Troy ChristianSchools

Athletic Handbook

Micheal Coots, Athletic Director

700 S. Dorset Rd.Troy, OH 45371(937)339-5692

Revised: 10/13

Troy Christian High School and Jr. Highis a member of the Ohio High SchoolAthletic Association. As such, TroyChristian will abide by all OHSAA

bylaws, guidelines, and sport specificrules. For more information on

OHSAA, you can visit their website at:www.ohsaa.org.

Philosophy of Christian Athletics

Christian athletics is a ministry. When athletics are

seen from the Christian perspective, winning has abroader definition and our athletes a greater purpose. We want our coaches and athletes to be used of God inthe lives of those they meet. Troy Christian athleticsalways aim to be sensitive to the leading of the HolySpirit as our Lord opens doors for active ministry.“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you

must be your servant. Just as the Son of Man did notcome to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:26, 28).

Christian athletics is an arena for teaching theprinciples of God’s Word. Athletics is an opportunity topractice God’s principles. Examples of these principlesare controlling the feelings that arise in competition,working together as members of the body of Christ,

winning from God’s perspective rather than a person’s,being submissive to authority, and demonstrating thefruit of the Spirit during stressful situations. It’s our hopethat our athletes are controlled by the Holy Spirit(Ephesians 5:18) and produce Christ-like actions so thatothers may see Jesus through them.

Christian athletics is an arena used for teaching theimportance of athletics from a Christian

perspective. Scripture encourages striving hard for the

goal, to be successful and to win the prize. Do you not

know that in a race all the runners run, but only onegets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1Corinthians 9:24). Christ expects us to give a total effortin all that we do, and therefore, is not satisfied withanything less than our best in a practice session, agame, or in the classroom. They do it to get a crown that

will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will lastforever. (1 Corinthians 9:25) Through the guidance ofthe Holy Spirit, Christian athletes learn to cherish eternalrewards as a treasure of great price. They learn that themost treasured reward often does not show up on thescoreboard, but in the lives of those who havedeveloped a deeper desire for the things of Christ and inthose whose lives were touched by the Christian athlete.Ultimately, winning is defined as pleasing the Lord with

our attitudes and actions. This only begins when theathlete develops a desire to please the Lord rather than

people. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)We want our athletes to catch the vision that our Lordattends every athletic event and is our primary audience.

ATHLETE

Standards

● The Christian athlete must exhibit an intensedesire to improve without having to be forced.The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the

desires of the diligent are fully

satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4) ● The Christian athlete must be fully committed to

this ministry, games and practice. Whatever you

do, work at it with your heart, as working for the

Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)● During the heat of competition, the Christian

athlete must maintain self-control. Instead, be

filled with (controlled by) the Spirit. (Ephesians5:18) ● The Christian athlete should do nothing todiscredit self, their family, team or school duringor apart from an athletic event.● Troy Christian athletes must attend practice witha willingness to:

A. Give their self for the benefitof the team

B. Perform with great intensity C. Respond properly to instruction

D. Respond properly to constructive criticism

E. Contribute to the team unit …being like-minded, having the same love, being one in

spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish

ambition or vain conceit, but in humility

consider others better thanyourselves. (Philippians 2:2, 3). F. Practice self-discipline (I Cor. 9:27).

● The Christian athlete understands that athleticsis an exciting ministry. The Troy Christian athletedesires to be sensitive to the leading of the HolySpirit as our Lord uses athletics as an arena forteaching the principles of God’s Word andministry.

● The Christian athlete always shows respect toALL at ALL times.

Philosophy of Christian Coaching

Our coaching philosophy is identical to our educationalphilosophy. Our major purpose is to influence ourathletes to speak, act, lead and think (S.A.L.T.) likeJesus now. We want our athletes to possess positiveChrist-like character qualities and to express themopenly through athletics. We are primarily interested inbuilding eternal values in our athletes and, therefore,need to emphasize attitudes and actions in relation toGod’s Word.

The Troy Christian principles of R2G2 also apply toathletics. A TCS education is developing both astrong mind and heart for Christ. Education is morethan information. It involves the transformation of

the heart. We have identified four key values thatwe believe strongly will be a compass to guide ourstudents in life and assist in their development oftheir Christian character. We use the acronym R2G2,which stands for Respect, Responsibility,Gratefulness and Genuineness. These core valuesare our compass as we nurture the hearts ofstudents. This is why Luke 6:45 is so important.

Our athletes are confronted with many life situations. Thesesituations become perfect opportunities for teaching biblicalprinciples. The coaches’ job is to biblically direct them in thesesituations to build Christ-like character qualities. Coaches aretheir leaders and are to disciple them in the hope that Romans

8:6 will be true for them,…the mind controlled by the Spirit is

life and peace.

Athletic Code of Conduct

● The athlete’s conduct is always a credit to the Lordand to the school, on the athletic field and in thecommunity. The Student Code of Conduct signed byall TCS students applies at all times and places,including athletics.● Every Troy Christian athlete will abide by all of theOHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association). Students will sign the OHSAA AuthorizationStatement.● The athlete recognizes and abides by the coach’sparticular rules and procedures as approved by theAthletic Director. Parents receive these rules andguidelines prior to the beginning of each sportseason.● The athlete abides by the authority of the coach atall times. ● The athlete obeys all rules set by the school andcomplies with the spirit and letter of the rules, yearround, including summer break.● The athlete does not use alcohol, drugs, or tobaccoor attend parties where these are present. If an

athlete enters a situation where drugs or alcohol arepresent, the athlete must leave immediately ordisciplinary action will be taken.

● The athlete should abstain from immoral behavior.● The athlete that has a tattoo must keep it coveredat all times without drawing attention to one’s self.● Music that is played in the locker rooms, field houseor anywhere else on campus must have priorapproval from the Athletic Director.● The athlete cares for equipment issued andcomplies with all instructions that may accompany it.Such equipment is worn only on the athletic field, notto school or in the community unless the AthleticDirector gives special permission. Lost or misusedequipment is replaced at the player’s expense. At theend of the season the athlete turns in all equipmenton the date requested. If after seven (7) days, theequipment is not returned, the athlete is billed for theequipment, unless otherwise approved by theAthletic Director. ● The athlete does not participate in practice or inany athletic event on any day in which they are absentfor more than half of the school day. Schooladministration may make exceptions to this rule.● Any athlete receiving an ISS (In SchoolSuspension) may result in loss of practice and/orplaying time.● Any athlete receiving an OSS (Out of SchoolSuspension) will not be allowed to attend practicesand contests for an amount of time determined by theAthletic Director.● Any athlete receiving a technical violation or yellowcard for unsportsmanlike conduct during any contestmay result in disciplinary action from the coachand/or Athletic Director.● Ejection or removal from any contest will result in aone game suspension as described by the OHSAAregulations. Discipline will be decided by the AthleticDirector and/or the coach.● The athlete is aware of and maintains academiceligibility and is aware of and abides by all otherstate athletic rules of the OHSAA guidelines.● The athlete adheres to the philosophy andstandards for Christian athletes as described in the

Troy Christian Schools Athletic Handbook andstrives to serve Christ through the medium ofChristian athletics. Any violations of this handbookmay result in the loss of playing time either in

practice or athletic events.● The athlete adheres to the philosophy andstandards for TCS students as described in the TCSStudent-Parent Handbook. Any violations of thishandbook may result in the loss of playing time eitherin practice or athletic events.

Hazing

“Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joininga group (or to

maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degradesor risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of

the person’s willingness to participate.

Hazing activities are generally considered to be: physically abusive, hazardous, and/or sexually violating.

O.R.C. Section 2903.31

No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing ofanother.No administrator, employee or faculty member of anyprimary, secondary, or post-secondary school or of anyother educational institution, public or private, shallrecklessly permit the hazing of any person.

Troy Christian Schools has a zero tolerance for any typeof hazing activity. Any action considered to be hazingwill result in immediate disciplinary action up to removalfrom participation in athletics.

Travel to Away Contests

When a team bus or van is used, all players are to ridethe bus or van to and from events. However, the coachmay release an athlete to ride with his/her parents oncethey have provided the coach with written permission.

All athletes are expected to respect and adhere to thestate law that prohibits eating and drinking while riding ina school bus.

Athletes may not ride with another athlete.

Parents will provide transportation to all away games. By agreeing to the athletic handbook, as the parent youagree to let your child ride with other parents or coaches. You also agree that your child may drive themselves if

they are licensed. If you do not agree with, you must

be available to transport your child to all games.

Exceptions to this may be evaluated when the number ofathletes warrants consideration for school transportation.

Commitment of Athletes

If students choose to participate in the ministry ofathletics,

● They are expected to fulfill the commitment tothe best of their abilities.● Every athlete is responsible to attend allpractices and games. All absences must be dueto an emergency.● Emergencies do occur and can be excused.Examples of an emergency are death in thefamily or athlete illness.● Unexcused absences will result in disciplinaryaction, which can include loss of playing time.

Troy Christian Schools strongly encourage its families tobe involved in ministries of the local church. Therefore,coaches adhere to our board directiveconcerning Wednesday practices ending by 5:30pm andno Sunday practices. The athletic department viewsitself as an extension of the family and is sensitive tofamily and church activities, especially during theholidays.

We also recognize that excellence involves commitment.Therefore, families must discuss in depth the issue ofcommitment before the child joins an interscholastic

team. Our philosophy views athletics as a very

valuable ministry, an arena for teaching Godlyprinciples and an opportunity to understand

winning from God’s perspective.

We encourage involvement in the local church. It isimportant for parents and coaches to not place ourchildren in situations of over-commitment.

Consideration to be a captain at Troy Christian is anhonor that brings responsibility and commitment. Listedbelow are guidelines for consideration:

Team Captain Criteria

1. Evidence of a personal relationship with Christ

2. Follows coaches directives & expectations inand out of season3. Respected by teammates4. Off-season commitment5. School connection (service, missions,participation)6. Has not quit any prior season7. Models Christ-like behavior, conduct, withboldness8. Must make a commitment to leadershiptraining.

Reasons for Removal as a Team Captain

1. Violation of School Code of Conduct2. Violation of Athletic Code of Conduct3. Unexcused absences for practices or games4. Disrespect of Coaches5. Disrespect of Teammates6. Ejection from game (Red card, Technical,etc...)

“NO QUIT” Policy

Troy Christian Schools follows a “No Quit Policy”. Once an athlete has made the commitment toparticipate and has either attended one week ofpractices and/or prior to the first scrimmage, the athletemust complete the season. If an athlete chooses todisregard this policy, the athlete will forfeit the ability tocompete in the next season or the remainder of theschool year. Injured players are also expected tocomplete the season by still attending practices andcontests and serving the team in any capacity needed tobe determined by the coach.

Disciplinary Philosophy and Procedures

The Troy Christian Schools’ administration and athleticstaff are very concerned with the attitudes displayed byour athletes. We believe that athletes arerepresentatives of our school on and off the playing fieldor court. Many times the only contact that people havewith our school is through their observations of ourathletic teams. We believe that a student’s behavior inthe classroom is a clear indication of what their behaviorcan be on the field or court. If a student athlete cannot actin a Christ-like manner with peers and teachers, then wecannot expect that student to be a good representativeof our school on the playing field.

School behavior can affect athletic eligibility.

When a negative attitude or behavior occurs, it is dealtwith immediately. After consultation with the AthleticDirector to decide upon the discipline, the coach meetswith the athlete and explains the decision. Parents arecontacted by letter or phone to inform them of thecircumstances and resulting discipline. Each case ishandled independently.

Substance Misuse/Abuse Policy

The Athletic Department asks for cooperation from theparents. If a parent becomes aware of their athleteviolating any athletic or school policies, the parent mustcontact the Athletic Director.

The problem of substance misuse/abuse (alcohol, drugs,or tobacco) is a surface problem. Therefore, it isimportant that we deal with the underlying root problem.Understanding that the purpose of disciplinary action isrestoration, and understanding that God’s Word has theanswer to all problems, the administration may suspendathletes from one season to the next or implement asuspension on the next sport to be played. With this inmind, our policy is as follows:

Self-reporting: When the parent and the athlete report

a violation to the athletic director, the athlete will bedenied participation in 15% of the remaining games.

Once the athlete is determined to have a problem, theadministration will take whatever action deemedappropriate in order to achieve restoration.

Failure to Self-report:● The athlete will be immediately suspended from theteam for 50% of the total games (which may includegames in the next season).● Once the athlete is determined to have a problem,the administration will take whatever action theybelieve is appropriate for restoration.

Second offense results in immediate suspension fromall sports for the entire calendar year. The possibility offuture sports participation will be a collectiveadministrative decision.

This policy is in effect for the entire calendar year,including summer. This policy applies to any athlete at

any time whether the sport is in season or not. Athleteswho represent our school and Jesus should beresponsible for their actions year-round. Any offense inthe summer will result in disciplinary action in the nextsport participation season.

Athletic Eligibility

● All high school and jr. high athletes must meet theOHSAA requirements. Please refer to the following linkregarding the requirements:http://www.ohsaa.org/eligibility/default.asp.● All high school athletes must maintain a minimum

cumulative GPA of 1.7.

● Grades will be checked at the end of each quarter.● Failing Bible class can result in removal from athleticparticipation.

If the athlete is ineligible by OHSAA rules, participation in the

sport is not allowed for the following grading period.

Athletic Participation Requirements

● All athletes are required to have a completed physicalform on file before they may practice. Athletes will not beallowed to practice unless a current physical form is on filein the Athletic Office.● Other forms that must be on file with the Athletic Officebefore the first practice are the following:

1. OHSAA Contract (signed)2. OHSAA Concussion form (signed)

Snow Day Policy

If a “snow day” or “emergency day” is called on the day of anathletic contest or practice, the following policy is in effect:

● The athletic contest or practice is considered cancelledunless the Athletic Director and Superintendent determine itis safe to continue with the contest.● If bus transportation is required, the Athletic Directormakes a decision after he communicates with thoseinvolved with transportation.● Coaches are contacted between noon and 1PM.● One Call messages will be activated after 1PM.

Athletic Awards Policy

The following awards will be given to athletes at the conclusionof each season during an all school awards night. Attendanceis required and athletes must wear what was formerly chapeldress. Each athlete must meet the specific criteria for theirsport to earn these awards.

Character CertificatesEach athlete in grades 7-12 will receive a character certificategiven to them by their coach. This will be written by each coachand focus on the positive qualities that athlete has exhibitedduring the season.

Varsity NumeralsEach athlete who is participating in high school athletics for thefirst time will receive their graduation year numerals.

Varsity Letter (1st year)Each athlete who is playing on a varsity team for the first time inhigh school and has met their sport’s varsity requirements(determined by the coaching staff and Athletic Director) willreceive a varsity letter and corresponding sport pin.

Varsity Bar (2nd year)Each athlete who is playing on a varsity team for the secondyear in high school and has met their sport’s varsityrequirements will receive a varsity bar pin.

Varsity Star (3rd year)Each athlete who is playing on a varsity team for the third yearin high school and has met their sport’s varsity requirements willreceive a varsity star pin.

Letterman Plaque (4th year)Each athlete who is playing on a varsity team for the fourth yearin high school and has met their sport’s varsity requirements willreceive a varsity four year plaque and patch.

Special AwardsCoaches Awards: These awards are given to Varsity athletes

who have achieved a specific goal, record or personal best.

Most Improved Player: This award is given any JV or Varsityathlete who has improved the most either from last season tothis season or from the beginning to end of this season.

Rookie of the Year: This award is given to any JV or Varsity

athlete who has participated in that varsity sport for the firsttime and has embraced the sport and all of its characteristics.

The Eagle Award: Coaches will recommend Varsity athleteswho fulfill the following criteria; exemplifies Christ duringcompetition, team leader, spiritual leader, hard working in andout of season, dedicated to athletics, demonstrates a Christ-like attitude, dedicated to Troy Christian, scholastically on track. The Athletic Department will choose Eagle Award recipientsbased on coach, faculty and staff recommendations.

Scholar Athletes

All athletes in grades 7-12 who have obtained a GPA of 3.5 orbetter during the season are recognized as scholar athletes atthe end of each season. Certificates are available uponrequest. The names of scholar athletes will be placed onplaques outside the athletic office.

PARENT

Athletic Participation Fee

All athletes in grades 7 - 12 will pay a participation fee perathlete, per sport, per season. This fee is to be paid by theannounced date pertaining to each season.

Parent Volunteer Co-Op

The Parent Volunteer Co-Op is a program that will assist us incovering all of the necessary duties for home events andprovide hospitality to both our fans, and all of our visitors. Theco-op will involve parents or other volunteers of our studentathletes in grades 7 – 11, allowing parents to be spectatorsduring their athlete’s senior year. Various duties will includeconcessions, gate, facility, etc… The Co-Op Coordinator willwork with the Athletic Department to schedule parents intothese various duties.

Insurance Coverage

Troy Christian Schools do not assume responsibility relative todoctor, ambulance or medical expenses in case of a medicalemergency. Athletics are a voluntary, co-curricular program inwhich students may participate if they desire, but do so at their

own risk. Parents or guardians must obtain adequate insurancecoverage for their students through a family insurance policy.Any liability or cost incurred is the responsibility of the family ofthe student athlete.

Spectators Code of Conduct

…live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be

completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with oneanother in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the

Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

● Spectators are to treat our coaches and players, opposingcoaches and players and the referees and officials in arespectful Christ-like manner.● The actions of fans are a witness to our community. Theyshould remember that they represent not only our school, butalso our Lord.● Spectators are to exhort our players and teams in apositive manner. ● Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removalfrom the game.

Media Coverage

All athletes, at any time in or out of season, can have theirnames and or photos published in local newspapers, theOHSAA web-site, and the Metro Buckeye Conference web-siteor on the Troy Christian web-site. If a parent or guardian doesnot wish to have their athlete’s name and or photo released, awritten request must be submitted to the Athletic Director.

Parent and Coach Meetings

We understand that disagreement can arise between coachesand parents.The Athletic Department asks that parents follow the Biblicalprinciples outlined in Matthew 18 and talk to the coach inperson. If you feel the need to talk with a coach, pleaseschedule an appointment with that coach on any day other thanthe day of a game. Coaches have many responsibilities ongame days. Please respect your athlete’s coach by allowingthem to focus on preparing for the game. No coach should beapproached about concerns you may have surrounding gametime.

The following items are not to be discussed with a coach at any

time:● Coaching philosophy as it relates to the game● Any other player

If after a parent/coach meeting, an issue cannot be resolved,either party may request a meeting with the Athletic Director inwhich both parties will be present.

Compliance with the AthleticHandbook

Payment of any season’s athletic fee acknowledges both aparent/guardian and an athlete's agreement to abide by theathletic handbook in its entirety.

School Concussion Policy

○ Troy Christian follows the OHSAA guidelines regardingconcussions. Please refer to the following link regardingOHSAA guidelines:http://www.ohsaa.org/medicine/Concussions/ConcussionRegulations.pdf.

I have read the above information and have received theschool’s concussion policy.

Parent’s signature _____________________________ Date____________ Athlete’s signature_____________________________ Date____________