I. SPORTSMANSHIP
Athletes, coaches, fans, and parents at Heritage Christian Academy are expected to exhibit Christ-like behavior before, during and after athletic contests. This includes attitudes toward our own team members, coaches, opposing teams, fans, and officials. We believe all should be diligent in preparation, relentless in effort, disciplined by nature, respectful in actions, self-controlled with words, humble in spirit, and aggressive in the pursuit of excellence without regard to the score, opponent, time, or official. As Christian athletes display these characteristics: teams are successful, players are motivated, fans are supportive and enthusiastic, parents are proud, prospective athletes want to participate, and hopefully non-believers are drawn to Christ. Parent-Coach and Player-Coach Relationships: The player-coach relationship is perhaps the most critical relationship in athletics. It is imperative that the player respects and trusts the coach and his/her direction. Heritage Christian Academy requires our coaches to maintain a high level of personal integrity and to show evidence of a deep care for both the players’ physical and spiritual growth. As a parent you can have a pronounced effect on this important relationship. While you may not agree with a coach, how and when you express your feelings can have a distinct effect upon your child and their experience. When you express a negative opinion in the presence of your child, remember that he or she will return to practice and will then have to interact with this coach. When you model support and encouragement for the coach and his leadership you help build a stronger team. Please remember that receiving technical or strategic instruction at home may interfere and conflict with the instructional process at practice sessions and games. This may impede your player’s progress and affect his or her playing time or even the securing of a starting position. The Parent-Player Relationship: In numerous national studies, it has been determined that most athletes participate for enjoyment or fun. Being positive and supportive is important, but adding pressure and unrealistic expectations can be extremely harmful. Allow your son or daughter to enjoy and grow from this valuable experience. Relationship With Officials: The home school does not choose the officials; a scheduler assigns officials. So while you may not agree with all of their calls, please do not harass and taunt them. Remember that they are in charge of the contest and have complete authority to have unruly spectators removed. In many sports, a team will see the same official several times during a season. Coaches along with the Athletic Director work hard to establish a good rapport with officials; this relationship can easily be damaged by spectators. Any warning issued by officials to a parent or spectator will result in a one-game suspension for that individual. If a parent or spectator is ejected from a contest, they will receive a three-game suspension. A second ejection within the same school year will result in a suspension for the remainder of the season. In order to be reinstated for the next sports season, the spectator must meet with school administration to review expectations and obtain approval to return.
53
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease