I. Player Policies: 
       A. Failing Grades:
              1. Any student athlete with one or more failing grade of below 70% will be                              ineligible to play in a game until the next grade report – midterm or quarter                          report card. If a player is ineligible at midterms, they may be eligible to play                        again after two weeks if grades are brought up. If a player is ineligible at                              quarter report card, they may be eligible to play again at midterm.
              2. Students’ grades will be given to the principal. Home School students and                           Parish students must document grades to the principal or Athletic Director at                       the same time as St. Nicholas School students to be eligible to play.
              3. Principal will inform Athletic Director, coaches, students, and parents of                              ineligible players.
              4. Ineligible players may not dress for games if they attend, however, they                              should sit on the team bench in school uniform.
     B. St. Nicholas athletes can be St. Nicholas students and parishioners who are home            schooled or attend public schools. Exceptions can be made based on the needs of            the team.
     C. Players moving up:
               1. Students can move up to play on a team above them when the team                                    numbers  warrant additional players.
               2. A player playing at grade level and playing up may not start over a player at                       that level unless there is injury, foul trouble, substitution needed, or other                             valid  reason.
     D. If a player receives an unsportsmanlike technical in a game, they must sit out the               next game.
     E. If a player gets kicked out of a game, they will no longer be a part of the team.
     F. Play time: 5th and 6th grade – each plays a minimum of 7 minutes per game. 7th               and 8th grade – each player plays a minimum of 4 minutes per game. Volleyball –             each player plays a minimum of 15 points per match. **Tourney games are                       exempt  from policy limits**
      G. A student must be in attendance at the end of the school day in order to be eligible            to play in a game that evening. (unless there’s a valid reason)
      H. All students will be required to have a physical completed by a physician to be                   eligible to play. The physical is good for one year.
      I.  All students playing for a St. Nicholas team must complete and submit the                          following forms before the first practice to be eligible to play:
                   i. Registration form and dues
                  ii. Signed Athletic Policy
                  iii. Sports Physical
      J. Any athletic information will be submitted to the St. Nicholas School office by mail               or dropped off by the student. Athletic information given to the school office will be             kept and given to the Athletic Director in a timely manner.
       K. All basketball players and cheerleaders must come to all games dressed in school             uniform (tan or navy pants and warm-up team shirt) The 7th grade students will                 change back into school uniforms for the 8th grade game.
       L. Practice attire will consist of t-shirt and basketball style shorts. Modest dress is                  expected.
       M. Sportsmanship/Language/Conduct: Student athletes must exhibit good                           sportsmanship both in and out of competition. They are to show respect for all                   opponents, officials, coaches, players, teachers, administration and other people               with whom they may come into contact. Student athletes are expected to adhere               to all school rules and regulations. Failure to comply with school and individual                   classroom rules and regulations will result in disciplinary action deemed                             necessary by the athletic department, coach, or building administration. Any                       or behavior by student athletes judged inappropriate by coaches, teachers, or                     administrators may result in disciplinary action on an individual basis as they see               fit. Any student receiving a detention will automatically be ineligible to play               in the next game. The use of vulgar, profane, or disrespectful language is                         unacceptable anywhere and at anytime. Fighting, taunting, or otherwise                             provoking  conflict in  opponents, other students, or spectators will not be                           tolerated anytime or anywhere. All students represent St. Nicholas in a                               respectful, Christian leadership  way—on and off the court.
II. During the Games:
     A. No one will be permitted to bring a personal basketball in to the gym.
     B. No one, other than the team, will be allowed to be on the court during the games.
    C. Fans are not permitted to play basketball during halftime, between games, or after            the games, until all clean up is completed. (unless there is an organized contest)
    D. No one will be allowed to play in the basement during the games.
     E. Basement use is for restrooms only, except for the opposing team.
     F. No one other than the players and designated adults may be in the locker                          rooms/dressing rooms before, during, and after game time.
III.Coaches:
     A. Coach Selection: Anyone interested in coaching should register by application to                the school office by May 1st, prior to the new athletic season. If no one formally                 applies, the Athletic director will contact people to coach.
     B. All coaches must have completed the Safe and Sacred program and have a                      certificate on file in the school office before the first practice.
    C. If more than two coaches express interest in coaching, the Athletic Director and                Principal will decide the coaches.
     D. In order to give interested and qualified parents/persons an opportunity to coach, a            coach’s term may be limited.
    E. Guidelines for coaches:
          1. Represent St. Nicholas School and Church.
          2. Exhibit good sportsmanship.
          3. Be a positive role model for the student athletes.
          4. If a coach receives a second technical in one season, he/she must address the                  Principal.
          5. Avoid scheduling Sunday practices.
          6. 5 th - 8 th grades may practice/play games a maximum of 4 nights a week. IV.Parents
     A. Addressing concerns:
          1. Parents must address concerns following the chain of command: coaches,                          Athletic Director, Principal, and Pastor.
         2. Never approach a coach with a concern right before or directly after a game.
         3. Address coaches in a respectful manner by phone, email, or meeting.
         4. Avoid negative comments about coaches: instead talk to coaches about your                    concerns.
        5. Volunteering:
              1. All parents of athletes need to help in some way: set-up, clean-up, books,                          scoreboard, uniforms, door, concessions, or coach.
              2. For safety reasons, when volunteering for concessions at St. Nicholas gym,                        preschool age children will not be allowed in the cafeteria.
     B. Parent Code of Conduct:
        1. Parents need to demonstrate good sportsmanship. They need to refrain from                      complaining to the referees and/or about the referees.
        2. Parents need to be respectful fans for the St. Nicholas team and opponents.                     

We have read and agreed to the terms of the 2020-21 St. Nicholas School Athletic Policy.