Guidelines to participate in Athletics

A Christian attitude is expected on and off the ball court

Academics: Each student wanting to participate in a team sport is required to carry an overall grade average of at least a "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale). If the student should receive an "F" on his/her report card or midterm report in any subject or have an average lower than the one stipulated, he/she will be suspended from the team (practices and games) for a period of two weeks. This time should allow the student to give extra attention to the failing subject(s). At the end of the two-week period, the student, parents, teacher, and principal, if desired, will review the process made over the two-week period to evaluate if the grade will be a passing grade. If the grade becomes a passing grade or if the average is brought to at least a "C" level, the student will be allowed to rejoin the team. If the student is still failing, the suspension will be extended another two weeks, after which time the same review process will take place.

Attendance: A student may not participate in school sports activities if he/she has been absent from school earlier in the day, unless unusual circumstances result in a waiver granted by the principal. *A student may not participate in any Sunday school sports activities if he/she has not attended church earlier that day. (Attending worship at an alternative time prior to Sunday morning is acceptable if a conflict is known beforehand.)

Christian Attitude: Every athlete is expected to maintain a Christian attitude on and off the ball court. Behavior that would constitute an offense is outlined on page 6 of the student handbook. Results of such non-Christian behavior would result in the following:

1. First Offense: one game suspension beyond the game in which the problem occurred, followed by a coach, parent, and principal meeting.
2. Second Offense: two game suspension beyond the game in which the problem occurred, followed by a coach, parent, and principal meeting.
3. Third Offense: removal from the team for the remainder of the season.

In some ways, these may seem harsh consequences, but a Christian attitude is what While Creek is trying to show to those within its walls as well as those with whom we have contact. The students need to know that if they cannot maintain that frame of mind, they will have to pay the price for their behavior. It is not the goal of those writing these rules to remove a student from participation in sports, but rather to teach him/her the importance of one's attitude and how it can affect opportunities for Christian witness.

Buddy System: The "Buddy System" will be implemented at all away sporting events. Any student/ athlete who do not follow the system will face suspension from all away games.

Awards: Participation awards (pins, letters) given by the school - as well as individual awards presented at the athletic banquet - require a full season's involvement on the part of the student. Unexcused absences from games and practices constitute less than a full season's involvement.

Each athlete receives two copies of these guidelines. One copy is returned to the school after being signed by both student and parents (one parent if a single-parent household) to show understanding and your acceptance of these rules. The second copy may be kept by the parent(s) for any future reference.