Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

The overall objective of Catholic elementary school sports is to provide each student with a positive Christian athletic experience through instruction, practice, and game participation. Although a reasonable competitive approach is encouraged, a win-at-any-cost philosophy is not.

A good coach is able to devise a strategy to ensure that every young person under his/her care gets an opportunity to play. It is our goal and our hope that every child is given the opportunity to participate in some portion of the competition. 

Parent/Coach Relationship

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children.

As parents, when your children become involved in our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

*  Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:
   Philosophy of the coach
   Expectations the coach has for your child, as well as all the players on the team
   Locations and times of all practices and games
   Team requirements
   Procedure should your child be injured during practice or games
   Discipline that results in the denial of your child to participate

Each coach is required to have an Act 33/34 Criminal Clearance, Child Abuse  clearance, and completion of Diocesan coach’s accreditation, certificate of attendance to “Protecting God’s Children”, MRT (Child Abuse class) and signing of the Pastoral Code of Conduct.

*  Communication coaches expect from parents:
     Concerns expressed directly to coach or assistant coach
     Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
     Specific concern with regard to a coach’s expectation for your child

Parents attend a general athletic meeting during the month of Sept/Oct if their child will be participating in any sport during the school year. It is a requirement for parents to view the Diocesan video on “Sports, A Guide for Catholic School Parents” which can be viewed online at www.2badcats.com/videos.aspx.

*  Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:
     The treatment of your child, mentally or physically
     Ways to help your child improve
     Concerns about your child’s behavior

***Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches!!
     Playing time
     Team strategy
     Play calling
     Other student-athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between a coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedures should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

     Call to set up an appointment with the coach
     If the coach cannot be reached, the athletic director will set up the meeting for you
     Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice.

These can be emotional times for both parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution. Research indicates a student involved in extra-curricular activities has a greater chance for success during adulthood. These athletic programs have been established for that reason. Many of the character traits required to be a successful participant are exactly those that will promote a successful life.

Each coach has the right to make reasonable rules more stringent than those listed.

A successful athletic program includes the cooperation of player, parent, coach, athletic director and principal. We, at Our Lady of Fatima, are concerned with the development of the whole child. To accomplish this, we believe that positive recognition is a powerful motivator and an integral part of a discipline plan. Following are expectations of all parties involved within our athletic program:

* Our Athletes are expected to:
     Attend all practices and games
     Have a positive attitude
     Respect all coaching staff members, referees and opposing team players
     Attend school by 11:00 A.M. to be eligible to participate in the game for that particular day (students being sent home due to illness are not eligible)
     Maintain academic and behavior standards
     Know that consequences of being ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct or a similar problem will result in a game suspension

     Exhibit Christian Morals at all times
     Have a signed Doctor’s release form and parent verification on file
     Abide by team, athletic and school guidelines

*  Our Coaches are expected to:
     Receive Act 33/34 clearance
     Receive Child Abuse clearance
     Receive Protecting God’s Children Certificate/MRT Certificate
     Receive Pastoral Code of Conduct Certificate
     Act professionally at all times
     Be a positive role model for our students
     Show respect towards opposing teams, referees, spectators
     Keep lines of communication open with parents
     Inform athletic director or principal of any problems
     Allocate playing time based on ability, attendance, enthusiasm and competitive spirit, physical conditioning (exception to this rule is the novice program)
     Exhibit Christian Morals at all times
     Attend the Diocesan “Play Like a Champion” Professional Development Day (strongly encouraged)
     Meet approval by the Principal or Pastor 

*  We need the cooperation of our parents to:
     See that your child attends all practices
     Contact the coach if your child will not be attending a practice or game
     Discuss the importance of a positive attitude
     Be responsible for your child’s transportation to and from practice and games
     Support and participate in fundraisers
     Exhibit Christian Morals at all times
     WORK THE CONCESSIONS WHEN ASSIGNED (via Sign Up Genius emails)
     Oversee your child’s responsibility in taking care of the uniforms
     Accept the decisions rendered by the coaches and referees
     Make sure all files are current with the school office especially physicals &  parent verification of hospital insurance
     View the parent tape at the annual Athletic meeting

Athletics are extra-curricular activities at OLOF. It is important that all involved have the same vision – that we are involved for the betterment of our children.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.