CORNERSTONE FAMILY SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAM

Guidelines:

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

CFS is a member of the Mid-America Association of Christian Schools (MAACS), the Metro Christian Athletic Association (MCAA), the Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado (KanOkCo) home school association, and is a Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) approved school. As members, we agree to subscribe to rules and regulations set forth by these bodies. Guidelines have been designed by the CFS Athletics Committee to ensure the spiritual and physical safety, and development of the athletes. In an effort to be above reproach, CFS players, coaches, families, and fans are expected to comply with the following guidelines .

Player Eligibility:

1. The athletics program is for CFS students who are home schooled at least 51% of the time, or a senior completing work required for graduation and enrolled in a minimum of 3 units of study.
   • Age requirements: Junior High- 7^th-9^th grades Must be at least 12 years of age before September 1^st of the school year in which they are participating. Varsity-9^th-12^th grades Must not be 19 years of age before September 1^st in the school year in which they are participating. Exceptions may apply according to the number of participants available and the team composition each year.
2. Any athlete must not have been enrolled in school for more than eight semesters since entering 9^th grade.
3. An athlete may not be married or divorced.
4. All athletes must have a “C” average, and may not receive an “F” in any subject they are presently taking. Due to the nature of home schooling, parents are responsible for balancing the academic and athletic needs of their children. The coach should be notified two days prior to a game if athletic restrictions are necessary due to academic performance.
5. No student will be given scholarships or grants in financial aid of any kind, purely for athletic purposes.
6. An athlete who does not behave in a manner which glorifies God will become ineligible, and if such player is a non-CFS player, that player could lose eligibility indefinitely.

Teams: The participation year is from August 15 through May 15 of each year. Each team sport shall be limited to approximately the following number of players. The coaches will determine the final number of players each season. Tryouts may be necessary any time the number of interested participants exceeds these numbers. The coaching staff will conduct all tryouts and make selections based on desire, determination, dedication, and skill development. While it is the desire for the Junior High teams to be developmental and the Varsity teams to be competitive in nature, playing time is left to the discretion of the individual coaches.

Appearance:All players, coaches, and fans shall dress in a manner that honors God. The MCAA guidelines are as follows:

Girls -Will wear loose fitting culottes or shorts that are not shorter than 2” above the kneecap in a standing position or loose fitting sweats. Appearance should always be feminine with the emphasis on a meek and quiet spirit. Cheerleaders’ uniforms will be culottes or skirts that come to the top of the kneecap. Modest , feminine attire will be the standard.

Boys-Uniforms and sweats are to be sufficiently loose fitting. Hair shall be off the eyebrows, ears and collar, trimmed neatly. No facial hair. Sideburns may go to the bottom of the ear lobe.

Note: On some occasions, such as the MAACS chapel and tournament, a higher standard of dress code may apply.

Scheduling: Recognizing that CFS families and students are involved in a variety of activities, the Athletic Director will follow guidelines similar to those set forth by the Kansas State High School Activities Association to limit the number of games and tournaments scheduled per sport. Guidelines are as follows:

Games are generally scheduled on Tuesday and Friday afternoons/evenings to the extent possible. Times will vary according to travel distance and the number of games scheduled.

Conduct of Players, Coaches, Spectators:

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:17

As representatives of CFS and as ambassadors for Christ, it is necessary that the behavior of the players, coaches, and all spectators demonstrate loyalty to Christ and a servant’s heart. It is said that an individual Christian may be the only “Bible” that some nonbelievers ever read. Likewise, misbehavior of professing Christians could be a hindrance to faith for unbelieving observers.

It is the responsibility of the coaches to encourage compliance to the conduct guidelines during and after games by dealing with team violations. Each CFS family is responsible for the conduct of their own members. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action by the Athletics Committee.

Players:

Agreement with referee calls

Edifying remarks to others

Helping own and opposing team players when they have fallen

Thanking referees at the end of the game

Congratulating opposing team at the end of the game

Praying for opposing teams before and during games

Leaving visiting school’s facility in as good or better condition than when you came

Coaches:

More emphasis on spiritual training than athletic accomplishment

Promote, encourage and demonstrate Christian fellowship with other schools

Consistently discourage divisive rivalries

Support academic standards set by parents

Promote safety at all times

Be a spiritual leader, no matter what the cost

Teach and train student athletes

Respond rather than reacting to players

Spectators:

Be a faithful and loyal supporter of teams both home and away

Always be encouraging with expressions, comments and attitudes toward players, coaches, officials,

and other spectatorsGreet and get to know opposing team members’ parents and spectatorsHelp clean up the facility at the end of each gamePromote safety and act responsibly. Immediately clear the court or field when teams arrive for warm up.

Responsibilities

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

Athletes:

1. Pray regularly for the team, families and leaders.

2. Participate in devotions and/or prayers before practices and games.

3. Attend all scheduled practices on time unless prior arrangements have been made with the coach. Notify the coach at least 24 hours in advance unless there is an emergency.

4. Team sports require teamwork. Individual goals must support the goals of the team.

5. Treat team members and coaches with respect. Encourage one another as you play “For God’s Glory”.

6. Take your concerns to the coach at a time which does not interrupt practice or game times.

7. Practice and game facilities are rented by CFS. Observe all rules and avoid behavior which might lead to damage of the facility or any equipment.

8. Respect the equipment and belongings of the team and of other players.

9. Follow the care instructions on uniforms carefully to minimize wear and tear. Team uniforms must be returned promptly at the end of the season. (Senior players may be offered the opportunity to purchase their uniforms if replacements can be ordered.)

10. Arrive at home and away games at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the game, in uniform and ready to warm up.

11. Bring a water jug or bottle and an alternate jersey or CFS T-shirt to each game in case of color conflicts.

12. Assist the coaches in gathering equipment and cleaning up after practices and games. Players may be assigned clean up duties at the end of home games.

13. Observe the dress code of the host school.

Parents:

1. Pray regularly for the families, athletes, and leaders.

2. Attend home and away athletic events to support the teams.

3. Transport or make arrangements for transportation to practices and games for your child. Students should not drive to sporting events out-of-town unless prior arrangements have been made with the coach. Seat belt use is required by all riders.

4. Encourage your child and the other athletes to love and serve the Lord in all they do.

5. Show support for the coaches and Athletics Committee members who volunteer their time and gifts.

6. Assume volunteer duties and responsibilities as opportunities arise.

7. Resolve matters of dispute with the person or persons involved, and follow the biblical instruction found In Matthew 18:15.

8. Pay fees or submit a payment plan by the date of the first game.

Coaches or designee:

1. Pray regularly for the athletes, families, and leaders.

2. Determine the team roster according to the guidelines.

3. Calculate costs, set fees, collect fees, and maintain accounts.

4. Inventory uniforms and equipment.

5. Arrange for practice dates, times, and facilities.

6. Organize parent volunteers for: assistant coaches, timekeeper, scorekeeper, statistician, game set up, admissions, programs, concessions, clean up, and transportation.

7. Communicate with parents regarding practice times/locations, game times/locations, travel departure times/locations, athletes’ performance, concerns, and needs.

8. Attend Athletics Committee meetings.

9. Submit annual summaries and financial reports to the Athletic Director.

10. Promote the spiritual development of athletes with prayer, devotions, scripture memory, and application of precepts to situations during athletic practices and games.

11. Direct practices or arrange for an assistant coach to assume the duties in the coach’s absence.

12. Teach and train the athletes to play to the best of their abilities individually and as a team.

13. Make all game and team decisions.

14. Ensure all equipment and facilities are maintained and secured after practices and games.

15. Delegate responsibilities to assistant coaches and parents according to their gifts.

Participation Costs

For the administration of this servicenot only supplieth the want of the saints,but it is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

Costs are calculated according to projected fees for practice and game facilities, referee and equipment expenses, league and tournament fees, and pro-rated uniform replacement fees. The cost for each sport will be determined and announced by the coach. Payment shall be made prior to the first game of each season, unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the coach.

Athletes and their immediate families receive free admission to home games for the sports in which they are participating. The MCAA league admission for visitors is $3 for adults, $2 for students ages 5-18, with a $10 maximum per family. Visiting players, coaches, cheerleaders, and team managers receive free admission.

Athletes who travel in a car other than their own family’s should pay the driver $3 per player to help defray the costs of gas, turnpike fees, and other travel expenses. Arrangements should also be made to bring a sack lunch or money as needed to cover eating expenses when traveling.

CFS Athletics does not carry liability insurance at this time. Families are responsible for their own medical insurance coverage.

Volunteer Opportunities:

But the manifestation of the Spirit Is given to every man to profit withal. I Corinthians 12:7

All CFS activities exist only to the extent that there are volunteers to organize, direct, and perform those activities. Please consider your unique gifts as you peruse the following list of opportunities, and indicate your interests on the volunteer form.

Athletics Director, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Scorekeeper, Time Keeper, Statistician, Equipment Manager, Calling Coord., Concessions Coord., Transportation Coord., Hospitality Coordinator, Program Printing, Photographer,Videographer, Announcer.

Leadership Selection

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:12

Athletic Director: The Athletic Director will be appointed by the CFS Board from a list of nominations provided by the Athletic Committee. The Athletic Director will be a member of the CFS Board Activities Committee and will be the chairperson of the Athletics Committee. Duties are as follows:

1. Act as the CFS Athletics contact person for outside schools and organizations.

2. Coordinate the scheduling of athletic events; confirm dates, times, and locations.

3. Provide maps to visiting groups and for CFS travel to away events

4. Publicize athletic opportunities in the Turning Hearts newsletter and by e-mail.

5. Submit player information to coaches.

6. Lead quarterly Athletics Committee meetings.

7. Participate in arranging for the Awards and Recognition ceremony.

8. Keep the master list of athletic letters and awards presented.

9. Submit annual summary and financial reports from each sport to the CFS Board.

Head Coaches:

1. Each person who seeks to be considered for the position of Head Coach of a team shall make their intentions known by completing the Leadership Interest Form, available from the Athletics Committee. Head coaches shall be selected by a vote of the parents of eligible team members for their individual team. The vote shall take place in an open, publicized meeting organized by the Athletic Director.

2. The Head Coach shall be professing follower of Christ and shall without reservation sign the CFS Statement of Faith. The Head Coach will agree to make devotions with the team an integral part of their season. The Coach will agree to conduct himself/herself in a manner that upholds Christian character.

Assistant Coaches:

1. Each person who desires to be an Assistant Coach of a team shall make their intentions known by completing the Leadership Interest Form, available from the Athletics Committee.

2. Assistant coaches will be selected by the head coach of the team.