Table of Contents
 

Mission Statement
Saint Joseph School is a K-8 Catholic educational community, which has served generations of families in Meriden and surrounding towns since 1915.

Our caring and dedicated staff creates a welcoming atmosphere and prepares students to meet the future with a foundation of faith, skills and knowledge.

Understanding the changing lifestyles of today, we provide each child with the opportunity to reach his/her potential emphasizing the two great commandments of the Church:

Love of God and Love of Neighbor

Philosophy
The athletic programs strive to teach the Christian values of teamwork, mutual respect, enjoyment, development of talents, a healthy sense of competition, self-discipline, honesty and positive name recognition in the community in a religious/academic environment that remains the primary focus.

The goal of extra-curricular activities at Saint Joseph School is to conduct a wholesome and worthwhile program, which is consistent with and contributes to the philosophy of Saint Joseph School.  Extra-curricular activities make a contribution to the personal growth and development of the participant.  We strive to increase the student’s knowledge, contribute to his/her maturity, teach moral and ethical values, motivate the student to strive for excellence, instill a sense of pride in himself/herself and our school, and help produce an individual who realizes self-worth and maximum potential.

Nondiscriminatory Policy
Saint Joseph School Athletics admits any students regardless of race, color, sex, socioeconomic level, national or ethnic origin, or creed to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students within the association.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, socioeconomic level, national or ethnic origin, or creed in the administration of its participatory policies, admissions policies, or athletic programs.

Drugs and Alcohol
Students, spectators, or parents who possess drugs or alcohol at a Saint Joseph School Athletic event, on school property or at a practice session face suspension and/or expulsion from Saint Joseph School sports.  A student may face the same penalty from school.

Eligibility
Any student in 5th through 8th grade is eligible to participate in Saint Joseph School Athletics.  If there are not enough players to form a JV team, students in the 4th grade will be allowed to participate. 

Procedure for Registration
Saint Joseph School students wishing to participate in a sport must fill out a sports registration form. Upon request, these forms are sent home through the Wednesday envelope or can be found on the Go Cougars section of the Saint Joseph School website (www.sjs-meriden.org/cougars.htm).  Registration forms must be completed and returned, prior to the first practice.

Fees
Students are not assessed a fee to participate in Saint Joseph School Athletics.  Students are expected to participate in all Saint Joseph School Athletic Association fund raising events offered throughout the school year.  All monies raised are used specifically to cover operating, equipment, and tournament fees.

Communication
Throughout the school year, there will be a variety of information that both parents and participants need to know.  These will be sent home in the Wednesday envelopes.  Any correspondence should be returned in the Wednesday envelope labeled Athletic Coordinator.  For general requests or questions, the Athletic Coordinator’s email may be reached at Saint Joseph School during school hours.

It is imperative that each coach has up to date contact information for each student athlete.  It is the responsibility of the student and parents to communicate these changes to the coach(es).

A mandatory meeting for all student athletes, parents and coaches will be held early each academic school year to communicate team and student athlete expectations, the code of conduct, and other important issues.

Any communications with the media, press releases, mailings or similar communication shall be coordinated by the Athletic Coordinator and the Principal of Saint Joseph School.  No parents, coaches, players, staff or other individuals should contact the media without prior notification to the appropriate personnel. 

Academic Probation
A student in grades 4-8 may be placed on academic probation if two (2) or more grades on the report card during a given term are D, F, or U.  The homeroom teacher shall alert the principal when a student is placed on academic probation.  Students placed on academic probation may have certain privileges withheld, including but not limited to, restrictions placed on participation in extra-curricular activities.  Academic probation may be lifted at the discretion of the principal, in consultation with the teachers involved, based on academic progress.

Coaches will be notified of any student placed on academic probation.  This information is to be kept in the strictest confidence and not discussed with the team or parents of other students.  With parental permission, all athletes on probation are allowed to attend and participate in weekly practices.  They are also allowed to attend games in uniform but are not allowed to participate.

Sports Offered
Saint Joseph School Athletics currently offers the following sports:
Basketball (5-8) 
Soccer (5-8) Pending availability of a coach.
Cheerleading (5-8) Pending availability of a coach. 
Ski Club (5-8) Pending availability of a coordinator.

Coaches Creed
All Saint Joseph School coaches will follow the Saint Joseph School Athletics Creed:
I BELIEVE sports have an important place in the general educational scheme and pledge myself to cooperate with others in the field of coaching to provide better opportunities for all participants.
I BELIEVE that other coaches of sports are earnest in their desire to keep the SJS program on the plane of citizenship training and I shall do all that I can to further their efforts.
I SHALL abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit.
I BELIEVE in the exercise of all the patience, tolerance, and diplomacy at my command in relations with all players, coworkers, parents, game officials, and spectators.
I BELIEVE proper administration of all sports offer effective laboratory methods of development of high ideals of sportsmanship, qualities of cooperation, courage, unselfishness and self-control desires for clean, healthful living and respect for wise discipline and authority.
I BELIEVE these admirable characteristics, properly instilled by me through teaching and demonstration, will have a long carry-over and will aid each one connected with the sport to become a better citizen and Christian.
I BELIEVE in and will support all reasonable moves to improve athletic conditions, to provide for adequate equipment, and to promote the welfare of an increased number of participants. 

Coaching Expectations and Requirements
The Saint Joseph School Athletic Coordinator, along with help from Saint Joseph School administration, is committed to securing the best-qualified coaches for all its sports teams.  These qualifications include, but are not limited to:
• Acceptance, integration, implementation and a clear understanding of the Saint Joseph School mission and goals.
• Ability to constructively teach all participants, regardless of skill level.
• Ability to organize, run and control practices
• Positive attitude and coaching style
• Good communication skills
• Coaching ability to effectively teach the sport
• Adequate knowledge of the sport
• Ability to provide a safe physical environment for all

Coaches are required to have and attend practices, games, and meetings related to their team within their league and/or called by Saint Joseph School Principal or Athletic Coordinator.  Coaches are responsible for securing a substitute or notifying participants of a cancellation when they are unable to attend a practice.

A coach is expected to be at practice before any student arrives and must make sure that all children have left before he/she leaves practice or must designate another adult who agrees to take on those responsibilities.  Coaches also must not tolerate any abuse or mistreatment of players, parents or others by any member of the Saint Joseph School team.  No verbal or physical abuse will be tolerated.  Please reference the Saint Joseph School Student/Parent Handbook policy on Bullying (www.sjs-meriden.org/handbook.htm).

Coaches should attend every game and show up at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the game to prepare their team for the contest.  It is important, and required that coaches report any problems with equipment, players, parents (or others) to the Athletic Coordinator within 24 hours of a problem.  This will ensure the safety of all participants and allow for appropriate action to be taken by the Athletic Coordinator when necessary.

Coaches should be patient and tolerant of all children, and understand the level of maturity at which they coach.  They must be cautious not to have unrealistic expectations, but be willing to challenge each participant to reach potential goals not before attained.  Coaches must have the understanding that their impact on the lives of many of these children is of incredible importance and thus must display good moral and ethical behaviors. 

Selection of Coaches
Selection of coaches is the primary responsibility of the Athletic Coordinator in consultation with school administrators.  All persons interested in coaching should submit a Saint Joseph School Coach Application to the Athletic Coordinator.
The selection of coaches will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, and not necessarily in any order preference, the criteria stated above.

Any person interested in coaching as either a head coach, assistant or volunteer must have a criminal background check on the file prior to participating.  This includes having two sets of fingerprint cards filled out by a local law enforcement agency.  The Athletic Coordinator has the appropriate forms that need to completed and signed by the individual.  The forms should be sent back to the Athletic Coordinator or Principal who will forward it to the appropriate agencies.  All costs for this procedure will be paid for by Saint Joseph School.

Any persons with questionable background checks may be denied coaching opportunities with all Saint Joseph School sports.  The individual will be notified directly by school administration.  ALL INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.

The Archdiocese of Hartford requires all coaches, assistants and volunteers to participate in Virtus Training – Protecting Gods Children.

Overview of VIRTUS Protecting God's Children for Adults
Who is required to complete sexual abuse awareness training?
All Archdiocesan employees and adult volunteers who deal with children on a regular basis are required to attend an intense 3-hour training session that deals with child sexual abuse. In addition, all priests and deacons are required to attend the training. 
It is the policy of the Archdiocese that volunteers who are with children should complete the VIRTUS training before they begin their ministry, or within 30 days from the time they begin. Employees should complete the training as part of the employment process. Only volunteers and employees who have had the training and a background check should be working with children. 

How is the training helpful in protecting children?
The key points that are critical for the participant to be aware of after attending a training session are:
• Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere to anyone. 
• Abuse is devastating to a child and sometimes the scars of abuse can last a lifetime. 
• Child molesters look for jobs or volunteer opportunities that give them access to children. 
• Leaders in the Catholic Church are working to make sure that children are safe from sexual abuse everywhere. 
• We must be aware of what is happening in the lives of our own children. 
• We must be aware of the warning signs of abuse in our children. 
• We can create a safer world for our children when we work together as a Catholic community. 

What does the training entail?
An awareness session is facilitated by a trained volunteer who has devoted their time and talents to visit parishes and schools to present the program to teachers, catechists, clergy, parish staff, volunteers, etc. The three-hour presentation consists of two videos; the first one deals with interviews of four actual victims of child sexual abuse and two convicted perpetrators. After viewing the films, the facilitator conducts an in-depth discussion within the group. The participants are given the opportunity to discuss their emotions, concerns, questions, etc. The program is designed to bring about an acute awareness of how child sexual abuse can occur, the effects of abuse on the child, the mode of operation of the perpetrator, and what we can do to prevent child sexual abuse in our environment.

How many people have been trained?
As of 11/01/05, when the USCCB Audit of the Archdiocese of Hartford was conducted, a total of 14,500 people have been trained, beginning in September, 2003. This number includes priests, deacons, diocesan teachers, parish employees, and adult volunteers who work with children. In addition, over 15,000 background check investigations have been performed.

Where and when are training sessions held?
Awareness training sessions called Protecting God’s Children for Adults are being held across the Archdiocese by VIRTUS trained facilitators. To view a schedule of training sessions for the Archdiocese of Hartford, click: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list.cfm?theme=0 . Select Hartford, CT (Archdiocese) from the drop-down list. You also will be able to pre-register for a training session at that time.

How do I register for a training session?
You can also pre-register on-line for Protecting God’s Children for Adults by visiting the VIRTUS website www.virtus.org and select Registration. Then select View a List of Sessions, and then select Hartford, CT (Archdiocese). You will then receive the most current schedule of upcoming sessions. To pre-register, click on Start Registration and type in a user id and password. Next, just click on Continue to complete the registration process.
All members of the clergy, parish employees, and adult volunteers must pre-register online. If you are unable to pre-register online, please contact Dolores Skovich at 860-541-6491 for further assistance.
Contact Information:
Dolores M. Skovich
Safe Environment Coordinator
Archdiocese of Hartford
860-541-6491
dees @aohct.org
 

Coaches are the backbone of any sports program.  There is always plenty of criticism and far too little thanks for the job they carry out.  All parents and student participants in Saint Joseph School Athletics should make sure to thank them and offer any means of support to help them be the best coach to all participants.
 

Official Roster
 All Saint Joseph School sports teams will have an official roster, which will list each participant with their grade level and other relevant information.  This roster must be sent to the Athletic Coordinator within 2 weeks of the start of the season.  An exit roster must also be submitted within 2 weeks of the end of the season.  All participants must be on this official roster in order to be eligible for play.

Conduct – Parent, Coach & Student Expectations
All players, coaches, parents, spectators, and staff are required and expected to:
Act in accordance with the stated philosophy of the program, which emphasizes the importance of learning and growth of all people, commitment to good moral, ethical and social values, deep respect of the human dignity and uniqueness of every individual, and the perseverance for upholding what is right and just.   All people affiliated with Saint Joseph School Athletics are expected to cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school.  This requires courtesy in all relationships, promptness in fulfilling obligations, concern for the environment, and many other factors that the participant’s sense of appropriateness will indicate to them.

The Athletic Coordinator and Principal reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises.
Items such as, but not limited to, questionable books, and pictures, knives, matches, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, radios, toys, pagers, cell phones, laser lights, or anything that will detract from a learning situation or in any way endanger anyone are not allowed at Saint Joseph School practices or events. 

All Saint Joseph School coaches, parents, participants and spectators are required and expected to:
• Be polite and courteous to all coaches, officials, and participants, which includes appropriate conduct at all Saint Joseph School sponsored events, practices, and games.
• Avoid engaging in any situation that could result in a negative representation of the program.  This includes arguing with any coaches, officials, players, parents or spectators, verbally criticizing or reprimanding others, and any inappropriate verbal remarks or verbal abuse.
• Support all teams with equal respect and courtesy, regardless of their level of skill.
• Abide by the guidelines set forth by the Athletic Coordinator, coach and league.  These guidelines include such things as not coaching from the sidelines at games or practices, waiting until the team is released from the coach prior to leaving the game, paying attention to the coach and following practice or game instructions.
• Respect the facilities that are utilized for practices or contests.  The City of Meriden allows Saint Joseph School to use public school gymnasiums for practice free of charge.  Coaches, athletes and parents are the only people allowed in these facilities during practice time.  All participants are to stay in the gymnasium and should never wander the hallways.  Disorderly conduct can jeopardize our ability to reserve these facilities in the future.

Health/Physical Requirements
Saint Joseph School sport teams require different degrees of physical activity.  Participants must understand the requirements for each sport and make sure that they are in appropriate physical condition to safely play the sport.
 Unless there is a medical condition that prohibits a participant from doing a certain drill or activity, all participants will be expected to follow the drill and physical activity requirements requested by the coach(es).  Please know that these drills are necessary to improve performance and are part of the learning and growth of all sports teams.   If there is a medical condition present that prevents participation in the activities, the parent and student must notify the Athletic Coordinator and coach, in writing, as to the nature and extent of the condition.   Upon reviewing the information, the Athletic Coordinator reserves the right to deny such participants from participating if it seems it is in the best interest of the child and/or other participants.
 In the event of an accident/injury, the student or parent must report the event immediately to the coach.  The coach is expected to complete an Accident Report and submit it to the Athletic Coordinator. 

Team Conduct
During practices all ordinary discipline matters are the responsibility of the coach(es).  The following procedures help set an atmosphere necessary for learning:
a. At the beginning of the school year, coaches outline expectations for student conduct, practice and game attendance.
b. Coaches set practice rules and give a copy to all players and parents.
c. Well planned practices that keep students on task decrease the time available for misconduct.
Behaviors, which are not conducive to good discipline, include:
a. Repeated screaming done by a coach or assistant.  This is professionally unacceptable.
b. Threats of unrealistic punishments.
c. Repeated warning with no follow up.
d. Inconsistent adherence to rules.
e. Foul language.
If misconduct occurs, any or all of the following may be helpful.  (Punishment should be for behavior and not for athletic performance.)
a. Private discussion with the student.
b. Loss of privileges for the athlete.
c. Running punishments of reasonable length.
d. Time out in the gym by oneself.  Students should not be placed outside the gym for time out.  Students should be notified that the Athletic Coordinator or Principal will speak with them about their behavior.  The coach may need to setup a conference with the parents to alert them and discuss possible strategies for improvement.

Practices
The standard number of practices each week is 2 per team.  It is at the discretion of the coach to increase or decrease that number as conditions change. 

Gym time for all teams will be coordinated through the Athletic Coordinator. Practice times will be worked out based on the coach’s availability but will not exceed a 9:00 pm ending time.  It may be necessary in some practices to share the court/facility with another team.

 Participants on Saint Joseph School teams do need to make every effort to attend all practices and games.  Schoolwork is the first priority, however, and if a player has a large amount of homework or major test, their parent should notify the coach as soon as possible if a practice or game may be missed.  This is very important because many coaches plan their practice agendas with specific drills that require a certain number of players.  Players who miss practice on a regular basis will not receive the same amount of playing time as those who attend regularly because of not having the opportunity to learn plays, skills, etc.   When registering for any team, participants must make sure they are aware of the commitment they are making and should not sign up if they are unable to complete their homework and be a consistent, reliable contributor to their team.  Parents should make sure that children do not over-commit themselves by signing up for several sports.  Not only is it difficult for the participant, but also it is impossible to arrange practices to make sure that all sports do not have conflicting practice times.

 All team members should arrive for their practice approximately ten or fifteen minutes prior to their scheduled practice time.  If there is no adult present, the player’s parent or guardian must stay until another adult arrives.  At no time should any child in any grade be left unattended in the gym.

 For the protection of our youth and coaches, it is Saint Joseph School’s policy that there are two adults present at every practice or game.  If an assistant coach cannot be present, the coach should request that a parent stay for the practice/game.  The parent is not permitted to participate but act only as an observer.   If no parent can stay, the Athletic Coordinator should be contacted, at which point they will act as an observer. 

Playing Time 
Playing time for all participants is left up to the discretion of each individual coach (within the guidelines of the Athletic Coordinator).  However, there are some general guidelines that coaches follow in order to assist them in determining playing time for all participants.  These are:
• Regular attendance at practice and games
• Positive attitude and interactions with others
• Respecting players, parents and coaches
• Obeying the rules set by the coaching staff
• Working hard at practices and games
• Being on time for games and practices
• Being responsible to the team by notifying the coach in advance of missing a practice or game
It is important to know that players who do not listen to the coach, follow directions, hustle and /or display negative attitudes may not receive as much playing time as others who adhere to these guidelines.
The coach, with the final approval from the Athletic Coordinator (if needed), will determine playing time for each team member.
Please encourage your children to adhere to the above guidelines and consequently their playing time may reflect this effort.

Playing Up
Playing up refers to a player who participates on a team that is one level above his/her own grade.  The purpose of playing up is to fill a team with the necessary number of players for participation in games.   No player will play up purely for a competitive advantage.  All participants on teams should be given opportunities for game play and growth on their own team. 
Players may be asked to play up for a specific game/contest or for an entire season.  All instances must be approved by the athlete’s parent/guardian and by the Athletic Coordinator.  If a student is asked to play up for an entire season, they will not be allowed to double roster.

For tournament play there will be players playing up who are on the roster in case there are not enough regular team participants to play.  These players may not have played with the team in the regular season and can be allowed to practice with this team with the permission of the Athletic Coordinator and their parent.  All players who play up and have a game-time conflict between their regular team and the team they are playing up for will be obligated to play for their own grade level.

Athletic Coordinator Expectations
 The Athletic Coordinator is a volunteer position appointed by Saint Joseph School administration.  The Saint Joseph School administration has given this position its full support and authority to make decisions concerning but not limited to the selection and approval of coaches, play time, playing up, and submitted grievances. 
 The Athletic Coordinator responsibilities are as follows:
1. To manage the budget for the Saint Joseph School Athletic Program. 
2. To attract, retain, recommend, select and assign coaches to teams.
3. To communicate any changes of the Athletic Handbook to all coaches, parents and students.
4. Assist and support coaches, as needed.
5. To secure the use of practice facilities for each season.
6. To mediate disputes/grievances between athletes, coaches, and parents.
7. To assist coaches and school administration in the disciplinary actions for misbehaviors of student athletes.
8. To collect starting and exit rosters from coaches.
9. Serve as liason between the coaches and archdiocesan representatives.
10. To communicate regularly with the administration of Saint Joseph School regarding concerns and progress.
11. Collaborate with the Saint Joseph School Athletic Association to raise funds to support the athletic programs.

Weather Policy
Any school cancellation or early dismissal for Saint Joseph School will result in the cancellation of any scheduled practice or game.  It is the responsibility of the coach(es) to communicate cancellations due to weather if the game/practice is scheduled on the weekend or a no-school day such as school vacations.

Grievance Procedure
An individual or team grievance may include any perceived or enacted unfair or prejudicial treatment of a player by a coach.  A grievance should be handled in the following manner:
1. Set up a time to discuss the issue with the coach.  If the situation is not remedied then, 
2. Set up a time to discuss the issue with the Athletic Coordinator. 
3. There may be consultation with Saint Joseph School administrators as needed.

Please note that the coach is in charge of playing time, starting lineups, etc.  The Athletic Coordinator will avoid intervening with the coach’s judgment on these issues, unless the Athletic Coordinator feels a situation is blatantly unfair.

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 
 
 

I have read and understand Saint Joseph School’s mission statement and will follow the rules, policies and procedures outlined in the Athletic Handbook to the best of my ability.

As a student athlete, I will uphold the expectations of my coaches, the Athletic Coordinator, and the Saint Joseph School Administration.  I will serve as an ambassador of my school.

As the parent(s) of a student athlete, I (we) will support my (our) child in his/her athletic pursuits and participate fully in the Saint Joseph School Athletic Association.
 
 

________________________________________________
Parent Signature    Date

________________________________________________
Parent Signature    Date

________________________________________________
Student Signature    Date

________________________________________________
Student Signature    Date
 
 

Please sign and date, and return to the Principal’s Office.