Athletic Handbook - All Levels

MISSION: To engage, educate and empower our athletes, parents and coaches to become the GREAT they were created to be in both sport and life. (Ps 139:13-14)

VISION: Striving to empower Christ-like character while nurturing God-given gifts. 

MOTTO: “Creating Champions for Christ Through Competition” 

Strong Rock Christian School is committed to providing a diversified, participatory and successful athletic program that is available to all students. Our school believes that such a program is a vital and integral part of the total school environment and plays a key role in the overall development of each student who is involved in the athletic program. It is our belief that the athletic program at Strong Rock Christian School should assist students in developing courage to build confidence and the qualities of good citizenship, as well as in impacting the world for Jesus Christ.

It is the purpose of this handbook to set forth the operating procedures for the students, parents and athletic staff at Strong Rock Christian School. It is designed as a reference source that will facilitate the process of seeking and clarifying information concerning administrative and athletic policies and procedures as well as promote a framework that will lead to the effective and efficient application of those policies and procedures. 

Strong Rock Christian School will compete in the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA), District 5. All athletic contests are operated under the rules and regulations governing that sport by the National Federation of High School Athletics and the Georgia Independent Athletic Association.

EFFECTIVE OUTCOMES:

Technical - To develop the fundamental sport skills needed to progress to compete.

Tactical - To develop the strategic understanding of the game and competition, the sports IQ.

Physical - To develop movement patterns, relative strength, power, speed, agility and fitness to play more and play better.

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Social - To develop positive interaction with students, faculty, parents & the community.

Spiritual- To develop and foster growth through spiritual and biblical character development and a service mindset.

Leadership - To develop skills and provide opportunities to lead others to get to difficult but desirable destinations.

ENGAGING ENVIRONMENTS:

Facilities - To provide and maintain first-class facilities to inspire excellence in play and promote responsibility and accountability of what GOD has provided through our community and school.

Equipment & Technology- To demonstrate athletic skills and God-given talents that the coaches, athletes and team have worked diligently to develop.

Christ-Centered Coaching— To offer committed, Christian coaches that are trustworthy, knowledgeable, effective, passionate and transformational, known as “The Strong Rock Way”.

PASSION

We do not chase A PASSION but, instead, do everything WITH PASSION, ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM. (Col 3:23)

ACCOUNTABILITY

We will own our responsibilities and actions, communicate constructively, and focus on the process - not the outcome. (Heb 10:24-25)

TOUGHNESS

We will lead with courage and never allow room for fear. (Ps 27:1)

RESPECT THE GAME

• We will respect the game as coaches by teaching solid fundamentals, building leaders, and developing the best schemes to fit our personnel. 
• We will always respect the game as players by giving our best and encouraging others to give their best. 
• We will respect the game as fans by modeling Christ in promoting an environment that is rich in sportsmanship. 
  (I Thes. 5:12-13)

INTEGRITY

We will strive for athletic excellence and train to win without seeking or allowing any option that lacks morals or ethics.  (Pro 2:6-7)

ONE TEAM. ONE MISSION. ONE GOD.

We will listen to the right voices and not be tempted by outside influences that seek to promote individuals over our team, do not protect our mission and/or do not glorify our God.  (1 Cor 1:10)

TRUE EXCELLENCE

#WEWILL pursue all that is RIGHT; all that is JUST, all that is TRUE. (Phil 4:8)

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

This is a FAMILY.  We care about the person to our left and to our right.  We are in this together. When you engage one of us, you get all of us. (Col 3:23-24)

As stated earlier in this handbook, interscholastic athletics is one of the four pillars of Strong Rock Christian School. Unlike recreational sports, interscholastic athletics are based upon competition and program performance (1 Cor 9:24). Successful programs will combine the attributes of winning with the objectives and philosophies of participation as stated in this handbook. Our staff of committed, dedicated and professional coaches must make decisions on the playing status of all student-athletes based on what are the best options for the team and program to be successful. 

Athletic programs at the Junior and Academy level that are focused on athletic development may be offered in various sports with the intent to ensure training, competition and recovery schedules are appropriate for an athlete at each specific stage of their growth and development. These programs will not travel or compete against outside schools or clubs but, instead, hold controlled competitions amongst themselves. These programs will act more as competitive recreational athletics with balanced playing time and no-cut policies.

A. The athlete should meet with her/his coach first.

B. Next, the parent should talk to their child’s coach. However, never meet with the coach immediately before or after a contest. Please contact the coach at least 24 hours after by phone or email to arrange an appropriate meeting.

C. If your questions are not sufficiently addressed, feel free to make an appointment with the Athletic Director, please contact the Assistant to the Athletic Director to arrange a meeting time. 

D. If your issues are still unresolved, contact the office to meet with the Principal.

*Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches are: (1) mental and physical treatment of your child; (2) ways to help your child improve; and (3) concerns about your child's behavior. 

*Issues that are not appropriate to discuss with coaches are: (1) team strategy; (2) play calling; and (3) other student athletes. 

*Following these steps will demonstrate respect for all individuals involved and allow our student athletes to see proper methods and means of conflict resolution.

Note: Do not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a practice or contest. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach and generally do not promote a resolution. All meetings should be at least 24 hours following a practice, contest or event.

All the following criteria must be satisfied prior to any student-athlete's participation in any High School athletic practices, games, or team function:

• Eligibility status filed and verified by the Georgia Independent Athletic Association as well as all local requirements as specified by Strong Rock Christian School; the GIAA requirements for eligibility are as follows:
  • A student must be a regular student taking 3 or more units, per semester in Grades 9 through 12. GIAA Allows participation for 8th grade students as long as they meet the general requirements noted herein. Events with non-GIAA affiliation may not allow 8th graders to participate and must be communicated in advance for proper protocols.
  • All student-athletes must have passed a minimum of 5 classes taken during the previous semester.
  • There are other stipulations concerning eligibility that are set forth by the Georgia Independent Athletic Association that are too numerous to mention here. If you have any questions concerning eligibility, please feel free to contact the Athletic Director. Eligibility is taken very seriously by the administration at Strong Rock Christian School. Infractions concerning eligibility have been dealt with very seriously by the Georgia Independent Athletic Association and infraction penalties may include fines imposed on offending schools and/or the forfeiture of games.
• A complete physical examination form on file with DRAGONFLY, https://www.dragonflymax.com, school Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate stating that the student-athlete is cleared to participate without restrictions or with specific restrictions noted. The physical form can be obtained either from the School Website, Head Coach, Athletic Director or Athletic Trainer.
• Completed forms for heat policy, concussion awareness, and sudden cardiac arrest prevention.
• Emergency Care card on file with the school Athletic Director, trainer, and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate.
• Documentation of current and active insurance coverage for the student-athlete
• Parents guardians and/or school athletic department; in addition, a statement signed by the parent/guardian of the student-athlete verifying the understanding that the school is not responsible for any financial obligations above and beyond the primary and secondary insurance coverage payments in the event of an accident and/or injury in the normal course of athletic participation by the student-athlete.
• In the event of an injury, a written doctor's medical release must be on file with the school Athletic Director, trainer and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate that clears the student-athlete to participate without restrictions or with specific restrictions noted on the release.

An Academy student is ineligible to participate until the following requirements have been completed:

• A complete physical examination form on file with DRAGONFLY, https://www.dragonflymax.com, school Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate stating that the student-athlete is cleared to participate without restrictions or with specific restrictions noted. The physical form can be obtained either from the School Website, Head Coach, Athletic Director or Athletic Trainer.
• Completed forms for heat policy, concussion awareness, and sudden cardiac arrest prevention. (Found on Dragonfly)
• Emergency Care card/information on file with the school Athletic Director, trainer, and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate.
• Documentation of current and active insurance coverage for the student-athlete
• A Waiver and Release Form signed by the parent/guardian of the student-athlete verifying the understanding that the school is not liable for injury nor responsible for any financial obligations above and beyond the primary and secondary insurance coverage payments in the event of an accident and/or injury in the normal course of athletic participation by the student-athlete. This form also provides consent to emergency medical treatment if parent is unable to be contacted.

A Junior (Elementary) student is ineligible to participate until the following requirements have been completed:

• Emergency Care card/information/registration and documentation of insurance on file with the school Athletic Director, trainer, and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate.
• All academic or behavioral eligibility requirements are satisfied.
• A Waiver and Release Form signed by the parent/guardian of the student-athlete verifying the understanding that the school is not liable for injury nor responsible for any financial obligations above and beyond the primary and secondary insurance coverage payments in the event of an accident and/or injury in the normal course of athletic participation by the student-athlete. This form also provides consent to emergency medical treatment if parent is unable to be contacted.
• AT ALL LEVELS: In the event of an injury, a written doctor's medical release must be on file with the school Athletic Director, trainer and the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete wishes to participate that clears the student-athlete to participate without restrictions or with specific restrictions noted on the release.

Strong Rock Christian School maintains that academics and athletics are collaborative partners in the overall development of the student-athlete. Based on this principle, the athletic department believes and will require each student-athlete to meet the following academic requirements:

School generated progress reports (issued every 9 weeks) will be used to track any academic deficiencies of our student-athletes. The Athletic Director and Head Coaches will meet and review the progress reports results to identify those student-athletes with academic deficiencies. If at any of those grade report intervals a student-athlete has a failing grade in any course(s), the student-athlete may be placed on academic /athletic probation and be required to attend either mandatory tutoring sessions for at least 2 hours per week in any and all courses in which they have a failing grade if the academic deficiency is the result of academic problems as determined by the teacher of the course. If it is due to work ethic as determined by the teacher, then the student-athlete may be required to attend mandatory study hall Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. This process will continue until the next grade report is issued. The student-athlete may continue their participation in athletics if they attend the mandatory tutoring or study hall sessions as required. Failure to attend the required tutoring will result in suspension from the team until the student-athlete meets the tutoring requirements.

If at the next grading period the student - athlete has made Satisfactory Progress (as determined by the teacher of the course(s), the School Athletic Director and the School Principal) in correcting the earlier grade deficiencies, the student-athlete will be allowed to return to non-probationary status. If the student-athlete has not made satisfactory progress in correcting grade deficiencies they will be prohibited from practice, games, and team functions until the point in time that the grade deficiencies have been corrected to an acceptable level.

Students need to check with teachers for assignments and tests prior to release. Students are required to make up tests and assignments based on our handbook and teacher syllabus.

Each Academy and High School athletic team at Strong Rock Christian School will have the most objective method possible to select teams for the sports that have tryouts to determine the final roster placement. Each Head Coach/Program Director will submit to the Athletic Director a written plan detailing the criteria and procedures used to determine team membership. Once approved, this criteria will be clearly communicated in writing to all potential team members prior to the beginning of any tryout sessions and the results of evaluations will be documented and available for review at the conclusion of stated tryout period.

Include the following:

• Dates and lengths of tryout sessions.
• Set measurable standards of evaluation.
• Maintain a digital/written evaluation available to discuss.
• Meet with students face to face; be willing to provide advice and counsel for those who do not make the team.
• Be ready and available to meet with parents.

Strong Rock Elementary athletics program is based on participation. There will be a try-out period not for membership but to determine student’s level of play. Where available, students will be placed on either a Red or Blue team for that season of sport to compete in. Students on a Red team will have equal playing minutes divided among all members of the team. Students on a Blue team will get as much equal playing time as possible in an athletic event with the coach determining who will play in the last few minutes of a close contest. Competition may be intramural or extramural depending on sport and season.

* The coaching staff and sport directors may progress or regress a student athlete team placement as needed to provide better opportunities to learn a skill or improve understanding of a sport. Some athletic offerings may or may not have multiple teams depending on athletes available or the competitive demands of the athletic activity involved.

Strong Rock Christian School encourages participation in all areas of the athletic department. However, Strong Rock Christian School encourages participation in all areas of the athletic department. However, because of scheduling conflicts, student-athletes are prohibited to participate in multiple (more than one) sports within an independent season (not including summer athletics). Exceptions to this rule are as follows:

If a student-athlete requests to participate in two concurring sports, a meeting must be arranged for the Head coaches of the two sports, the student-athlete and parents, and the school Athletic Director. This group will decide if it is beneficial for the student-athlete, the individual sports, and the total athletic department for dual participation within a season. Parameters will also be set during this meeting before dual athletic participation is approved.

Strong Rock Christian School is committed to providing equal opportunities and treatment for both sexes. Any concerns regarding such issues should be brought to the attention of and discussed with the school Athletic Director, Principal and Head Coach of the sport in which the concerns exist. Strong Rock Christian School reserves the right to make decisions for the best interest of the school and school community.

• Best interests of the student
• Best interests of the school
• Best interests of the team/activity

A student-athlete may be awarded a letter by completing the season in a varsity sport only and should be earned through dedication and commitment to that sport and making a significant contribution to the total team effort throughout the entire season. The criteria for lettering will be if a student-athlete completes the varsity season in good standing as determined by the Head Coach of the sport. Lettering criteria may be adjusted and detailed by the Head Coach but must meet with Athletic Director approval.  Once approved, clear communication to the players and parents must be made.

AFTER a student-athlete has met the criteria for lettering, they are eligible for a letter jacket. Letter jacket fitting/ordering meetings will be held once per school year. A sport specific pin will be awarded for a first-time letter winner. All successive letters will be awarded in the form of a “bar” for the student-athlete’s jacket. If a pin or bar needs to be replaced by the school because it was lost or broken, the student-athlete will be charged $3.00 for each.

NCAA Clearinghouse

If you are a prospective student-athlete at a Division I or II college or university, you have certain responsibilities to attend to before you may participate. Information concerning who needs to register with the Clearinghouse and what documents will be submitted can be found in The Guide for College-Bound Student-athletes on the NCAA website, www.ncaa.org.

• Conduct of a Student-athlete in the classroom and in the total school environment: It is our belief and expectation that a good student-athlete will portray himself or herself as a positive role model. A lack of dedication and commitment to uphold this standard throughout the total school environment will translate into a similar lack of dedication and commitment in athletics. We expect each student-athlete to conduct himself or herself in such a manner as to exemplify the positive qualities of giving maximum effort to attain success in the classroom and in all other school activities. We also expect each student-athlete to conduct himself or herself as a positive role model by adhering to accepted standards of conduct and behavior in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Conduct of the student-athlete in athletic participation:
  It is our belief and expectation that each student-athlete should conduct himself or herself as a winner no matter whether they or their team has won or lost an athletic contest. All opponents have worked equally hard to attain success and should be treated with the utmost respect in all situations. Each student-athlete should also conduct himself or herself in practices and games in such a manner as to not be detrimental to the specific athletic team, the entire athletic program of the school, the school as a whole and the community.
• Grooming and dress policy for student-athletes:
  As representatives of Strong Rock Christian School, the community, their family, and themselves, student-athletes are expected to adhere to all dress code policies as stipulated by the Strong Rock Christian School Family Handbook. Individual Head Coaches may require more stringent rules regarding grooming and dress policies for student-athletes on their team; however, those rules must at least meet the minimum requirements as stated in the Strong Rock Christian School Family Handbook. Violations will be dealt with both as a school disciplinary issue as well as a violation of school athletic policy and should be addressed by the Head Coach of the sport in which the student-athlete is a current participant.

• Support your student athlete’s athletic experience by taking an interest in the experience of the whole team.
• Model good sportsmanship for your student athlete by respecting opponents and officials. Cheer for Strong Rock’s teams and not against the opponents.
• Let your student athlete know that, win or lose, he/she is loved and his/her efforts are appreciated.
• Respect the coach. Do not coach from the stands. Do not raise concerns with the coach immediately before or after a contest. (This is not a time when issues can nor should be resolved.)

• Taunting
• Verbal abuse of officials, coaches, players, or opposing fans
• Any obscene gestures
• Throwing objects
• Signs or posters that degrade teams, officials, or players
• Vandalism
• Violence
• Consumption of drugs or alcohol

1.  Athletic Discipline and Athletic Probation: When athletic discipline is imposed, the head coach/program director will:

• Meet with the student-athlete to discuss the reason(s) for athletic discipline.
• Document the athletic discipline if it may lead to athletic probation or more severe sanctions. When athletic probation is imposed, the head coach/program director will:
• Meet with the Athletic Director to review the reason(s) for athletic probation and secure approval.
• Meet and inform the student-athlete of the deficiencies, how the student athlete is to correct them and the number of days of athletic discipline/probation.
• Immediately Notify the parent/guardian of the status of athletic discipline/probation. In-person meetings are highly suggested over email communication when possible.

NOTE: Upon completion of the athletic discipline/probation period defined, and if the deficiency noted is corrected, the student-athlete is removed from athletic discipline/probation. If the deficiency is not corrected, the discipline/probation period may be extended or the student-athlete is recommended for athletic suspension and/or athletic disqualification.

2.  Athletic Suspension/Athletic Disqualification: Prior to athletic suspension/disqualification of any student-athlete, a conference will be conducted with the student-athlete as follows:

• The Principal/Administrator will present to the student-athlete an oral and/or written notice of alleged misconduct and violation(s) of school rules; the evidence of the school rules; the evidence in support of the allegations; and the corrective action(s) or sanction(s) to be recommended.
• The student-athlete will be provided the opportunity for explanation. When athletic suspension/disqualification is imposed, the student-athlete will be notified verbally of the action taken by the Head Coach/Program Director in a meeting including the Director of Athletics and School Principal. In the case of athletic disqualification, the Head of School may or may not be present. Promptly thereafter, written notice will be sent by the Head Coach/Program Director to the student-athlete and parent/guardian containing the following information:
• The action taken
• The reason for disciplinary action, and,
• The right to an informal conference with the administrative team (Principal, Athletic Director) and the Head Coach/Program Director to review the athletic suspension/disqualification.

3.  Athletic Ejections: Any student-athlete ejected from a GIAA contest will be subject to penalties as outlined under the GIAA constitution and by-laws. In addition, any additional disciplinary action noted above may be added if deemed appropriate. All fines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and if deemed appropriate will be added to the student’s FACTS account. Additional team penalties may be included.

• 1st Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school – related function); suspension from participation equal to 5% of the of the total number of regular season scheduled contests for the sport for which they are competing at the time of the incident; student-athlete placed on probationary status with the school athletic department.
• 2nd Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school – related function); removal from the team for the remainder of the current season; the student-athlete will be required to enter into an athletic department contract agreement before the student-athlete is allowed to participate in any further athletics at Strong Rock Christian School

• 1st Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school function): suspension from participation equal to 10% of the total number of regular seasons scheduled contests for the sport for which they are competing at the time of the incident. The student-athlete will continue to practice during the suspension period; student-athlete placed on probationary status with the school athletic department; the student-athlete and their parent(s) will be required to enter into an athletic department contract agreement before the student-athlete is allowed to participate in any further athletics at Strong Rock Christian School.
• 2nd Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school function); removal from ALL athletic participation for one calendar year.

• 1st Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school function): suspension from participation equal to 5% of the total number of regular seasons scheduled contests for the sport for which they are competing at the time of the incident. The student-athlete will continue to practice during the suspension period; student-athlete placed on probationary status with the school athletic department; the student-athlete and their parent(s) will be required to enter into an athletic department contract agreement before the student-athlete is allowed to participate in any further athletics at Strong Rock Christian School.
• 2nd Offense: School Disciplinary Referral (if at school or at a school function); removal from ALL athletic participation for one calendar year.

• The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels
• The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels
• The heat/humidity level that will result in practice being terminated

• When lightning is detected within 15 miles of the venue, a “Heads Up” is given to everyone in the venue. “We are tracking a storm and if we see a lightning strike within the 7-10-mile range, we will clear the venue”.
• When lightning is detected within 7-10 miles of the venue, an announcement is made to clear the venue and move all spectators into “safe locations”. 30 minutes after the last tracked lightning strike at least 10 miles from the event site, the “All Clear” can be given and play can resume.
• Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.

1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. The athlete will never engage in any language that can be termed "trash talking" or use profanity or questionable slang. Example: In basketball, chants of “air-ball” or screaming while the opponent is on the free-throw line shows poor sportsmanship. In baseball, making noise while an opponent is at bat shows poor sportsmanship.
2. The athlete will address the coach and the officials with respect. The athlete will address the coach as “Coach” or “Mr., Miss or Mrs.” and will take concerns or complaints directly to the coach. Insubordination and divisive speech or behavior will not be tolerated. The athlete should address the officials with “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am”.
3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the “supervisor, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.

1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with teammates and coaches. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to develop life-long friendships. If sports become all about you, you need to not participate.
2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with classmates. Do not attempt to set yourself up on a pedestal. Your classmates will not respect you or support you.
3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with students from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others.

1. Develop unity within your team.“ It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.” John Wooden
2. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us has different abilities and different roles. Never be jealous or envious of another person’s role. Be busy filling your role.
3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. Our opponents are not our enemy. We will compete to win but will treat the opposition with respect and a positive attitude at all times.

1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Live for Him because He died for us.
2. Strive for victory in order to Glorify God. Athletics is just a means to an end and not an end unto itself.
3. Demonstrating Christ in our lives by abiding by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.
4. Committed to excellence. In all areas – Faith, Practice, Academics and Game Preparation; Play and Act like a CHAMPION!

1. The athlete will maintain a good reputation. The athlete’s character will be in good standing with the administration, faculty, staff and church.
2. The athlete will meet all eligibility requirements.
3. The athlete will know and understand all requirements. The athlete will know all the expectations of their team and will follow them both in action and in spirit.
4. The athlete will show respect for all coaches, trainers and all staff personnel. This includes the game plans, methods and philosophies.
5. The athlete will show respect for their teammates. The athlete will respect the seriousness of their commitment by attending all practices, meetings and games as prescribed at the beginning of the season and by working together to accomplish a common goal. Help to hold your teammates accountable for their actions.
6. The athlete will maintain a high standard of appearance. Both in and out of the arena the athlete will adhere to the strictest interpretations of the school dress code and the team dress and uniform code.
7. The athlete will demonstrate Christ-like character. Both in and out of the arena, the athlete will show respect in speech and actions for game officials, opponents and all those associated with our opponents.
8. The athlete will never engage in fighting. The athlete will always maintain self-control. Un-sportsman-like conduct penalties will not be tolerated and will have consequences. Consequences include, but are not limited to, suspensions or dismissal from the team.
9. The athlete will know and understand our philosophy. The athlete will respect the seriousness of the eternal effects of their responsibilities as they represent themselves, their families, their school, their church and ultimately their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.