Derby Homeschool Athletic Association

Principles and Guidelines

2010-2011 Season

Program Description:

Derby Homeschool Athletic Association provides a competitive sports program for boys & girls who have demonstrated the initiative and desire to play at junior high and/or high school competitive levels.   In addition, their families are willing to make the time and monetary commitment to the team to develop character, athletic skills, and the quality of the program itself.

The program will emphasize the development of character and the appropriate level of skills required for each sport.  

Mission :

The purpose of the Derby Homeschool Athletic Association (DHAA) is to provide an opportunity for homeschool students to participate in competitive athletics, and through that competition help develop Christian character, that will help them to be successful not only on the athletic field, but also in their own personal life and walk with Christ. (I Cor. 9:24)

Philosophy:

We will follow these guidelines as we work with the boys & girls in the DHAA.

1.        We believe that character is the single most important quality of any boy/girl on the team. Boys & girls will be expected to strive for these qualities at practices and games if they desire to maintain their team status.   The board and the coaches will make eli­gibility deci­sions for any boy or girl who is unwilling to accept guidance in these areas.

2.        We believe all boys & girls are important, not just those who have natural athletic abilities or a quick aptitude for the sport.   We will work to develop the skills of all boys & girls, while recognizing that some boys & girls will be able to advance in their abilities more quickly than others will.   While striving to provide opportunities for all student athletes it should be noted that even though this is a competitive program, the kids are more important than the program.

3.        While, we do not be­lieve that winning is everything, we do believe it is important to give one’s best effort and to play heartily and enthusiastically (Col. 3:23).   We also believe that boys & girls should be able to reap the bene­fits of their diligent work and abilities.   Effort and attentiveness are extremely important character qualities; decisions regarding who will play in games and the amount of each athlete’s playing time will be made with this in mind.   Playing with intensity, enthusiasm and giving a total effort is part of the character development that is gained through competitive athletics.   It is the coach’s discretion on playing time with sensitivity to special situations.

4.        We believe that it is important for all team members to learn both to win and to lose graciously.   In addition, we also believe that developing teamwork - learning to be part of a team - is an integral part of the learning process.

5.        Sporting activities should be an addition to the family’s school activities, not the focus to which all else revolves around.

Program Goals:

1.   That each boy, girl, coach, fan, and parent would practice Christ-like behavior and good sportsmanship (whether winning or losing).   "What­ever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."   (Col. 3:17)

2.   That each boy & girl would learn more about teamwork and about encouraging and supporting all team members.

3.   That each boy & girl would improve their knowl­edge and skill in the sport they participate.

The overall emphasis will be on character develop­ment and Christ-like conduct through the process of improving personal athletic skills and teamwork.

Eligibility:   To be eligible for participation in the competitive program:

1.        Boys & girls must be in grades 5 through 12.

2.        Boys & girls must be homeschooled for more than ½ of their classes.

3.        Boys & girls must not turn 19 prior to Sept. 1 or participated in a High School            graduation ceremony.

Tryout Guidelines:

To minimize the need for tryouts we will have Junior Varsity teams at both the High School level and the Junior High level whenever possible.   This will allow more students to participate at all levels of skill and age.

If there are more players than spots available, team membership will be determined by the coaches after the first 2 weeks of prac­tice.   When evaluating players, the coaches will consider not only abilities, but also the attitude and character of the young person involved, and the amount of effort being put forth by the individuals.   To remain as objective as possible, specific skill lists will be used to focus on the necessary skills required for each level.   While pure objectivi­ty is not possible when dealing with people, every effort will be made to treat each boy & girl fairly.

Players, who do not make the team, but have good attitudes and Christ-like character, may be asked at the coaches discretion, to continue to practice and/or serve as team managers.   This will provide them with the opportunity to be a part of the team, and participate in limited drills that will help improve their skills and opportunity to participate in future years.

Factors in the selection process if tryouts are necessary include:

a.          Personal attitude and character

            b.          Motivation and initiative

            c.          Coach ability

            d.          Skills and athletic ability

            e.          Grade levels required for competitive program continuity

Game Schedule:

A final game sched­ule will be distributed by the coaches as early as possible prior to the start of the season.   It is the responsibility of each family to acquaint themselves with the schedule, and to keep informed about any changes sent by e-mail or announced at practices.  

Other Guidelines:

The following guidelines apply to all those in­volved with the program:

1.          Rides to Games:   Every family is responsible for their own rides or car pooling arrangements for in-town games.  

For any out-of-town games and tournaments, we will ar­range trans­porta­tion to the games.   Players are expected to drive to out-of-town games as a team.   Players will be allowed to ride home with their parents from out-of-town games.   Only parent drivers may serve as transporters of students for out-of-town games.   SEAT BELTS ARE REQUIRED.  

Parent drivers and room parents must make themselves familiar with the guidelines & agree to follow them.

      We encourage families to work out reciprocal arrangements with other families and to share driving responsibilities and costs.

2.   Communication of information: We are looking for one parent on each team to be the point of contact, when calls need to be made.   Parents are asked to check their e-mail frequently.   Periodic parent meetings are also important forums for communication.

3. The minimum clothing standards for all players shall be collared polo shirts and slacks (no blue jeans).   High school players shall conform to this standard at High School events and Junior High players shall conform to this standard at Junior High Events.   Coaches may raise this standard for their individual teams at their discretion.   Coaches and/or parent coordinators have the right to instruct any participant that their clothing does not meet the minimum standards.   Body modification is not appropriate for this program.   Girls should not pierce their ears during the season, as no jewelry is allowed to be worn during games.

4.        There will be no physical contact allowed (including holding hands), by any athlete at any DHAA event.   Guys should treat girls with respect, when together, including opening doors, etc… Guys are expected to act like gentlemen and the girls as ladies.

5.        Rules for Road Trips.   In order to provide a safe and proper environment for our players as well as to set a good example for others, the following items are not allowed on road trips:   TV, movies or video games, music devices, magazines or personal computers.   Game films or other audio-visual presentations that are consistent with DHAA Mission and Philosophy and are shown in large groups will be allowed at the discretion of the coaching staff.   Cell phones are allowed but should only be used in an emergency, to call parents for rides home when the team is within one hour of our final destination, or during a specified time approved by coaches.   Coaches are the final authority of this policy on all road trips.  

6.        Speech should be encouraging, kind and respectful towards coaches, other participants, referees, and any other individual in authority.   There must be abso­lutely no swear­ing at practices, during games, or at any other time the students are representing the DHAA.   Profanity, swearing includes the use of slang terms that are used in lieu of swearing (Eph. 4:29 ).

7.        Attitude should be positive.   Every player should display an attentive, teachable spirit.   Being will­ing to be correct­ed, willing to learn, and willing to try.

8.        We welcome constructive comments from both players and parents.   However, please "do everything without complaining or arguing" (Phil. 2:14 ).   Questions, comments, and concerns should be directed to the coaches or other authorities at the appropriate time.   Before or after games is not an appropriate time.   Coaches are best approached at home or after practices.

9.   Good sportsmanship should be shown by team members, to others on the team and to other teams, to coaches and referees, and to themselves (no pouting, banging of balls, unsportsmanlike body language, or displays of anger). (Phil. 2:15)          

           10. Encourage your teammates.   Talk it up during games and practice drills.   Do not criticize others when they make a mistake.   We all feel bad enough after a mistake.   That is when we need a word of encouragement from a team­mate.   It is the coach’s job to point out mistakes and corrective actions, when needed.   This is not the player’s responsibility. (Eph. 4:29)

11. Faithful attendance is required at both practices and games.   When absence or tardiness is necessary, it is essen­tial that the player inform the coach or asst. coach, in advance.   A message should be left on the answering machine if no one is available when you call.

12. Gracious and courteous use of rented facilities is very important.   Follow their rules.

13. Family members must also abide by the standards of good sportsmanship, and friends of team members should be asked to do the same.   At games, family and friends are there to observe and enjoy, not to coach.   This includes yelling playing instructions to the players during the game and/or pulling them off to the side during half-time.   There should be absolutely no yelling at or derogatory comments to coaches, referees, opponents, or others attending the game.

14. Notice may be given by coaches and/or board members to any athlete or fan who needs to work on sportsmanship or other character qualities.   A first notice will serve as a way to make both the athlete and their parents aware of an area needing improve­ment.   It will be the family’s responsibility to ensure improvement in the stated area.   A second notice will bring about some loss of privileges, and a third notice will bring more extensive privilege loss, up to removal from the team.

15. Game Uniform: Uniforms shall be provided by DHAA.   Good athlet­ic shoes (such as court shoes) and socks shall be provided by the student.   Pants and gloves shall be provided by the student for baseball.   No jewelry, watches, or ear­rings.   (Girls, no ear piercing during the season if you wish to maintain your eligibility for games.)   All accessories must meet KCAA Standards.   Undergarments should not show.    Uniform shirt must be tucked in, front and back, at all times, including warm up time.   Uni­forms are the property of DHAA, and will be sent home with a designated parent after every game for laundering.   Coaches may check out uniforms to students for the season at there discretion.   Cost to replace lost or damaged uniforms will be paid by the student.   Boys & girls should practice good personal hygiene.  

      16. Medical attention and supplies will be administered by parents, and/or coaches or       their representatives.   No players should be providing medical supplies to other members of the team.

            17. Game eligibility.   To be eligible for any game the team member:

a.        Must be in compliance of all stated guidelines.

b.        Must be wearing the proper uniform.

c.        Must be wearing the designated team warm-up, if a warm-up is used.

d.        Must be displaying a proper attitude.

e.        Must have been consistently present at preceding practices.   If a boy/girl misses the practice prior to the game, this will affect their readiness and potential playing time.

f.          Must be currently enrolled at least one half time in a home school and eligible to participate.   E-school and classes taken at Central Christian do not count as homeschool classes.   Parents are expected to notify the coaches, if their student is not eligible due to grades.   Advance notification, as much as possible is important (i.e. notifying the coach that a problem exist, before actual ineligibility) so that coaches can properly prepare the team, and are aware of potential situations that could adversely affect the team.

g.        Must be up to date with concessions / cleanup work program.  

18. No changes will be made to team rosters without board approval after the following dates:                       Volleyball             September 15, 2008

                                    Basketball         December 1, 2008

Costs:

1.        Registration Fee

Volleyball:                      High School                    $    110.00    per participant

                                    Junior High                     $      90.00    per participant

Basketball:                     High School                   $    200.00    per participant

                                    Junior High                     $    140.00    per participant

Baseball & Softball:                                             $    100.00    per participant

Family Discount – Families that have more than one student participating in a single sport may reduce the registration fee as follows:

                        Second student – 25% reduction of the lowest registration fee

                        Third student and above – 50% reduction of the lowest registration fee

Registration fees are used to pay for any home game and practice gym rentals, referee fees, uniforms and operating expenses. If uniforms are damaged, it is the responsibility of the boy/girl’s family to replace the uniform at their cost.

If you need help with the registration fee, please direct those concerns to the board members.   We will help you with ideas and arrangements that will allow the student to participate.   We do not want the cost to keep anyone from participating, but we must at the same time seek to cover the cost associated with running a quality program.

The registration fee can be paid on an installment basis, if that will help families in the budgeting of their finances.   Contact a board member to make arrangements so it can be approved by the full board.  

Payment or arrangements for installment payments shall be made by the first practice and shall be accompanied by a signed copy of the registration form.   Registration forms and payments shall be mailed or delivered to Ed Denton.  

Signed medical release form and completed sport physical form must be submitted to the coach by the first practice.   Players who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to participate in practice.

      2. The teams we play competitively charge an admission fee for spectators.   Please graciously accept this and plan accordingly.

3. In addition for other tournaments out of town there will be expenses including transporta­tion and night lodging. These amounts are determined for each tournament.   This fee does not include meals for the boys & girls during the tournament, so boys & girls will need to bring additional money to cover their own food.

As noted above, the fees paid for participating in DHAA sports are used to cover the expenses of operating the program, referee fees, gym rental fees, balls, and miscellaneous supplies (such as score books, first aid supplies, etc.).   We strive to keep costs down, while still having a well run, well coached team, which represents homeschool fami­lies well to the public.

            Tonya Asher                               Softball & Baseball Coordinator         788-6263 (Home)

           David Davis                         Board Member                                          788-6224 (Home)     

                                                            HSB Basketball Coach

                                                            HSB Head Baseball Coach

            Ed Denton                                  Board Member                                  789-8838 (Home)

Don Folger, Jr.                Board Member                                  788-3432 (Home)

                                                            HSG Head Basketball Coach             706-9040 (Cell)

                                                Basketball Coordinator

Tony Hager                                 Board Member                                  685-2499 (Home)

LaRaine King                  Head Coach                                                  524-9465 (Home)                                                                 Girls Volleyball

            D.R. Leach                                 HSB Head Basketball Coach            788-2422 (Home)     

            Amy Macias                               Head Coach Girls Softball                             (316) 680-1930 (Home)

           Jeff Pauli                             Board Member                                      788-0225 (Home)

                                                            JHB Basketball Coach

Liana Pauli                                 Volleyball Coordinator                        788-0225      (Home)             

            Evan Wilson                               JHB Head Basketball Coach               636-5726 (Home)