coach briefly after a game is encouraged. Game officials are off- limits.
7. Be Modest in victory and gracious in defeat. Coaches, students, parents and spectators
will need to be strong in this area. Shake hands with our visitors before and after a
game.
8. Recognize the success of your opponent. Compliment the good play of students from
the other school. Congratulate their coaches on a well coached game.
9. Teach your children that they have a special purpose from God. It is their responsibility
to accept God’s purpose for them. Do not compare or contrast them to others. This
limits their ability to fulfill their own unique potential and purpose.
10. Have fun, touch lives and be yourself. You have the opportunity to be a positive
influence, like no one else may be able to, in the lives your children and their peers.
Enjoy this time in their lives and help them to enjoy it as well. Games, plays and
officials will be forgotten, but your behavior and attitude will stay with your child forever.
I John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
EAGLE’S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Speech:
1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. The athlete will never
engage in any profanity or questionable slang.
2. The athlete will address the coach and the officials with respect. The athlete will
address the coach as “Coach” or “Mr., Miss or Mrs.” and will take concerns or
complaints directly to the coach. Insubordination and divisive speech or behavior will
not be tolerated. The athlete should address the officials with “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am
3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the
“boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. Obedience to authority is not optional
and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given
and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.
Our Relationships:
1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with teammates and coaches. God has
placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to develop life-long
friendships. If sports becomes all about you, you need to not participate.
2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with classmates. Do not attempt to set
yourself upon a pedestal. Your classmates will not respect you or support you.
3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with students from other schools. Never
miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others.
Our Unity:
1. Develop unity within your team. “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no
one cares who gets the credit.” John Wooden
2. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school.
Each of us has different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or
envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role.
3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other
schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met… to further the Kingdom of
God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray
for ELCA.
Our Motives:
1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.
2. Strive for victory in order to Glorify God. Athletics is just a means to an end and not
an end unto itself.
3. Demonstrating Christ by following the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.
4. Committed to excellence . In all areas – Faith, Practice, Academics and Game
Preparation.
Play and Act like a CHAMPION!
Our Behavior:
1. The athlete will maintain a good reputation. The athlete’s character will be in good
standing with the administration, faculty, staff and church.
2. The athlete will meet all eligibility requirements.
3. The athlete will know and understand all requirements. The athlete will know all of the
expectations of their team and will follow them both in action and in spirit.
4. The athlete will show respect for all coaches, trainers and all staff personnel. This
includes the game plans, methods and philosophies.
5. The athlete will show respect for their teammates. The athlete will respect the
seriousness of their commitment by attending all practices, meetings and games as
prescribed at the beginning of the season and by working together to accomplish a
common goal. Help to hold your teammates accountable for their actions.
6. The athlete will maintain a high standard of appearance. Both in and out of the arena
adhering to the strictest interpretations of the school dress code and the team dress
and uniform code.
7. The athlete will demonstrate Christ-like character. Both in and out of the arena
showing respect in speech and actions for game officials, opponents and all those
associated with our opponents.
8. The athlete will never engage in fighting. The athlete will maintain self control at all
times. Un-sportsmanship like conduct penalties will not be tolerated and will be
penalized. Penalties include, but are not limited to, suspensions or dismissal from the
team.
9. The athlete will know and understand our philosophy. The athlete will respect the
seriousness of the eternal affects of their responsibilities as they represent themselves,
their families, their school, their church and ultimately their Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION
Parenting and coaching are both difficult vocations. Understanding each others’ role will enable parents and coaches to work together to provide a meaningful experience for the student-athlete at ELCA.
Communication that parents can expect from a coach. 1. Locations and times of practice and games
2. Expectations the coach has of the players and the team
3. Team requirements
4. Team rules and disciplinary actions for violations of team rules
5. Various ways that parents may help the team
Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with the coach
1. Ways to help your child improve
2. Concerns about your child’s behavior
3. Academic support, college opportunities
Recognizing that coaches are the ones who work with the team on a daily basis in practice and in competition, it is important to understand that the coach will make decisions that he or she believes to be best for the team and for all athletes who are involved.
A parent should never confront a coach before or after a game or practice. These are emotional times for a parent and coach and are not wise times to make an attempt toward the resolution of a problem.
GENERAL RULES
1. No fund-raising or team-purchasing may be done without approval from the A. D.
2. There will be no team meetings, games, or practices on Sundays.
3. There will be no games, meets, or matches on Wednesdays.
4. All athletes are to take good care of the school’s equipment.
5. Athletes should never be without a coach on or in any of the athletic facilities.
6. Athlete are required to turn in his/her uniform within two weeks of the last game.
7. Team awards are left to the discretion of the coach.
8. All Letter Jackets will be ordered thru Archie's Sporting Goods in Stockbridge.
Each athlete pays an athletic fee to assist with the cost of running the athletic program. This fee helps cover Region dues, GHSA dues, referees, coaching supplements, athletic facility maintenance, transportation, supplies, equipment, etc... Below is the Class breakdown. There will only be an admission charge for V/JV/MS Football, V/JV/MS Baseball, V/JV/MS Basketball, V/MS Track & Field, & V/JV/MS Wrestling athletic contests. All other regular season contests will be free of charge. Per GHSA, there will be an admission charge for all regular season invitationals, tournaments and Region/Area/ State Tournaments.
If a student is participating in two sports in the same season, they will be responsible for the sport with the higher fee and an additional $50 for the second sport. They will NOT be responsible for the full fee for both sports.
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