Download a copy of the Athletic Handbook here.

Athletic Handbook

St. Paul’s Lutheran School Association
Girls Volleyball • Boys Basketball • Cheerleading
2026–2027

Revised 7/2021 | Reviewed Yearly

Rationale

Interscholastic athletics at St. Paul’s Lutheran School Assoc. are an important part of educating the total child. Our program exposes students to team activities and provides opportunities for them to learn and gain from the experience of competition that are found on the field and court.

It is here and under these conditions that an athlete can put into practice the Christian values and ethics taught in our classrooms and in their church.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

St. Paul’s, in partnership with the parents, seeks to minister to the student athlete by teaching Christian sportsmanship and instilling the attitude that one can both win and lose with dignity, and without boasting or excuse.

Young athletes on the playing field use their God given talents to bring Him glory and honor. By practicing good sportsmanship, an attitude of wanting to do their very best, cooperation and teamwork with fellow team members, self-discipline and dedication, the St. Paul athlete makes the statement to everyone watching that they are ultimately on God’s team and they play to win praise for God.

The athlete will develop fundamental skills through active participation. It is our goal to give all members a chance for meaningful participation in all games and practices.

Since the teams our children compete against are schools that have the same general attitude toward interscholastic athletics, we look forward to enjoyable, competitive contests. We expect our players, coaches, and spectators to conduct themselves in a Christian manner at these contests.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Goals of the Athletics Program

Students will be taught Christian sportsmanship, leadership skills, respect for coaches, respect for teammates, respect for referees, and respect for opponents.
Students will be offered opportunities to improve their physical athleticism, game specific skills and knowledge of the rules.
Students will learn to follow directions and accept constructive criticism.

Athlete’s Objectives of Program

Students will:

Recognize their talents as a blessing from God and will develop and use them in God pleasing ways.
Be given the opportunity to play as a child, not as an adult.
Learn the skills and strategies associated with each sport they participate in.
Unselfishly recognize and respect the talents and abilities of others on their team and in the competing teams.
Display the values of Christian sportsmanship.
Develop the understanding and attitude that trophies do not make the team a winner; instead everyone's a winner when they have done their best on the playing field.
Accept the responsibility for the hard work and commitment necessary for being part of a team.
Have fun through physical activity.
Offer other sports as interest dictates.

Eligibility

Although St. Paul’s Lutheran School Assoc. is primarily an academic institution, the school seeks to provide any interested student the opportunity of joining one or more of our athletic teams.

Students may participate in our athletic programs if:

A cumulative “C” average in all subjects is maintained.
There is no failing grade in any one subject.
Proper conduct and behavior is displayed in school at all times.

When completion of assignments, quality effort, and conduct become a problem, the teacher will notify the student, parent, and Athletic Director.

In these cases, the following guidelines will apply:

Temporary Suspension

The grades of each athlete are checked at midterms and the end of the trimester.

If the grades for any student fall below a “C” average for all subject areas or failing in any one subject, the parents and student are notified, and the student will be placed on a one-week suspension.

If at the end of that week the student’s grades meet the above criteria, the student is again eligible. If at the end of that week the grades are still below the criteria, the student is ineligible until the end of the next grading period (mid-term or trimester).

The student on suspension may not participate in practices or games.

Any student who has not consistently turned in homework assignments may be receiving a temporary suspension. The Athletic Director and/or the Principal will determine these suspensions with the assistance of the teacher.

Any student who has failed to obey team rules established by the coach may also be suspended for up to one game. The Athletic Director and/or the Principal will determine these suspensions with the assistance of the coach.

Removal from the Roster

Repeated violations or serious inappropriate conduct may result in a student’s removal from a team roster.

The Athletic Director and/or the Principal will determine the removal.

Absences

Any student absent for more than half a day on the day of a game may not participate in that game or practice.

A daily absence is defined by a student not reporting to school prior to their scheduled lunch time.

Students who miss school on Friday will not be allowed to play in games on Saturday.

The Athletic Director and/or the Principal may grant an absent student permission to play based on extenuating circumstances.

Expectations of Student Athletes

Team players are representing their Lord and school. They will do this in a Christ-like manner.
Players will show respect for property when visiting other schools.
Players will try their best, but not make winning their most important goal, but rather that they display Christian action.
Players will win with humility, and lose with grace.
Players are not to question the decisions of referees, but accept that the referees are doing their best and abide by their decisions graciously.
Players will play within the rules and keep a fair sense of play.
Players may never use crude, vulgar, or un-Christian language.
Players are to be polite to opposing coaches and teams.
Players will never belittle or make fun of the other players.
Players will respect their coaches as their parents’ representative.

Failure to follow any of the above could result in a suspension from the team.

Expectations of Teams

The main purpose is to learn the fundamentals and skills of the game.

Provided that they meet eligibility requirements, all students play in every game. However, they will not necessarily get equal playing time.

Although winning the game is a goal, participation and experience are the main goals.

Expectations of Parents & Families

Spectators at games should at all times behave in a Christian manner.
Cheering should always be positive.
Fans who are parents should give a Christian witness to their children on the team.
Fans at all times should show respect for the referees.
Spectators should encourage one another to behave in a Christian manner.
Fans should respect others' property when visiting other schools.
Spectators should be kind and polite to opposing teams, coaches, and fans.
Parents of players should instruct their children that their Christian witness and fair play are more important than winning.
Fans should be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
Rude, vulgar, and un-Christian language by spectators will not be tolerated.
Parents should maintain close supervision of younger siblings. Any child seen running in the hallways of any school or behaving in an inappropriate manner will be told to go sit with their parents.

Expectations of Coaches and Athletic Director

Coaches represent our Lord, the school, parents, and teachers when with players. Therefore, coaches will:

Emphasize as their main goal the development of Christian attitudes toward athletics.
Represent their Lord in appearance, attitude, and action.
Question referees’ decisions only in a God pleasing manner.
By their speech and action, demonstrate proper game behavior to their players and fans.
Never use rude or vulgar language.
Discipline athletes who are not demonstrating Christian behavior by removing them from the competition.
Instruct players about the proper respect of property when visiting other schools.
Check the locker rooms (classrooms where players change) before players are allowed to leave.

Chain of Command

Since we are all working together for the benefit of our children, let us make good use of the encouragement we get from God in Matthew 18:

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”

We understand that not every concern that parents or coaches have will deal with sin. However, we believe that Matthew 18 shows a clear chain of command to be followed.

In order for steps to be taken in an orderly way, this chain of command has been developed and may be helpful in situations that may arise.

Order for Parents to Seek Answers to Questions

Coach (Individual Sport Coach)
Athletic Director
Principal
Board of Education

Coaches Communication to Parents

The following are ideas that may help you, as parents, know what to expect from our coaches.

Coaches should communicate:

Coaches expectations of athletes.
Location and time of all practices and games.
Team requirements, i.e. practices, special equipment, out-of-season conditioning, etc.
Injury — If an injury takes place that the coach is aware of, they should bring it to the attention of the parents.
Discipline — If an athlete is being disciplined by the coach for any serious offense, the coach should make sure the parents are aware of the offense and disciplinary measures to take place.

Parents Communication to Coaches

Concerns regarding coaching practices and expectations should be expressed to the coach during a scheduled appointment.
Parents should provide immediate notification of any scheduling conflicts.

Appropriate Topics for Parents to Discuss With Coaches

Treatment of child mentally and physically.
Ways for child to improve.
Concerns about child’s behavior.

Inappropriate Topics for Parents to Discuss With Coaches

Playing time.
Team strategy.
Play calling.
Other student athletes.

Miscellaneous Items

Sports Fee

There is a $40 sports fee per student for each sport. This must be turned into the office prior to the first scheduled game. Please make checks payable to PTL.

Athletes will not be allowed to play in games until this fee has been paid.

This fee will be used to help in the purchase of athletic equipment and sports-related items, such as—but not limited to—uniforms. The Athletic Director will use the funds in the procurement of these sports-related items. The Principal will oversee the use of these funds.

Uniforms

Uniforms are the property of St. Paul’s Lutheran School. Proper care of uniforms is expected.

Uniforms should be changed into and out of at the site of the game unless student athletes have special permission from the coach or Athletic Director.

Washed and cleaned uniforms shall be returned to the school office one week after the conclusion of the season.

Uniforms that are lost or damaged will be the responsibility of the athlete and his/her parents. Parents will be expected to pay the replacement cost of the uniform.

If a uniform is damaged during a practice or a game, the coach will determine the responsibility.

Uniforms belonging to the school will not be worn except at official games of the school. Wearing the uniform during school or after school is forbidden.

The purpose of this policy is to get as much life from the uniforms as possible. (12/2013)

Transportation

Transportation to and from games is the responsibility of the parents.

If a parent is unable to attend a game, please make arrangements for your child. Coaches will assist in helping arrange carpooling when necessary.

Practice and Games

Practice is an important part of being a member of a team. Coaches have the right to determine playing time based on practice time put in by the student athlete.

The coach will hand out a printed schedule of all games and practices. The games will also be posted on the school website in the calendar section.

Student/Parent Christian Sports Pledge

All student athletes and their parents are required to read and sign the Student/Parent Christian Sports Pledge before the beginning of the sports season. The pledge is included on the final page of the Athletic Handbook.

Please download the Athletic Handbook, review the pledge together, and return the signed form to the Coach or Athletic Director before the season begins.