ATHLETICS

St. Mary's has a long history of athletics and we pride ourselves in offering a variety of sports and extra curricular activities for students. Organized teams are formed for students in grades 5-8 in boy's basketball, girl's basketball, track and field, and cheerleading. Students in 4 th grade are permitted to participate at the 5 th grade level.

The Athletics Association, with the approval of the principal, plans all aspects of the athletic programs at St. Mary's. Our entire athletics' staff is comprised of volunteers and we would not be able to provide our students with athletics without everyone's assistance.

St. Mary’s School has not had an organized Athletics Association for several years. For the 2006-2007 school year, we will form an organized Athletics Association. The Athletics Association is open to any family with a student involved in athletics at St. Mary’s School and any parish member with an interest in promoting school athletics. The Athletics Association Board will be formed at the first Athletics Association General Meeting and then according to the by-laws as approved by the St. Mary’s Parish Education Association.

IESA
Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) regulates interscholastic activities in the state, including sports, scholastic bowl, speech, and music competitions.

St. Mary’s School holds a limited membership to the IESA. For the 2006-2007 school year, we will participate in IESA track. For all other sports activities, we strive to follow IESA guidelines whenever possible or practical.

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Eligibility
All students enrolled in St. Mary’s school are eligible to participate in athletics and extra curricular activities that are appropriate for their grade level.

Participation by students enrolled in CCD:
IESA rules prevent students from participating in athletics at a school in which they are not enrolled; however, students enrolled in the St. Mary’s CCD program are welcome to participate in non-IESA sports activities, as long as:

Their participation does not cause the exclusion of a student enrolled in St. Mary’s School.

• They faithfully attend CCD classes.

• They prove academic eligibility.

• The family agrees to complete 10 service hours with athletics.

• They meet all eligibility requirements according to the St. Mary's handbook. 

Academic Eligibility
Participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities is a privilege offered through the school. Students forfeit this privilege if academic standards are not met and/or conduct is deemed unacceptable. Extra-curricular activities include but are not limited to: athletics, cheerleading, drama club, student council, etc.

Eligibility will be determined after the first two weeks of any new grading period. A student's eligibility will be determined every Friday. A student will be placed on probation for receiving an accumulative grade of "D" in any subject. A student will be deemed ineligible for receiving an accumulative grade "F" in any subject.

Any student on probation may practice and participate in games/activities. Three weeks of accumulative probation in a quarter may result in one week suspension from all activities. Additional weeks of probation may result in further suspension and/or expulsion from all team/activity.

Any student deemed ineligible may practice but will not be allowed to participate in any game/activity for that week. Additional weeks of ineligibility may result in further activity suspension and/or expulsion from the team/activity.

School personnel will notify the student, parent, coach or moderator, athletic and other key personnel involved when the student becomes ineligible.

The principal reserves the right to review individual cases and make adjustments in the best interest of the student, the team and the school. Exceptions will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

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Service Requirements
Each family with students participating in athletics must complete 10 hours of service related to athletics. These hours will count toward the school requirement of 20 service hours.

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Student Insurance
The parents of all students in grades 4-8 that plan to participate in athletics must do one of the following:

1. Purchase accident insurance for their child;
2. Verify that the child is covered by family health insurance; or
3. Sign a waiver of school liability for such potential injury

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Physicals for Athletics
All students in grades 4-8 planning to participate in any formal athletic program must submit a physical, performed within the last calendar year and signed by a physician, stating that the student is in good physical health. These must be on file before the first tryout or practice.

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Spectators/Gymnasium

• Food, drink and gum are not permitted in the gymnasium at any time, including sporting events. Food and drink must be consumed in the cafeteria area. Gum is not permitted in the building at any time.

• Spectators at all sporting events will conduct themselves appropriately. Derogatory comments made to or directed at coaches, referees, and athletes will not be tolerated.

• Children must be supervised and must remain in the immediate area of the event.

• The balcony located above the bleachers is off limits to everyone, except authorized personnel.

• Please do not hang on or climb the ladder leading to the balcony.

• The stage curtains should remain closed at all times, with the exception of special performances and athletic events. The heating and cooling system is designed to work most efficiently with the curtains closed. Children should not play with the curtains.

• Do not jump off the stage to the gym floor. Please use the stairs.

• The newer halogen lights are to be used for all activities. These lights take several minutes to warm up and perform at capacity. Please be patient. The smaller, older lights come on instantly, but use a great deal of electricity and should not be used without permission from the principal or parish staff.

• The doors to the under stage storage area should remain closed and locked at all times.

• Do not kick balls at the lights, speakers, banners, or at other items hanging in the gym. You will be held responsible for intentional damage.

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