Holy Cross School Athletic Committee By-laws

I. Name

a. This organization shall be known as the Holy Cross School Athletic Committee ("Committee").

 

II. Purpose

a. The purpose of the Committee shall be:

i. To develop and define the policies which shall govern the Athletic Program ("Program") of Holy Cross School ("School").
ii. To be responsible for the maintenance of the Program
iii. To organize and administer the operation of the Program.
iv. To coordinate the policies, the Program and the financial budgets with the Holy Cross Booster Club.
v. To assist in the hiring of the paid coaches.
vi. To act as a group to hear grievances that cannot be resolved with parents, coach(es) and/or Athletic Director.

III. Objectives

a. The Program shall operate in harmony with the guidelines from the Archdiocese
of Chicago:

Holy Cross School is concerned with the development of the WHOLE person - the religious, moral, social, and academic dimensions, as well as, physical development. We believe that participation in athletics is an important part of student development. Through participation in the Holy Cross School Athletic Program students develop life-long skills and positive values. These values include leadership, healthful living habits, self-discipline, integrity, teamwork, respect for rules and regulations, and the ability to participate with dignity and grace.

b. The Program shall emphasize self-discipline, respect for oneself and others, and the ability to accept success and failure.
c. The Program shall emphasize the development of basic skills, learning rules and strategies, and developing an appreciation for participation.
d. The Program shall emphasize participation for all players over winning with few players.

IV. Membership

a. The Committee shall consist of the Athletic Director ("A.D."), a secretary, the President and Vice President of the Holy Cross Booster Club, the Pastor, or his representative, and other members named by the A.D. and the Pastor.
b. The Athletic Director shall be appointed annually in May by the Principal,
and have such duties as may be prescribed by the Principal.

V. Officers

a. The officers of the Committee shall consist of the Athletic Director and the secretary.
b. The secretary shall be selected to a term of at least two (2) years and shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.
c. Election of the secretary shall be held every two (2) years, at the January meeting of the Committee with the new secretary being installed immediately upon his/her election. Nominations of the secretary shall be from the other Committee members. Majorities vote of the Committee members present at that meeting is needed to elect the secretary.
d. The Athletic Director with approval of the Principal may fill vacancies.
e. Each officer shall hold office until the successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, or until removal or resignation of said officer.
f. Any officer elected by the Committee, may be removed by a majority vote of the Committee whenever in the judgment of the voting members of the Committee, the best interest of the Committee would be served.
g. The duties of the Officers are as follows:

i. Athletic Director - The A.D. shall prepare the meeting agenda and preside at all regular and special meetings of the Committee. The A.D. shall have the authority to appoint all members of the Committee with the consent of the Pastor. The A.D. shall act as the official representative of the Committee and shall sign all official documents.
ii. Secretary - The Secretary shall maintain minutes of the meetings setting forth all actions taken by the Committee; conduct, receive and make disposition of all correspondence as directed; and preserve all reports and documents. The Secretary shall perform all of the duties of the A.D., if the A.D. is absent or unable to act.
iii. In addition to the foregoing, the Officers shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the voting members of the Committee from time to time.

VI. Meetings

a. Meeting of the Committee are held at a location designated by the A.D. and will be held once a month from the months of September through June.
b. Special meetings shall be held whenever called the A.D. or by a majority of the Committee members.

VII. The Program

a. If possible, the Program shall consist of at least the following:

i. Basketball 4-5-6-7-8 grade Boys/girls
ii. Football 5-6-7-8 grade Boys
iii. Volleyball 6(girls)-7-8 grade Boys/girls
iv. Cheerleading 5-6-7-8 grade Girls

Each participant showing an interest in participation on a team shall be a member of such team.

b. Coaches, parents and other adults associated with the Program must keep in mind that this Committee's objectives include the learning and enjoyment of the game by the participants. Therefore, all participants who fulfill their obligations in the program as specified in Appendix A will be given the opportunity to play in competition to the level detailed in Appendix A under each individual sport and level.
c. Holy Cross School Athletic Program will adhere to Council II3-A rules governing competition.

VIII. Uniforms / Equipment

a. The Holy Cross Booster Club shall provide all funding for uniforms and equipment.
b. The Athletic Director and the coaches will be responsible for the distribution, collection and proper maintenance (certification where necessary) of uniforms and equipment.

IX. Eligibility and Conduct of Participants

a. Each participant's scholastic achievement and behavior must be acceptable, as determined by the Principal of the School.
b. All participants will carry at least the minimum 24-hour school accident insurance, or show that he is covered by other insurance covering such athletic activities.
c. All participants must submit a Permission Form signed by parents or guardians before participant is allowed to participate in any school sponsored practice/game. After receipt of the signed Permission Form from parents or guardians, copies will be kept with the coach, the A.D. and the school office.
d. Participants and parents/guardians must read, understand and agree to abide by the individual policies that pertain to their particular sport outlined in Appendix A.

X. Eligibility and Conduct of Coaches

a. The Officers of the Committee must approve all coaches.
b. All coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
c. All coaches must read, understand and agree to abide by the policies of the individual policies that pertain to the particular sport outlined in Appendix A.
d. All coaches must complete and sign an Archdiocesan coaching application and criminal background check form.
e. The Principal, at the sole discretion of the Principal and Pastor, may remove coaches failing to comply with the Program guidelines.

 

XI. Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

a. Each participant should receive the support of his parents/guardians including attendance at games, timely arrivals at practice, prompt pick-up after practice, payment of fees, and guidance in sportsmanlike behavior.
b. Parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with the policies and guidelines of the Holy Cross Athletic Program as detailed in Appendix A and agree to abide by those guidelines as an example to their participant.
c. Parents/guardians should educate their participants in the attributes of sportsmanship by setting a responsible example of respect for officials, coaches, participants and opponents, by practicing positive reinforcement for participants, and by emphasizing participation and skill development over winning.

XII. Holy Cross Athletic Program Policies

a. Appendix D (Holy Cross Athletic Policies)

XIII. Amendments

a. These Bylaws may be amended or changed by the majority vote of the members of the Committee, not sooner than the first Committee meeting following the meeting at which the amendment is formally proposed.

Athletic Director Duties (Appendix A)

1. Shall supervise the athletic programs following the Committee's by-laws and the guidelines set up by Council II3A.
2. Shall see that the policies and procedures of the athletic program are carried out by the coaches.
3. Shall be responsible for working with the school faculty liaison in reporting to coaches those students who are ineligible to participate due to academic reasons.
4. Shall be responsible for selecting, supervising and dismissing of all coaching personnel, with the assistance of the Principal.
5. Shall be the representative of Holy Cross to our Council II3A athletic director's meetings.
6. Shall assist the school's administration in promoting a program of good conduct and sportsmanship on the part of all athletes and coaches.
7. Shall arrange all dates for interscholastic games and shall contact with the officials for all home games except where done by the league(s).
8. Shall work with the coaches to assure proper playing facilities.
9. Shall be responsible to work with the Booster Club in the formulation and administration of the financial budget.
10. Shall monitor inventory of all athletic equipment and will work with the coaches for proper maintenance and return of the equipment.
11. Shall maintain first aid equipment.
12. Shall work with coordinators and coaches on gym security.
13. Shall report monthly in person or by delegate to the school board.
14. Shall arrange parent and/or coaches meetings as required.

Guidelines for Participants (Appendix B)

1. Participants agree to conduct themselves properly at all times because they are official representatives of Holy Cross School.
2. Participants agree to display good sportsmanship at all times. Sportsmanlike behavior is important in the development of each participant. Therefore, any unsportsmanlike behavior by a participant, such as loss of temper towards a coach, referee or other player, use of inappropriate or profane language, deliberately rough or unfair play or conduct contrary to the best interest of the team warrants removal from a game or practice. If such conduct is habitual, removal from participation in the Athletic Program may be considered.
3. Participants agree to attend each practice session and game, to be on-time for each practice and game, and to remain for the full time of each practice and game, unless excused by the coach after advance notice to the coach.
4. Participants agree to accept custody of uniform and equipment items supplied by the school, to provide proper care and cleaning as needed, and to return the items as required in good condition.
5. Participants agree to attend practices and games in proper uniform, with proper equipment, and in good physical condition.
6. Participants agree to conscientiously support the team by learning the rules and skills of the game, by following the instruction of coaches, by encouraging and not criticizing teammates, and by subordination of their own interest in favor of the team.
7. Participants agree to maintain satisfactory academic standing by completing homework and submitting it on time, and by achieving at least the minimum academic standard for participation. Failure to maintain the minimum academic standard for participation in the Holy Cross Athletic Program as prescribed by the school will result first in a warning letter delivered to the participant's parent/guardian for signature and return. If academic performance remains deficient, the participant will be suspended from the team until the minimum passing grade is attained..
8. Participants agree to accept and practice the philosophy, and policy of the Holy Cross Athletic Program which emphasizes participation and skill development over winning.
9. Participants will not be allowed to practice or play in game on any day that he/she is not in class.
10. Participants agree that he/she may not be eligible for a game if they receive a detention. The game suspension will be served on the next game.

Parent/Guardian Expectations and Responsibilities (Appendix C)

1. Parents play an important role in the success of the student athlete and also in the success of the team.
2. Parents agree to support and encourage their child's efforts. Attending games and cheering the team on as a show of support, however parents are always reminded to act in a responsible manner and show good Christian sportsmanship.
3. Parents agree to make no attempt to instruct or direct the play of an athlete or of the team. They should not criticize the playing efforts of any athlete or of the team.
4. Parents agree to be a model for putting losses in perspective and moving on. Questioning, criticizing or berating the coach, the referees, or any other officials is inappropriate behavior.
5. Parents agree to contribute their time and service in support of the team and athletic program (i.e. scorekeepers, timekeepers, crowd control) and serve as a base for assisting coaches or to help with set-up and cleanup.
6. Parents agree to provide transportation for their children to and from games and practices.
7. Parents agree to assist the student in maintaining their athletic uniforms.
8. Parents agree to communicate, at appropriate times, with the teachers of the student to ensure that academic eligibility requirements are being met.
9. Parents agree to communicate with the coach or athletic director/committee on matters of concern at appropriate times; not immediately before, during or after a game.
10. Parents agree to initially communicate directly with their child's coach in order to resolve issues. If issues cannot be resolved, then issue can be reviewed with parent, coach and athletic director.