Athletic Handbook

What does it mean to be a Christ‑like champion? Most importantly it means that we need to honor Christ in how we conduct ourselves on and off the playing field. This is a tough thing to do because the world does just the opposite. We must remember that we are not of this world (John 15:18‑19). Our focus should be on Jesus who will change our attitudes and goals (Isaiah 55:8‑9). Our desire is that our athletes, coaches, and parents will be Ambassadors for Christ and will be filled with the Spirit, which will be evident by our fruit. We want to love our opponents even though we are trying to gain victory in an athletic event. Remember that the game is a passing event, but the way we treat others may have an eternal impact. We must have self control in the midst of a tough game and the occasional bad call. We also must be humble in victory. In defeat we can still be champions by conducting ourselves in a way that brings glory to our Lord. We thank the Lord for the gifts and abilities he has given us. Let's use them to be Christ‑like Champions.

ATHLETE AND PARENT INFORMATION

Commitment to a team is an important character quality. If an athlete is playing for THESA and another sports team, then any scheduling conflicts must be discussed with the coach and it will be expected that the THESA commitment will have priority over the other sport. This is to maintain team unity and reliability for the coaches. Therefore, we want each of our athletes and parents to decide before athletes tryout if they want to make such a commitment to THESA.

Because commitment is a character quality and an example of integrity, an athlete who chooses to quit after the season has started may not return to that sport until the next year. Because God desires that there be peace among his children, the athlete will be responsible to follow the Matthew 18 principle to make sure the athlete and the coach do not have a severed relationship.

To allow each team to perform a optimum level, tryouts will be held prior to each season. The number of players on each team will vary depending on the sport and the levels of ability. Because each team has limited time to prepare for the season, teams are chosen at the earliest time possible; therefore, once tryout dates are set, tryouts cannot be extended. An athlete who misses any part of a tryout will not be dropped, but the athlete will be at a disadvantage. If an athlete cannot make it to tryouts, he/she will have to meet with the coach to see if anything can be done. It is then up to the coach to either set up an alternative tryout, or not allow the athlete to play.

On the Junior High School level, coaches will choose teams based on attitude, effort, and ability. Coaches will also choose their starting team based on these criteria. While there is no guarantee of equitable playing time, coaches are encouraged to provide playing time to all team members with the idea that the Junior High level is also a developmental level.

On the Senior School level, coaches will choose teams based on attitudes, effort, and skill. Starting teams will be based on these criteria. At this level of competition, the coaches will play the best players. Because THESA is not playing in a recreational league, and because THESA desires to be competitive in the league that they participate in, equal playing time is NOT guaranteed at this level of play, although coaches will be sensitive to their player's desire to participate. Athletes and parents must recognize that success is not synonymous with playing time.

If an athlete does not make the team after tryouts, he/she may approach the coach to discuss the athlete's strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. It may be determined that the athlete may be allowed to continue practicing with the team to continue development for the next year.

2. Parental Support

Parents and other spectators at the games are vital representatives of THESA and witnesses for the Lord Jesus. Parents and fans are expected to cheer and comment in a positive manner, encouraging and supporting all players, coaches, and officials. Parents and fans are expected to leave the coaching to the coaches. Players become confused and frustrated when instructions are shouted from many directions. The coaches have a purpose behind their methods, and correction should be done through them. Parents are encouraged to come to as many games as possible, because support and enthusiasm add excitement to the game. Parents and other spectators should refrain from openly criticizing coaches, officials, and players. Parents should demonstrate trust and respect to those in authority at all times.

Practice schedules will be provided to the athletes by the coach. While teams will attempt to be consistent on practice time and place, the difficulty in obtaining practice facilities may require some flexibility in both time and place. Accordingly, all changes to practice time and place will be announced. It is the athlete and parent's responsibility to know where each practice/game takes place. It is the athlete and parent's responsibility to know where each practice/game takes place. All practices are at the discretion of each coach, but will not exceed three hours. Wednesday practices will be avoided as much as possible.

Because practices are more productive, beneficial, and fun when all team members are present, and because godly character is exhibited through discipline and commitment, all athletes are expected to attend practices, games, as well as meetings/activities called by the coach. Athletes show consistency and faithfulness to their teams by being on time and being properly dressed out for all practices and games. Absences and tardiness disrupt practice and games, and discourage a team. Because unexcused absences show a lack of commitment, faithfulness, and discipline, and because athletes and parents will know the schedule in advance, unexcused absences from practices and games should be avoided. Excused tardiness and absences include, but may not be limited to, death in the family, personal illness, medical appointments, academic tutoring with teacher involvement, and other home school related commitments. While there will be no immediate consequences, game playing time may be affected at the coach’s discretion. Athletes must show respect to the coach and team by personally calling the coach if they will be late or miss a practice.

Athletes need to stay for the duration of every practice and game. Teams are not dismissed until the coach dismisses them and coaches will make every effort to dismiss the team on time. All athletes MUST be picked up no later than 10 minutes after dismissal.

If you cannot pick them up, please have a back‑up plan so that the coaches do not have to stay later.

Because discipline is needed in all areas of life, athletes should make it their routine to give 100% both mentally and physically to practices and games. An individual's performance and attitude affects the whole team. An athlete who chooses to perform below his/her capability or who demonstrates a poor attitude during practices will be subject to disciplinary action and will not play in the following game, because such attitudes and behaviors work against team unity, instructions, and goals. Disciplinary action may include, but not limited to, extra drills, running, sitting out, etc.

Suspensions, Technical Fouls, Cautions and Ejections

Any athlete receiving a conduct technical foul, a caution card, or a verbal caution due to a lack of self-control, will be removed for the remainder of the game. Any athlete who displays a negative response to an official or to a coach may be removed for the remainder of the game. Any athlete receiving an ejection card or ejection from the game due to inappropriate conduct will be suspended from the next game and may be required to attend a coaches/parent/and or board meeting. A second ejection may result in removal from the team for the remainder of the season. We do not want our athletes doing anything that would cause them to be ejected from a game. Such behavior does not show Christ‑likeness, nor does it show respect for the sport, the officials, the coaches, or self.

An athlete's response to a corrected offense is more important than the offense itself. The athlete's response defines and reveals character in a more obvious way. We as Christians are not permitted to respond in a disrespectful way. It is therefore necessary for us to be accountable so that we might mature in our responses and in the character and humility of Christ. Therefore, if an athlete continues to display unwillingness to change, blatant disrespect for authority, or an attitude/action that is contrary to the Christian philosophy, the athlete will be removed from the team at that time. An athlete may be dismissed from a team due to: 1) an uncoachable or uncooperative attitude, or 2) an act or deed that harms the testimony of the team and/or THESA. Our unchanging goal is to accurately reflect the character of Christ in our attitudes and sportsmanship in an ever‑increasing way. Coaches will look for and encourage this character, and any athlete who desires not to pursue godly character will not play for THESA.

6. Matthew 18 Principle

Matthew 18 gives us clear instructions for dealing with conflict. In the event that a player has a question or complaint, he/she first must go to the person (coach or other player) in a spirit of reconciliation and love to work out any differences. This needs to take place before a parent confronts the coach! If the problem is not resolved, the player may request a meeting with the person of conflict and the coach. If the issue is not resolved between players and coach, then a meeting with a representative of the board may be requested. If the coach is the person in conflict with a player, the player may request a meeting with his/her parents and the coach after the player has talked to the coach personally. If the athlete, coach, and parent still have issues to be resolved, then they may request a meeting with a board representative.

To help cover administrative expenses a $15 administrative fee will be charged for each sport and will be included in the total fee for each sport. Coaches will publish a list of all fees prior to try-outs. Please be aware that in most cases the athletic fees do not cover the entire cost of each sport and fundraisers may be required. It is the intent of the THESA board that no qualified player will be turned away due to the inability to pay 100% of the athletic fees. Please contact the coach if assistance is needed.

Uniforms will be issued at the beginning of every season. Each athlete will be responsible for his/her own uniform throughout the season. Every player is responsible to bring his/her complete uniform to every game. Uniforms should be laundered prior to each game.

9. Medical/Liability Release and Physicals

Every athlete must have an updated medical release form, liability release form, medical information sheet, immunization record, and physical on file with the coach prior to the first game. Athletes will not be allowed to participate until ALL forms ' are complete and in the student's file. Absences due to missing forms will be considered unexcused. Coaches will keep this information on hand at all times for practices and games.

10. Transportation

Transportation to and from games and practices is the sole responsibility of the atheletes and the parents.

11. Facility

Although we do not own the facilities we use, we are blessed to have the facilities available to us. Please be good stewards of what the Lord has blessed us with. Please do all you can to keep the facilities clean and in better shape than we found them.

Athletic Handbook

Christ-like Champions

3. Practice

5. Discipline

7. Fees

8. Uniforms