BANNER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

Rev. 8/2024

In His

STRENGTH

AND

for His

HONOR

I.

Mission Statement

3

II.

Philosophy

3

II.

Objectives

3

IV.

Sports Offered

4

V.

Conference Affiliation

4

VI.

Levels of Play

5

VII.

Cutting a Team

7

VIII.

Quitting a Sport

7

IX.

Standards for Participation

7

X.

Sports Fees

9

XI.

Practice

9

XII.

Training

10

XIII.

Winning and Losing

10

XIV.

Dress Code

11

XV.

Scheduling Conflict Policy

11

XVI.

Transportation

11

XVII.

Music, Videos and Electronic Devices

12

XVIII.

Facilities

12

XIX.

Uniforms and Equipment

12

XX.

Weather

13

XXI.

Awards System

13

XXII.

Emergency/Injury Situations

14

XXIV.

Sportsmanship Guidelines for Spectators

17

XXV.

Responsibilities and Standards for the Parent/Guardian

18

I. Mission Statement of Banner Christian School (BANNER)

Banner Christian School is a K5 through 12th grade program that is consistent with the Word of God. Considering paramount every child’s academic, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs, Banner Christian School is dedicated to developing and educating the whole person for the glory of God.

II. Athletics Philosophy

The Athletic Department has adopted the motto “Strength and Honor”, i.e., in His (God’s) strength and for His honor. This is the goal when participating in athletics at Banner. There is no doubt God has blessed students at Banner with athletic talents and abilities, but where others might promote self-glorification, at Banner we seek to give glory to the gift giver – our Heavenly Father. Through this type of attitude we have a great opportunity to be a witness for Christ through athletics. We realize that it is “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). At Banner we seek to be the best in all we do in order to give glory to God.

Athletics are considered a vital part of the overall curriculum of Banner. Every student is encouraged to explore the capabilities God has given him/her through the various athletic opportunities offered at Banner. We view the competition of athletics as a healthy educational and physiological activity that challenges each student to excel, discover his or her physical limits, and work cooperatively with team members. While winning is a natural goal and outcome in the pursuit of excellence, Christ-like sportsmanship and the enjoyment of competition are considered equally important goals.

III. Objectives

Participation on an athletic team can be a rewarding and meaningful experience that enhances a child’s education. Our coaches seek to challenge our athletes to perform to the best of their abilities and honor God in all we do. This is accomplished by:

Providing instruction and guidance in both physical skills and the application of spiritual principles

Providing an exceptional training facility through which the athlete can exercise Christian disciplines

Involving the student body, parents, and faculty in developing school spirit and unity

Having an abundantly clear Christian testimony to the opposing team through words and actions. Christian values and Biblical principles are to be upheld while striving for the utmost in athletic performance.

Specific objectives as they relate to a student-athlete:

To help instill traits such as confidence, cooperation, courage, decision-making, dedication, discipline, enthusiasm, initiative, loyalty, persistence, resourcefulness, respect, self-control, sportsmanship, unselfishness, and proper response to pressure.

To teach the student to work diligently toward reaching personal and team goals

To ensure physical, mental and emotional growth and development.

To develop an understanding of team play, rather than personal glorification

To develop respect for rules and properly placed authority

To maintain academic integrity for the school by diligent application of study habits

IV. Sports Programs and Offerings

V. Conference Affiliation

Banner is a member of the Virginia Colonial Conference (VCC) which includes the following schools: Amelia Academy, Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot, Brunswick Academy, Kenston Forest, Southampton Academy and Tidewater Academy. Banner is also a member of the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA)

VI. Levels of Play

Middle School

At the entry level of athletics at Banner, athletes and their parents should expect the following concepts to be emphasized:

Develop fundamental skills

Provide sufficient practice opportunities for all participants

Have the coach evaluate an athlete’s attitude, skill and team role, to determine playing time with the goal of working toward equitable playing time for all participants.

Learn the rules of the game

Develop an orientation toward and appreciation for team effort in each athlete

Demonstration of sportsmanship and fair play

Develop the ambition to achieve at the next level of competition

Prioritize skill and character development over winning

Varsity

At the highest level of competition in high school athletics, athletes and parents should expect the following concepts to be emphasized:

Develop a high level of proficiency in the physical skills of the sport

Have the coach evaluate an athlete’s attitude, skill and team role to determine playing time

Develop sophisticated strategy, situational analysis and other mental aspects of the sport

Specifically define an individual athlete’s role within the team concept

Foster maximum commitment to the team

Look for ways to continually improve

Understand and value the physical conditioning components of one’s sport

Understand the importance of individual sacrifice for the good of the team

Winning within the rules of sportsmanship and fair play

Playing Time Policy – At the varsity level, coaches choose a starting lineup and play the best players. These players are chosen on ability and their performance at practice. Substitutes will play when a player is injured, tired, not performing well or when the outcome of the game, in the opinion of the coach, is no longer in question. There is no “must play” rule at the varsity level.

VIII. Quitting a Sport

If a student must drop out of a sport, it must be done in the proper way. The reason for dropping must be made known to the coach personally and all equipment must be turned in. If the sport is dropped after the first interscholastic competition in that season, or the team has been selected, the student may not participate in another sport for 365 days unless he or she obtains a written release from the Athletic Director.

IX. Standards for Participation

Physical Eligibility

XII. Training

We encourage athletes to get eight or nine hours of sleep to be prepared to meet the demands of practice and competition.

We expect an athlete to maintain a well-balanced diet.

We demand all athletes to refrain from using any performance enhancing substances.

Coaches of particular sports may make additional training rules with the approval of the Athletic Director and/or the Head of School.

XIII. Winning and Losing

XV. Scheduling Conflict Policy

XIX. Uniforms and Equipment

Laundry Care for Team Uniform

each athlete is required to clean and maintain all equipment. Lost or stolen equipment is each athlete’s responsibility.

machine wash cold with mild detergent (no bleach).

hang dry (helps to keep the numbers from coming off).

do not dry clean

athletes are responsible for avoiding color fading and properly maintaining the uniform issued to them.

Snow

Practice or contest may be held at the discretion of the Head of School and/or Athletic Director. Absences from practice or contest under these conditions will be excused.

If school is cancelled due to inclement weather, all practices and games will be cancelled as well.

Any awards for JV/Varsity athletes will be given out at the Athletic Awards Ceremony at the end of the year.

Banner Christian School (804) 276-5200

XXV. Responsibilities and Standards of Conduct for the Parent/Guardian

Communications parents should expect from the coach or Athletic Director:

Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all members of the squad.

Locations and times of all practices, contests, and meetings.

Team requirements (fees, forms, special equipment, conditioning, etc.)

Procedure, should your child be injured during participation.

Any discipline measures that result in the denial of your child’s playing time or continued participation on the team.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches

Concerns regarding your child’s mental, physical and spiritual status.

Ways to help your child improve in the activity.

Concerns about your child’s behavior.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches

Team Strategy

Play calling

Playing time (asking how the student-athlete can improve his/her skill is welcome).

Other student-athletes

Parents will not communicate with the coaches, referees, or fans of the opposing team before, during, or after the game in a negative manner. If a parent has a complaint, he/she can inform the Athletic Director who will investigate the matter at hand.

Coaches and parents all want the athletic experience to be positive and educational for each student to the greatest extent possible. Prayers for athletes, coaches, and teams are important and appreciated.