PTHSS Guidelines, Expectations, and Rules
of Conduct
Guiding Principles
The guiding principle of PTHSS is to honor
Jesus Christ in all we say and do. PTHSS and its member families and
player participants will conduct themselves in such a way that those
who cross our path canít help but notice a difference in our lives.
As such, Romans 12:2 will be another guiding principle:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve what God's will isñhis good, pleasing and perfect will.
Also, the name ìWarriorsî was selected for our teams, because, as
Ephesians 6:10-12 says:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full
armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Eligibility
PTHSS is currently structured to provide an
athletic program for Junior High and High School home schooled
students. Junior High is defined as grades 7 and 8. High School is
defined as grades 9 through 12. The following paragraphs define the
specific eligibility requirements for PTHSS participation
1. A player shall become
ineligible to play on any PTHSS-sponsored sport team on the next
September 1 following that playerís 19th birthday
2. Normally, High School
participation will be limited to eligible players in grades 9 through
12, who are 14 years of age before September 1 of the current school
year. If no junior high team is offered, eighth grade students may
ìplay-upî on either the Junior Varsity or Varsity teams. Students in
grades 9 through 12 will have first preference over eighth grade
students, In addition, under no circumstances shall a player less than
13 years old on 1 January of the current school year participate on a
high school team.
NOTE: Currently PTHSS does not have a maximum limit on the years of
varsity participation; however, please be aware that both public and
private school sports organizations limit the years of varsity
participation to 4 years, including prior competitive experience (this
would likely include PTHSS participation).
3. In order to participate in
PTHSS Junior High activities a student must be at least 12 years of age
before September 1 of the current school year.
4. A player is ineligible to
play on any sub-varsity team on the next September 1st following that
playerís 17th birthday. Note: A 12th grader is prohibited from playing
on a sub-varsity team regardless of his or her age.
5. A player must be living at
home with a parent or guardian.
6. A player must be home
schooled. "Home schooled" means that a player must be receiving his or
her primary educational direction through the home AND a player must
not be eligible to play that sport at a public or private school or
college.
7. A player is ineligible if
that player has gone through a home school, public school, private
school, or Christian school high school graduation ceremony prior to
that season's first game.
8. The player must remain in
good academic standing and must be completing a course of study as
prescribed by their parents.
9. A player cannot play on
another home school, public, private, or Christian school team in the
same sport at the same time as playing on a PTHSS-sponsored team.
10. If a player started the
season on another home school, public, private, or Christian school
team, no transfer shall be allowed in the same sport during the season
without the approval of the PTHSS Board.
11. Exceptions to any
eligibility requirement may be made only by express approval of the
PTHSS Board.
Competition and Commitment
The PTHSS athletic program has many
objectives; however, the nature of our activities and games will be
competitive. This is not a recreational sports program. Most home
school support groups in the Parker and Tarrant County areas offer
recreational sports activities. PTHSSís goal is not to duplicate these
home school support group programs.
Because of this competitive nature of our program, we expect a
high-level of commitment from our players. We understand that sports
are not life. There will be times when important activities will need
to take priority over PTHSS involvement. However, because we believe
commitment exhibits and grows godly character, PTHSS is seeking a
strong level of commitment from the players and from their parents. One
thing we desire our athletes to learn is that things worth doing
require a level of commitment ñ as we get older that level of
commitment usually increases. Also, as our children get older they must
learn that they will have to make choices in this life. How are they
going to spend their time? We desire that our players learn that the
American dream of ìhaving it allî is a myth. The only real way to ìhave
it allî is through a relationship with Jesus Christ!
Because of the competitive nature of our program, we
will field the best team possible. We desire that all players learn,
grow, and perfect their skills; however, we do not dictate an
ìequal-timeî philosophy. It is expected that players that earn a
ìstartingî position will see more playing time than players who do not.
Nevertheless, a ìstartingî position is always open to competition and
those that exhibit a Christ-like attitude, hustle, and teamwork ñ in
addition to skill ñ will have a great opportunity for earning that
ìstartingî position.
Attendance
Consistent with the expected level of
commitment, players are expected to attend all practices and games. In
addition, all players are expected to be on time for all practices and
games. On-time arrival is defined to be 15 minutes prior to the
announced practice start time and 60 minutes before the game start
time, unless stated otherwise by the coach.
If a player must miss or be late for a game or practice, the player
should personally contact the coach, as early as possible, to let him
know of the situation. While there will be no immediate consequences
for excused late or missed attendance, game playing time may be
affected at the coachís discretion.
Respect for Authority
Respect for authority is an important
character quality taught by Christ himself. As such, PTHSS athletes are
to be above reproach in this area. Players will, under no circumstances
talk or behave negatively or with disrespect to umpires, opposing
players or coaches, their own teammates, their own coaches or any other
persons in authority.
Disrespectful actions or attitudes during the course
of a game are means for immediate removal by the coach. Warnings or
reprimands from an official because of a players conduct will result in
that playerís immediate removal from the game. Ejection from the game
will result in that player being removed not only from that game, but
for the next game as well. In addition, if a player is ejected from a
game because of their conduct, the player must appear before the PTHSS
board and explain his or her actions and propose a plan to correct it
in the future. Disrespectful attitudes or actions during practice or
other activities will be properly disciplined by the coach or other
responsible adult.
1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 define the character qualities of overseers and
elders within the Church. PTHSS will use these same criteria to select
and retain coaches and leaders in our organization (Exception: woman
may coach our girlís athletic teams). If our athletes are to be above
reproach in their respect for authority, our coaches and leaders must
be held to an even higher standard. Behavior inconsistent with that
defined in 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1 will not be tolerated and will be
dealt with swiftly by the PTHSS board. As a minimum, coaches will be
held to the same disciplinary actions as identified for our athletes.
Parents should be role models for their children.
Parents and other spectators are vital representatives of PTHSS and
witnesses for Jesus Christ. Parents and PTHSS fans are expected to
cheer and comment in a positive manner, encouraging and supporting all
players, coaches, and officials. When the players are on the field, the
coach is the responsible authority figure for that team. Parents and
PTHSS fans are expected to leave the coaching to the coaches. Players
become confused and frustrated when instructions are shouted from many
directions. The coaches have a purpose behind their methods, and
correction should be done through them. Parents are encouraged to come
to as many games as possible, because support and enthusiasm add
excitement to the game. Parents and other spectators should refrain
from openly criticizing coaches, officials, and players. Parents should
demonstrate trust and respect to those in authority at all times.
Anger, Speech, and Demeanor
Like-wise, our words and speech should be
ìseasoned with salt.î As described in scripture our ìYesî should be
ìYesî and our ìNoî should be ìNo.î Cursing, using the Lordís name in
vain, or fits of anger will not be tolerated. Any of these actions will
result in immediate removal from games or administration of proper
discipline at practice.
As discussed above, our coaches and leaders will be
held to the standard defined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Behavior
inconsistent with that defined by these scriptures will not be
tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly by PTHSS board Again, in this
area, we expect parents to be exemplary role models for their children.
Discipline
As PTHSS strives to honor Jesus Christ and be
salt and light to the world, it is imperative that we maintain a
disciplined organization. Proper discipline to single incidents of
inappropriate behavior has been addressed above. With the Christian
young people and adults that are expected to be a part of PTHSS, we
would never expect to have to deal with recurring incidences of this
type; however, if an athlete or coach continues to display
unwillingness to change, blatant disrespect for authority, or attitudes
and actions that are contrary to the PTHSS Christian philosophy, that
athlete or coach will be removed from the team at that time.
An athlete may be dismissed from a team due to: 1)
an uncoachable or uncooperative attitude, or 2) an act or deed that
harms the Christian testimony of the team and / or PTHSS.
A single incident involving a coach or other PTHSS
leader displaying inappropriate behavior (as defined above) during a
PTHSS event will require that person to appear before the PTHSS board
and: 1) Explain their behavior, 2) Seek forgiveness and reconciliation
from the organization and any offended party, and 3) repent and present
a concrete plan for ensuring the behavior is not repeated. A second
similar incident involving the same coach or leader will be cause for
removal from their PTHSS position.
As stated several times, it the goal of PTHSS to
accurately reflect the character of Christ in our attitudes and
sportsmanship in an ever-increasing way. Coaches will model, look for,
and encourage this character. Any athlete who desires not to pursue
godly character will not play for PTHSS.
Conflict Resolution
PTHSS will use the process provided for us in
Matthew 18 to deal with conflict. In the event that a player has a
question or complaint, he/she first must go to the person (coach or
other player) in a spirit of reconciliation and love to work out any
differences. This needs to take place before a parent confronts the
coach! If the problem is not resolved, the player may request a meeting
with the person of conflict and the coach. If the issue is not resolved
between players and coach, then a meeting with a representative of the
board may be requested. If the coach is the person in conflict with a
player, the player may request a meeting with his/her parents and the
coach after the player has talked to the coach personally. If the
athlete, coach, and parent still have issues to be resolved, then they
may request a meeting with a board representative.
Uniforms, Appearance, & Dress
Uniform fees for PTHSS will be coordinated
and advertised at the beginning of each sports season. These fees may
be assessed as a part of the overall registration fee or as a separate
fee. The major uniform items will be purchased by the organization and
distributed to the players to ensure consistency in our appearance as
well as to take advantage of team discounts. Players may be required to
purchase some smaller uniform items (e.g., socks, shoes, etc.) on their
own. PTHSS will coordinate these other required uniform items with the
players and parents; however, purchase of these items will be the
responsibility of the players or their parents prior to the season. In
order to exhibit team unity and a professional appearance, it is
important that all players wear all required uniform items to all
games. Uniforms should be freshly laundered for all games. At the
coachís discretion, shirts may be required to be tucked in.
Players should maintain a neat, groomed appearance.
Hair will be neat and maintained in a short cut. Facial hair will not
be allowed for the PTHSS players.
Practice dress should be appropriate for the
activity and weather.
Medical Release Agreement
Each PTHSS member family will read, fill-out,
and sign a Medical Release Agreement form. Parents will include at
least two valid phone numbers for contacting them in their absence,
should their son or daughter need immediate medical attention. The
parents will also provide their physicianís name and contact
information.
Parents should note that PTHSS does not carry any
kind of insurance. Although rare, serious medical injury can occur from
sporting activities. Member families should ensure that their sons and
daughters are covered with adequate medical insurance.
Guidelines, Expectations, and Rules of Conduct Agreement
Each player and their parents, along with coaches
and any PTHSS leaders, will sign an agreement form signifying that they
have read, understand, and agree to abide by these guidelines,
expectations, and rules of conduct.
Payment of Fees
PTHSS is a not-for-profit organization.
Competitive sports are expensive. Facility maintenance, facility
rental, equipment, uniforms, and officialsí fees are only part of the
expenses incurred by a competitive athletic team. PTHSS will do
everything in our power to keep player fees as low as possible.
Fund-raisers, sponsorships, and concession sales will all be used to
partially offset PTHSS costs. Player registration and PTHSS family
membership fees will be publicized each summer in preparation for the
upcoming school year. In order to participate in PTHSS, fees must be
paid on time. In addition, PTHSS member families are expected to
participate in fund-raisers.
Special financial circumstances can be brought before the PTHSS board.
It is our goal to not turn any young athlete away due to financial
issues.
Transportation
Transportation to and from games and
practices is the sole responsibility of the athletes and the parents.
Facilities
Birchman Baptist Church has shown great Christian
charity in graciously allowing us to use their athletic facilities.
PTHSS will periodically conduct maintenance and clean-up of the
facilities we use. We need all PTHSS members to pitch in and help with
this work. In addition, we have established a good reputation with the
other organizations whose facilities we use. We want to maintain this
reputation. Please be good stewards of what the Lord has blessed us
with. PTHSS members will demonstrate the utmost in respect and care for
the facilities we use. We will do all we can to keep the facilities
clean and in good working order.
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