THE BAPTIST PREPARATORY ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

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1 THE BAPTIST PREPARATORY ATHLETIC HANDBOOK But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

2 MISSION STATEMENT To glorify God by providing a Christ-centered athletic program that develops Biblical character qualities and sport skills in our student athletes and prepare them for Christian living and service. PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS At The Baptist Preparatory School, we believe that the athletic program is an integral part of Christian education. It is our goal to be Christ-like in every aspect of our lives, including athletics. We have a three-fold desire for our athletic teams: 1. Bring Honor and Glory to God in all things we do. 2. To better understand the Christian life, through lessons learned in sports 3. To attain excellence in each sport played To the Parent This material is presented to you because your son/daughter has indicated a desire to participate in interscholastic athletics at Baptist Prep and you have expressed your willingness to permit him/her to compete. We believe sports hold a wealth of opportunities and experiences for our students. We are concerned with the development of young men and women through athletics, and we believe that a properly controlled, well-organized athletic program meets the student s need for physical, mental, social and spiritual growth. It is our desire to maintain a program that is sound in purpose and will further each student s overall maturity. When your son/daughter joins one of our athletic programs, Baptist Prep commits to certain responsibilities: 1. To encourage physical, mental, social and spiritual growth 2. To provide qualified coaches 3. To provide competitive contests with registered officials 4. To provide adequate equipment and facilities Likewise, we feel that you and your son/daughter have committed yourselves to certain responsibilities and obligations. This handbook will acquaint you with those responsibilities and obligations. It is the role of the athletic department at Baptist Prep to develop policies, rules, and guidelines that govern the spirit of competition for the school. Parental support is vital to the staff of the athletic program of Baptist Prep. Communication The Baptist Prep Athletic Department supports an open line of communication between coaches, athletes, and parents. Each coach is a unique individual and has his/her own style, but they all care about our athletes. When a concern arises with your son/daughter, below is the appropriate procedure we support: 1. Have your son/daughter speak directly to his/her immediate coach at an appropriate time when the coach is not coaching or teaching. 2. If a concern still exists, you as a parent should set up a meeting with the coach or coaches who work or works directly with your child. 3. If a concern still exists after steps 1 & 2, contact the Athletic director. Athletic Director: Billy Goss, ext. 233 or bgoss@baptistprep.org 4. It is inappropriate for parents or fans to confront a coach after practice or game.

3 Sportsmanship Policy The role of the fan is vital to the Baptist Prep athletic department. The athletic department, players and coaches appreciate the support of the parents and fans through prayer, finances, and participation. Also, without financial support, we would not be able to fund the program. As fans, your role is to support the team, and not intimidate the officials. The AAA emphasizes the importance of good sportsmanship, which includes: Be courteous to all Know the rules and respect the officials decisions Win with character and lose with dignity Display appreciation, regardless of the team Exercise self-control Baptist Prep will not condone or permit inappropriate behavior directed toward players, school staff, the opposing school, or game officials. Such behavior can cause embarrassment to our school. We believe that by being a Christian based school, we are called to a higher standard of conduct. We should strive to bring glory to God in all we do. Coaches, parents and fans that violate any of the above standards of behavior will risk sanctions by the Baptist Prep including, but not limited to: 1. A verbal and/or written warning 2. Dismissal (Coaches) 3. Removal from the contest or premises. Temporary or permanent banishment from attendance at Baptist Prep athletic events and/or other school functions. In conclusion, we commend those parents who always exhibit exemplary behavior and serve as positive role models for our athletes. We encourage our parents to volunteer, to become involved with our teams, and to be supportive. By working together, we will establish Baptist Prep athletics as a first-class program. To the Athlete Being a member of a Baptist Prep athletic team carries responsibilities that must be maintained. A great athletic tradition is not built overnight; it takes the hard work of many people over many years. Our tradition has been to win with honor. We desire to win, but only with honor to our Lord, our athletes, our school, and our families. When one competes for Baptist Prep, he/she needs to accept the responsibilities that go with being on the team. Your responsibilities: 1. To the Lord: As a Christian, everything the athlete does is a witness to the Lord. People will view not only the athlete s performance as a player, but also as a Christian, both on and off the court or field. Let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16) 2. To yourself: Your responsibility to broaden yourself and develop strength of character is very important. Your participation in athletics and academic studies prepare you for life as an adult. 3. To your school: By participating in your sport to the best of your ability, you are contributing to the positive reputation of your school. Like it or not, athletes are looked on as leaders. The student, body, our opponents, the spectators, and other people judge your attitude, conduct, and effort both on and off the field or court. 4. To everyone else: As an ABHS athlete, you are responsible to your family, teammates, coaches, and classmates to live by the rules, policies, and guidelines set forth by ABHS.

4 Character Qualities 1. Dependability: Be at practices and contests. Do what is expected of you. 2. Punctuality: Be on time, not late! 3. Enthusiasm: Take an interest in every part of your sport. 4. Faith: Show that the Lord is in control of all circumstances, and He is carrying out His will. 5. Humility: Show the attitude that God is responsible for your abilities, talents and success. 6. Endurance: You must be able to withstand stress and problems (Galatians 6:9). 7. Obedience: Be obedient and responsive to those in authority over you (II Corinthians 10:5). 8. Diligence: Use your full ability to complete tasks. 9. Responsibility: Do everything that is expected of you. 10. Determination: Make up your mind that you will accomplish your goals (II Timothy 4:7). 11. Confidence: A good athlete should know that he/she will be a winner in God s eyes. 12. Intensity: Give everything you have to complete the tasks. 13. Love: Be self-sacrificing and show real concern for everyone. Character is what you do when people are around you; Integrity is what you do when no one is around! Extracurricular Activities Eligibility Academic Requirements 1. Student will maintain a passing grade in all classes. 2. Student will maintain a 2.0 grade average for all classes. Procedures of Accountability 1. Sponsors of each extracurricular activity (drama, cheerleading, choir, band, athletics, etc.) will check each student s academic progress at the end of each nine week grading period. 2. Students who do not meet the Academic Requirements as stated above will become ineligible to compete in all extracurricular activities for four and one-half weeks. At the end of the four and one-half week participation suspension or at the time of the mid-quarter reports, the student s progress will be rechecked. If the student has corrected his/her deficiency in the Academic Requirements, he/she may regain his/her eligibility. 3. Students who become ineligible for extracurricular activities may, at the discretion of the sponsor or principal, be required to fulfill additional requirements to remain in the organization on an ineligible basis. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, study hall outside of school hours, assignment sheets, weekly progress reports, etc. These extra requirements are intended to provide additional academic supervision, accountability, and motivation for the student to eliminate poor academic performance and regain eligibility for extracurricular activities. Clarifications 1. At the end of the second and fourth quarters, the academic requirements will be calculated according to the semester grade. Nine weeks grades will be used at the end of the first and third quarters. 2. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a conflict arises between the Baptist Prep academic requirement and the Arkansas Activities Association scholarship requirement, the AAA requirement will take priority, if it is more restrictive in nature. 3. Students who have been declared ineligible at the end of the fourth quarter may regain eligibility for the first quarter of the following year by meeting all requirements of AAA during the summer through accredited courses as described in the AAA and Baptist Prep handbooks. 4. New students to Baptist Prep will be exempt from the Baptist Prep academic requirements for the first nine weeks of school, if they are eligible according to the AAA academic requirement. At the end of this period, new students will be held accountable in meeting Baptist Prep academic requirements. 5. Students may not try out for certain activities or teams (drama, cheerleading, etc.) if the student was ineligible at the most recent nine-week or semester grade (as stated in Clarification #1). 6. A player who is dismissed or quits from an in-season or off-season sport may not enroll in another in-season or off-season sport without the consent of both coaches involved.

5 Transfer Rules 1. New students to Baptist Prep will be exempt from the Baptist Prep academic requirements for the first nine weeks of school, provided they were eligible at the school they transferred from. 2. According to the AAA, all transfers must be made by July 1 of the school year, with the exception of a bonafide move to within the 25 mile radius. 3. All 7 th grade students must be registered with ABHS by July 1 of their 7 th grade year to be eligible to participate. Practice Participation All athletes must have a current (less than one year old) physical exam form on file in the Athletic Trainer office before they may try out or begin practice in any sport. 1. Make it a priority to attend every practice. 2. Never waste time at practice. Use every second to improve. 3. Go full speed in everything, to set an example and to please God. 4. Be positive, enthusiastic, and encouraging to your teammates. 5. Report injuries so they can be properly taken care of. 6. Take care of everything you come into contact with. 1. Always treat opponents and officials with respect. 2. Maintain self-control at all times. 3. Always be positive. 4. Approach each game with seriousness. Games Uniforms/Equipment Any equipment issued by Baptist Prep that is lost, damaged, or stolen will be the responsibility of the athlete. Replacement costs will be passed along to the athlete. Booster Club The Baptist Prep Booster Club is a support organization for the athletic department. Parents are urged to be supportive of the ABHS athletic department by becoming a member of the Athletic Booster Club. Information about the Athletic Booster Club can be obtained in the High School office. Participation in Two Spring Sports In the spring season, the athlete is allowed to participate in two team sports at the same time, with the cooperation of each coach involved. The student is required to work out the practice and game schedules with the respective coaches.

6 Awards Baptist Prep has three different awards that are given from each sport. They are: Most Improved, Total Release and the Eagle Award. Each coach has the right to allow athletes to vote or allow coaches to choose. Lettering An athlete will be eligible to letter beginning in the 8 th grade. They will receive a letter for that sport and then will receive a pin for the following years as needed. If they are a multi-sport athlete they will receive one letter and then pins for the other sports that they are participating in. All 7 th grade athletes will receive a pin for the sports participated in. Football/Basketball: Must have been out for the team beginning with the first day of practice and participated in all practices scheduled by the coaches, except when excused by the coach or school administrator; or must have played in one-half quarters (An exception may be made for a student who has played in one-half the quarters and receives an injury in a game or practice that prevents that student from playing the remainder of the season. The athlete must complete the season as part of the team by attending practices if physically able). Track/Cross Country: Must participate in all track meets after being placed on the team by the coach, except when excused by the coach or administrator. Tennis: Must represent the school in the district tournament or have been one of the top five team members for more than one-half the season. Golf: Must represent the school in the district golf match or have been one of the top five team members for more than one-half the season. Baseball: They must have been selected to the team. They must be at all practices unless excused by the coach or school administrator. They must have competed in more than one-fifth of the total games. Cheerleaders: Must have been selected to the position and satisfactorily completed the year. (The official year ends with the completion of try-outs the following year). They must be at all practices and games unless excused by the coach or administrator. Soccer: Must have played in more than one-half the games and been at all practices unless excused by a coach or administrator. Softball: Must have been selected to the team. They must be at all practices unless excused by the coach or school administrator. They must compete in more than one-fifth of the total games. Swimming: Must have participated in all meets and practices unless excused by a coach or administrator. Information for college athletes If the student athlete plans to enroll in college as a freshman and wishes to participate in NCAA Division I or II sports, he/she must be certified by NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse and must meet academic guidelines. Please see the ABHS guidance counselor for details. Conclusion It is an honor to be chosen to represent Baptist Prep; therefore, the player is expected to possess Christ-like character to the best of his/her ability. This conduct should exist at all times, both in and out of the classroom or playing field.