What is the philosophy of the athletic program?

Sports activities should have a Christian focus. If a child participates in a sport 100%, works hard, makes practices, and demonstrates a respectful sportsmanship attitude, he or she should get to play regardless of talent.  “Athletics are an integral part of the total school curriculum and should be well coordinated to enhance our school. Our Saviour athletic programs encourage maximum participation within the limits of the staff’s ability to administer a program of fundamentals and competitiveness. Winning is important, but not at the expense of poor sportsmanship or actions outside the rules of the game! Our staff will teach the athletes to win, so that a victory will result in pride because of the effort. Participation in Our Saviour athletics is voluntary.” (OSS Athletic Handbook,  p. 1)

What are the expectations of the parents?

At the sporting events, OSS demands the same sportsmanship from the parents as we demand from our students. We expect a positive spirit of cooperation between the coaches, athletic directors and administrators and you, the parents.

I have a problem with the coach, but I am afraid that confronting him or her, may result in the resentment of my child for the rest of the season. What do I do?

First, discuss the problem with the coach. If there is no resolution, meet with the Athletic Director. If there remains to be a problem the grievance can then be directed toward the OSS principal. For those who worry about the coach resenting your child, remember, if your son or daughter was struggling with a teacher, wouldn’t you set up a meeting with that teacher? Coaches are people also, if you approach them with accusations, they will certainly become defensive. However, the right approach is very important. That is the reason we ask that you not meet with the coach directly after a game or an incident that has been the cause for concern.

What are the requirements for my son/daughter to participate?

“Each student must comply with all rules and regulations set down in the Diocesan Handbook, as well as those contained in the OSS student and athletic handbooks. Each student must maintain academic eligibility and meet all requirements set by the Illinois Elementary School Association and OSS. Student athletes must have a physical exam and proof of accident insurance on file with the athletic office. The students must also have turned in a copy of their birth certificate.” (OSS Athletic Handbook,  p. 2)

Before a student may participate in athletics, he/she must:

1. Comply with all the rules and regulations set down in the Diocesan Handbook, as well as those contained in the O.S.S. student and athletic handbooks.

2. Maintain academic eligibility.

3. Meet all requirements set by the Illinois Elementary School Association and O.S.S.

4. Have a recent physical examination by a doctor.  Appropriate forms must be turned into the athletic office to be kept on file.  The physical is good for one year from the date on the physical. No copies will be issued from O.S.S.

5. Have proof of accident insurance on file in the athletic office.  Insurance is offered through Our Saviour School. 

6. Submit a copy of his/her birth certificate to the office at Our Saviour.

7. Fill out, sign the information sheet at the back of this handbook, and return it to the athletic office.

What is the policy on practice?

Practices are normally held before or after school with the ending time determined by the coach.  Practices may be scheduled at other times at the discretion of the coach or the availability of the gymnasiums.  Coaches are expected to set a normal ending point for practice so that the players and parents can plan accordingly.  If on a particular night, practice will end at different time than normal or scheduled for a different time, the players should be told that fact the day before.  The gymnasiums are busy during the seasons, and when applicable, monthly schedules will be given to the coaches, parents, and students for planning purposes. Students are not allowed to remain at O.S.S. after school dismissal to await a practice unless they are signed up for the O.S.S. After Care Program, or unless some other arrangement for supervision is provided (i.e. Routt or parent sponsored study hall). Decisions on canceling contests in the case of inclement weather, bad road conditions, etc. will be made by the administration and athletic director.  If school is dismissed early due to bad weather, all athletic practices will be canceled.  Normally contests will be canceled on days when no school is held because of bad weather.  The administration and the athletic director will make the decision.  A message will be made and put on the athletic office answering machine.

Practices on Sunday or on school holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. will not be permitted unless approved in advance by the superintendent, principal, and athletic director.

What are the academic requirements for my son/daughter to remain eligible for athletics at OSS? 

Regulations established by the IESA govern age, semester of attendance, dates of child enrollment, absences from school, non-school team participation, acceptance of awards, attendance of sports clinics, post-season participation, and academic requirements.

Minimum standards for Our Saviour students will be the following:

a. Student must be passing in all subjects. b. As in the IESA manual, beginning the second week of each quarter, there will be a weekly eligibility check determined by measuring the student's performance on a cumulative basis from the beginning of each quarter through the date on which the check is made in that same quarter.  

Students must participate in practices during the time they are ineligible unless their parents, coach or teacher requests that time to work extra with the students.

Eligibility is reported each week to the principal.  On Friday, the principal will notify the athletic department, students, and parents (via a letter home through student) of the ineligibility which begins the following Monday and lasts for one full week.

More than three ineligibilities during a sport "season" revokes an athletes privilege to participate on the team.  However, individual coaches reserve the right to reduce the number of ineligibilities for his/her season.  For example, only allowing two ineligibilities instead of three.  If this is done, it is done as a team rule that applies to all team members. Individual coaches will notify players and parents if their specific sport eligibility policy is more stringent than the stated policy. For eligibility purposes the "season" begins on the first contest date.

If ineligible student attends the game, the student must adhere to the following rules:  

1. Ride to and from the game with the team.

2. Sit on the bench during the game dressed appropriately.

3. Contribute to the team's effort by doing stats or carrying equipment.

4. Stay with team during halftimes.

  If the student fails to abide by the rules, he/she must pay admission to attend any contests.