The Philosophy of Athletics at Palmer Catholic Academy

All athletic programs at Palmer Catholic Academy provide the students the opportunity to

take part, compete and achieve in an atmosphere which stresses positive self-esteem,

personal pride and achievement both physically and academically. The philosophy of the

athletic department coincides with the mission and belief statements of Palmer Catholic

Academy. The student athlete must always see the faculty, staff, and coaches of Palmer

Catholic Academy as a model for honesty, patience, citizenship, loyalty, and religious

values.

Athletics and Academics

It is the school personnel’s responsibility to ensure that the students who take part in the

athletic programs offered at Palmer Catholic Academy must succeed first in academics. It

is the school’s belief that we must properly motivate and support the student athlete

academically, athletically, and spiritually.

Organizational Structure

Requests and problems are to go through the proper channels according to the

organizational chart below:

Principal>Pastor

Director of Athletics

Head Coach of each sport

Assistant Coach of each sport

Coaches Code of Ethics

The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic

competition. An athletic program should enhance academic achievement and should

never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student-athlete should be

treated with care and respect and his/her welfare should be the primary concern at all

times. The following guidelines will be followed by any coach associated with Palmer

Catholic Academy.

• Remember that he/she is a representative of the Catholic Church and the teachings of

the church are in the forefront.

• Be aware of the influence, for either good or bad, on the education of the student and

therefore never place the value of winning above the value of instilling positive ideas of

character.

• At no time should a coach verbally or physically abuse a student athlete. The use of

profanity whether directed at an individual, team, or in conversation, will not be

tolerated.

• Always uphold the honor and dignity of the profession.

• The coach shall strive to set an example of the highest and ethical moral behavior.

• Promote the entire school program and ensure that his/her sport program is in harmony

with the total school program.

• Exert his/her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and

working with parent groups and administrators.

• Respect and support officials. The coach should not indulge in conduct that could incite

other players or spectators against officials. Public criticism of officials and players is unethical.

Before and after sports competition, coaches should meet with competing team and

exchange cordial greetings to set the tone for the event.

Eligibility

No student may participate in any practice without first clearing with the athletic director or

coach that the student has fulfilled all the requirements.

1. In the preseason meeting, the names of all students who wish to try out for the sport

must be obtained and placed on a Roster eligibility form and submitted to the director of athletics.

2. The director of athletics will check the following for each student to ensure the student is eligible: A student is academically ineligible if s/he receives two grades or more of 76 or below. If s/he receives one 69 or below, that student is also academically ineligible. The subjects include social studies, math, science, language arts, reading, religion, English and all resource classes. The Principal reserves the right to make a policy with stricter guidelines.

a. Students’ grades are evaluated at mid-quarter and at the end of the quarter.

b. If a student is academically ineligible, the length of the suspension is two weeks. The suspension begins on the day progress reports and/or report cards are distributed. Eligibility MAY be regained following the two- week suspension when a satisfactory progress report is submitted for that subject.

c. A student may not receive more than two conduct grades below an S at evaluations.

d. All students shall be given equal opportunities to try out for all teams and eligibility rules shall apply when a student is part of the team.

e. If a student is ineligible at his/her school, and then transfers to another school, his ineligibility will be carried over to the next report card.

f. A student, by lack of school attendance or improper conduct, may at any time be declared ineligible by the pastor or principal.

Students must be present at least one-half of a school day (3 periods). Student athletes must also refrain from tardiness.

Physical Policy :

To try out for a sport, a student needs to have a Catholic Grade School Sports Conference-

Student Athletic Participation Application on file dated after June 1st of the current school

year prior to tryout.

Only upon completion of this checklist for each student is the student/athlete

cleared to participate.