MARYVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM 

Mission

The mission of the MCS Athletic Department is to develop a team of athletes, coaches, and parents dedicated to honoring God through the development of Christian character in athletic endeavors.  

I.  Goals

1. To promote doing our best for God's glory (Col. 3:23)
2. To provide instruction in the use of the body to reflect the glory of God through sport while enjoying giving our best to Him because we belong to Him and His pupose for us
3. To apply the principle of the "well-rounded" person illustrated in Luke 2:52 (mental, physical, social, and spiritual) through the integration of academics, athletics, and social activities
4. To promote the Biblical definition of "winning" by:
       a.  Doing our best for God's glory and showing His love regardless of the outcome (Col. 3:23)
       b.  Succeeding on the scoreboard - "Run in such a way as to get the prize"
            (I Cor. 9:24)  
       c.  Acknowledging God in all areas (win or lose) and leaving the results in
            His hands (I Thess. 5:18) 
       d.  Praying for His guidance in striving to be a true winner (Phil. 4:13)
5. To involve the student body, parents, faculty and staff in developing school unity
   and spirit
6. To maintain a clear Christian testimony through words and actions to opposing
   schools, officials, and the community
7. To develop the physical abilities God has given to each individual athlete (1 Tim 4:1-16)
8. To develop these attributes of God:  Integrity (II Cor. 8:21), Self-control (Prov. 25:28), Obedience (Eph. 6:5), Humility (Luke 18:14), Love (Gal. 6:10), Dedication (Prov. 20:6), Self-denial (Phil. 2:4), Stewardship of the Body (Luke 12:42), Patience (Col. 3: 12-13), Forgiveness (Eph. 4:32), Thankfulness (Ps. 100:4-5), and Contentment (I Tim. 6:6)
9. To apply good sportsmanship by demonstrating
       a.  Respect for the opposition at all times
       b.  Respect for the officials at all times
       c.  Knowledge, application and appreciation of the rules of the game
       d.  Self-control despite circumstances
       e.  Recognition of and appreciation for skilled performance, regardless of
            affiliation                              

II.  Philosophy

1. MCS believes that a dynamic program of athletics is important to the educational development of the student.
2. The MCS athletic program should provide a variety of experiences to enhance the development of positive student habits and attitudes that will prepare them for adult life in a democratic society.  Athletics should function as a part of the total curriculum.  It should offer opportunities to serve the institution, to assist in the development of positive relationships and good will, to promote self-realization, all-around growth, and good citizenship qualities.
3. Athletics play an important part in the life of MCS.  Young people learn a great deal from participation in interscholastic athletics.  Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and how to win and lose gracefully are integral parts of our athletic program.  Athletic competition also improves school spirit and helps students develop pride in their school.
4. A major objective of the program is to provide wholesome opportunities for students to develop positive leadership habits and attitudes of social and group interaction, and to be a Christian example to all.
5. Coaching leadership should be of the highest quality and should provide athletes with examples of exemplary Christian behavior.  Measurement of leadership success should not be measured in terms of the tangible evidence of the victories and defeats.  Instead, character, courage and Christian integrity should be the major objectives of the athletic program.
6. The athletic program should always be consistent with the general objectives of the school.  The athletic administration will be oriented to general policies of the institution.
7. We believe that the opportunity for participation in a wide variety of student-selected activities is a vital part of a student's educational experiences.  Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the activity, to other students, to the community and to the athletes themselves.  These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to achieve maximum benefit from his or her education.  MCS athletic activities are considered a supplement to the school's academic program, which strives to provide experiences that will help develop students physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
8. The athletic program shall be conducted in accordance with the existing Board policies, rules and regulations.  While the Board takes great pride in winning, it does not condone "winning at any cost"  and discourages any and all pressures which might tend to neglect good sportsmanship.  At all times, the athletic program must be conducted in such a way so as to honor the Lord and justify it as an extracurricular activity.
9. The athletic program should be available to all students who demonstrate an interest in participating and a dedication to teamwork, regardless of their individual abilities.  All student athletes must abide by the rules, regulations, and philosophies set up by the Athletic Handbook.
10. Every effort should be made to support the athletic program with the best facilities, equipment and with the most qualified staff available.  Insofar as possible, knowledge and skills gained in classes should be applied and further developed through participating in the athletic program.  Coaches, directors and sponsors should also teach the specific skills necessary for improvement in activities and provide guidance in the development of self-realization, good sportsmanship, cooperation, leadership, ethical behavior, artistic sensitivity, an appreciation for the importance of practice, and striving for excellence through Christ-like actions.                             

III.  Parent and Athlete Expectations

    A.  Parent Expectations:

    In order to develop a quality athletic program, the following list of parent expectations 
    has been compiled.  It is our utmost desire to honor God and strive to grow in Him
    through MCS athletics.

1. Commit to the priorities and philosophy of MCS athletics.  This includes an understanding of the fact that we are first and foremost seeking to honor God in every aspect of the program. 
2. Respect the players and coaches.  The coaches and players have worked very hard, so let's encourage them!  Being critical of our athletes and coaches during a game or even after the game should not occur.  This also should apply to opposing teams.
3. Respect the game officials.  The referees are in a position of authority and as believers we all have a responsibility to respect them.  Disrespect toward officials is unacceptable and sends a poor message to our children, friends, and fans of the opposing team.
4. Deal with issues by utilizing the Matthew 18 principle.  This simply means that if you have concerns with a team or a coach, you should go directly to the person.  Do not go to an administrator without first trying to work it out with the parties involved.
5. Be prompt.  Parents are expected to drop off and pick up their students on time before and after games and practices.
6. Pray for the program.  Make it a part of your regular prayer routine to lift up MCS athletics to the Lord for His blessing.
7. Remember that our Christian witness is an extremely important part of the program.  Are we displaying a Christ-like spirit during games?  Poor behavior is an embarrassment to the students, the school, and ultimately our Lord.  What does it profit us if we win the game but tarnish our witness for Jesus Christ?  How do others feel about MCS when the game is over?
   
   Win or lose, let's honor Christ above all else by being a witness for Him.  Let us strive to help Maryville CHRISTIAN School live up to its name during these public event.
   
   
8. Commit to the words of the Apostle Peter (a man who had difficulty controlling his tongue!).
   "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you held when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is writen:  "Be holy because I am holy."                                                      

    To help our athletic program to be "distinctive" and honor God, the following list of student expectations has been compiled for the MCS athlete.                                

1. Commit to the priorities and philosophy of MCS athletics.  This includes an understanding of the fact that we are first and foremost seeking to honor God and grow closer to him through the endeavors of the program.
2. Responsibilities:
       a.  To yourself - Remember that your body and your abilities are gifts from God and, therefore your should give your best in practice and competition for His glory.  You should strive to grow in your walk with God through the development of Christian character.  Be open to what God can teach you and how you can become more conformed to His image through MCS athletics.  Embrace the experiences of winning and losing as opportunities to grow in Godliness.

             b.  To your school - Remember that you represent Maryville Christian    School.
                  Many people, both inside and outside MCS will form opinions about the 
                  overall school program based upon what they see in you.  The student body,
                  our community, and other communities judge our school by your conduct 
                  and attitudes both on and off the field of play.  In striving to make MCS 
                  "distinctive" the students in our athletic program must constantly display
                  this distinctiveness in winning and losing and in and out of competition.

             c.  To others - As a member of an MCS athletic team, you also bear a
                  responsibility to your family.  Never give your parents anything to be 
                  ashamed of.  Also, remember that your teammates are relying upon you
                  to practice hard and be prepared for competition.  From there, you should
                  play to the best of your ability and thereby support and respect your
                  teammates.  Likewise, never forget that younger students in the school are
                  watching you, and they will copy you in many ways.  Set a good example
                  by behaving in a way that constantly points them to God.

             d.  Finally, and most importantly, you have your greatest responsibility to the
                  Lord Jesus Christ.  Colossians 3:23 says it best, "Whatever your task, work
                  heartily, as serving the Lord and not men."

    C.  Keys to effective parent/coach/player relations at MCS

         1.  Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
         2.  Respect Each Other (Romans 12:10)
         3.  Pray for Each Other (I Corinthians 1:10B -11)
         4.  With full recognition and respect for God-given parental responsibility, it must be
              kept in mind that, during athletic participation, parents have delegated the
              responsibility and authority for their young person to the coach.  "Hands on"
              delegation is not acceptable.  There will be direct/indirect impact on the young
              person if the following occurs.

              a.  Parental coaching "from the stands."  This can only be detrimental.  A coach needs
                   the full attention and concentration of his/her players.  During a practice or game,
                   the player "belongs" to the coach.  Uninvited parental intervention during these times
                   is a serious distraction and detrimental to the program.

              b.  Parents approaching the coach or the athlete "on the bench" during the game,
                   half-time, or immediately after a game will not be overlooked.  A coach should
                   be able to expect full support from both player and parent.

          5.  How can parents give input or have questions answered?  Parents desiring to have input
               should use the proper communication channels and procedures.  If your concern/input
               is not heard or sufficiently responded to by the coach, you may proceed through
               proper channels by talking with the Athletic Director, Administrator, and Board of
               Directors, in that order, until the matter has been handled satisfactorily. Proper
               deference should be shown toward the coach by not sharing your concerns
               immediately before, during or after a game.  Schedule an appointment with the
               coach to discuss your concerns in private when he/she can offer you his/her
               undivided attention.

          6.  Support is expected.  It is reasonable to expect any parent who has allowed his/her
               young person to be on a team to be supportive of the coach.  Well-placed, constructive
               criticism given privately to a coach is welcomed.  Airing negative opinions to other
               parents (and to your children) should never be done.

          7.  It should be clearly understood that each coach has the full responsibility and authority
               to determine which players are entered into the games, when, and for how long. 
               His/her determination in this area will be made on the basis of what will benefit the
               team as a whole.  This does not mean that there will be absolutely no consideration
               given to the individual needs of a player, but it does mean that instruction and
               guidance on making a total team effort is of paramount importance in this particular
               educational experience of Maryville Christian School.

IV.  Fees

      In order to adequately fund our athletic program, all student athletes must pay a fee to
      participate.

      Policies:
      A.  The fee rate will be established on an annual basis.  The rate will be determined by the
           athletic department and administration based upon budgetary needs.

      B.  Payment deadlines will be established based upon the season of the particular sport(s).

      C.  Payment must be received in the office by the deadline or the student will be ineligible
           until payment is received.

      D.  Payment must be made to the school office.  Do not give payment to the coaches.

      E.  The fee is non-refundable after the first game of a particular season.           
         
      

V.  Programs Offered

 A.  Elementary program (grades 4-5)
       Guidelines - These programs are offered only  to students in  
       grades 4 and 5.  No students in the 3rd grade will be allowed to
       participate unless there an inadequate number of players to
       field a team.  This must be approved by the Athletic Director.

1. Boys/girls basketball
2. Cheerleading
   

1. Boys/girls soccer
2. Boys/girls basketball
3. Girls volleyball
4. Cheerleading           

C.  Varsity program (grades 9-12) 
       Guidelines - These programs are available only to students in
       grades 9-12.  No students in elementary or middle school will be
       allowed to participate unless there are an inadequate number of
       players to field a team.  This must be approved by the Athletic
       Director.  A Junior Varsity (JV) team can be formed using students
       in grades 9-12 at the discretion of the coach after consulting with
       the Athletic Director.  According to TSSAA guidelines, no senior
       will be allowed to play on a junior varsity (JV) team.

1. Boys/girls soccer
2. Boys/girls basketball
3. Boys baseball
4. Girls volleyball
5. Girls softball (possibility)
6. Cheerleading                                   

Click here for TMS/TSSAA Preparticipation Medical Evaluation Form