SFB Athletics Handbook

St. Finn Barr Catholic School

Athletics Program Handbook

Table of Contents

St. Finn Barr Athletics Mission Statement ………………………………………………………..3
Goals ………………………………………………………………………………………………....3
Code of Conduct …………………………………………………………………………………….4
Sports Offered ……………………………………………………………………………………….4
Sports Fundraisers ………………………………………………………………………………….5
Uniforms ……………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Selection of Coaches ……………………………………………………………………………….6
Standards of Coaching Behavior ………………………………………………………………….7
Coaches Responsibilities …………………………………………………………………………..7
Coaches Disciplinary Actions ……………………………………………………………………...8
Disciplinary Process ………………………………………………………………………………..9
Player Eligibility ……………………………………………………………………………………..9
Player Conduct …………………………………………………………………………………….10
Player Game Participation ………………………………………………………………………..10
Parent/Guardian Participation and Responsibilities …………………………………………...11
Spectator Conduct and Disciplinary Actions …………………………………………………...12
Enforcement ………………………………………………………………………………………..12
St. Finn Barr Athletics Line of Authority ………………………………………………………...12
Grievance Procedure ……………………………………………………………………………..12
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct ……………………………………………………………....14
Concussion Information …………………………………………………………………………..15
Frequently Asked Questions ……………………………………………………………………..17

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St. Finn Barr Athletics Mission Statement

St. Finn Barr Athletics is designed to be representative of Christian values in life. As Christians,
we are constantly challenged to better ourselves. In team sports, we strive for improvement,
both as individuals and as a group. The development of Christian values is the primary focus of
St. Finn Barr Athletics. St. Finn Barr Athletics strives:

● To promote and encourage the development of Christian values (character) through
interaction with peers;

● To promote individual mental, social, physical, and spiritual growth and development
through participation in team sports;

● To understand that the concepts of “team spirit and sportsmanship” cannot be
over-valued. It is through these ideas that meaningful participation in community is
possible for a child.

St. Finn Barr Athletics has a responsibility to each of its participants (coaches, players,
parents/guardians, and officials) to provide the best possible atmosphere of competition. Such
competition should not be based solely in terms of winning and losing, but rather in terms of
improvement, enjoyment, and the building of self-confidence. In order to accomplish these
goals, the participants must become gracious winners and losers, understanding that team
participation and the goals mentioned above are more important that individual performance.
The concept of team participation allows the student-athletes to experience individual growth
while encouraging the growth of their teammates, peers, friends and competitors. Team sports,
competitive contests and special outdoor activities are opportunities to keep the body fit and the
mind clear.

For these reasons, St. Finn Barr Athletics encourages the participation of all children, not merely
the skilled athletes. In order to encourage wide participation and to foster Christian attitudes, the
St. Finn Barr Athletics program is built on a strong foundation of dedicated volunteers, coaches
and children open to learning and playing fairly.

Goals

The purpose of the St. Finn Barr Athletics program is to provide a Christian atmosphere of play,
which enables participants to develop the following skills and healthy habits:

1. To maintain good health through physical exercise;
2. To appreciate physical fitness;
3. To develop healthy social and interpersonal interests;
4. To learn playing skills;
5. To develop sportsmanship;

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6. To grow in social qualities of courage, initiative, honesty, cooperation, self-confidence,
and loyalty;

7. To acquire an appreciation of rules and performance guidelines;
8. To play on their own level of competition and to be able to recognize and accept this

level to strive to achieve reasonable team and individual goals;
9. To work for reasonable team and individual goals;
10. To enable non-team members to give support through attendance as a cheering section;
11. To accept defeat knowing that they have tried their best;
12. To support and welcome as teammates non-St. Finn Barr children who are either

members of the Parish community or live in the neighborhood;
13. To grow closer to God, to church and to each other.

Code of Conduct

St. Finn Barr Athletics Program, through the vehicle of sport, provides youth with an opportunity
to practice Christian attitudes and responsibilities as well as to become friends with other
children throughout that Archdiocese and their community. St. Finn Barr Athletics activities
should exemplify the meaning of Christian sportsmanship. The guiding principle behind the
enforcement of this code is that the behavior of everyone involved in the Athletics Program
should enhance the children’s enjoyment of the sport.

Sports Offered

St. Finn Barr Athletics will actively support the following, or comparable, programs by
encouraging participation, putting together rosters, registering teams, providing coaches,
equipment and locations to practice as much as the program allows.

Fall (September - November)
Vikings Co-Ed Micro Soccer: K & 1st Grade

San Francisco Youth Soccer: 2nd Grade
CYO Boys Soccer: 3rd - 8th Grade

CYO Girls Volleyball: 3rd - 8th Grade

Winter (December - February)
CYO Boys Basketball: 3rd - 8th Grade

CYO Girls Soccer: 3rd - 8th Grade
All City Recreation & Park Basketball/Junior Warriors: K - 8th Grade

Spring (March - May)

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CYO Girls Basketball: 3rd - 8th Grade
SFYBL Baseball: K - 8th Grade

Summer (June - August)
Junior Giants Baseball: K - 8th Grade

Participation Fees:​
A registration and uniform deposit fee will be due per sport per participant. The fee includes
uniform rental, equipment costs, league dues, first aid equipment and other necessary program
expenses. The fee alone is not enough to cover all of the expenses, therefore the rest is offset
by fundraisers. You must participate in 2 mandatory fundraisers (Gift Wrap in the Fall and
Candy Sale in the Spring). For those families choosing not to participate in the 2 mandatory
fundraisers, the fee to participate is $300 (plus uniform deposit fee). Fees are charged per sport,
per participant.

The fee will be stipulated at the beginning of registration for the sport and are non-refundable
(with the exception of the uniform deposit). The amount of the fee will depend on whether you
are registering as a

● Participating Family​ - a family who will be participating in both mandatory fundraisers
● Non-Participating Family​ - a family who will not have any athletics fundraising

obligations

Fees are due upon registration. Uniforms will not be distributed until fees have been paid. A​ ll
unpaid fees will need to be paid in order for a child to be eligible to play. A child can be
removed or benched from a team during the season if there are any unpaid fees owed
(e.g. fundraiser buy-outs).

Athletics Fundraisers

Parental support is required, essential, and vital in helping raise funds to cover the cost of the
St. Finn Barr Athletics program. The purpose of the fundraisers sponsored by the Sports Board
is to help finance a solid athletics program for the school. All proceeds are invested directly
along with the participation fee in the purchase of equipment, uniforms, gym rental, etc. Working
at these fundraisers enables participants to acquire parent service hours and bond as a
community. The amount of hours eligible to be received is determined by the school Parent
Board. Your child does not have to play sports to donate or volunteer at the following
fundraisers:

● Ice Cream Social (September)
● Spaghetti Feed (November)
● Fish Fry (March)
● Athletics Awards Banquet (May)

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The following fundraisers are mandatory for all student-athletes, but all families are invited to
participate. You do not have to be a student-athlete to qualify for all the fun prizes!

● Gift Wrap (September)
● Candy Sale (February/March)

Uniforms

Game uniforms will be loaned to each child who participates in a sport, after payment of a $50
uniform deposit has been made. An announcement of the date/time and location of uniform
distribution will be communicated at practice or e-mailed to families sometime prior to start of
league play by the Uniform Coordinator. Persons unable to come on the appointed date should
make arrangements, PRIOR TO THE DATE OF SCHEDULED UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION, with
the Uniform Coordinator.

The St. Finn Barr Athletics program will be the sole provider of uniforms for players participating
in any sport. Players will only be allowed to wear uniforms that have been issued to them by the
respective Athletic Coordinator. Uniform donations to the program will be accepted and must be
cleared through the Athletic Coordinator. All donations will be considered the property of St.
Finn Barr Athletics. Only the Athletic Coordinator and the Sports Board can determine where the
donation will be appropriated.

At the end of league play, a uniform return date will be set and notice given through e-mail by
the Uniform Coordinator. Uniforms are to be returned clean (washed and air dried) and in good
condition. A uniform replacement fee of up to $150 will be charged for any lost or damaged
uniform. The replacement fee must be paid prior to being issued an additional uniform. If the
uniform is not returned on the designated date, the uniform deposit may be forfeited. A child will
remain on the ineligible to play roster until the uniform or replacement fee have been submitted.
All monies due to St. Finn Barr Athletics for unreturned or damaged uniforms over 30 days can
lead to collections of money due or legal action.

Parents/Guardians should make sure the uniforms are washed for each game. Washing should
be according to the following instructions:

MACHINE WASH SEPARATELY IN COLD WATER
DO NOT BLEACH, DRY CLEAN, OR IRON
DRIP DRY

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Selection of Coaches

The Athletic Director will recruit and select all coaches. The Athletic Director will assist and train
all coaches when necessary. Coaches and Assistant Coaches must be at least of high school
age. They must be knowledgeable with regard to the following:

● Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
● San Francisco Vikings
● San Francisco Youth Soccer
● San Francisco Recreation & Park (Rec & Park)
● San Francisco Youth Baseball League (SFYBL)
● PAL
● Junior Giants
● By-laws, league rules, sports rules and techniques of teaching fundamental for that

sport.

The Athletic Director reserves the right to appoint or dismiss a coach/assistant coach as
deemed necessary. Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and anybody interested in volunteering for
the athletic committee are always needed and appreciated. We strongly encourage
parents/guardians to volunteer their time and share their knowledge of the game(s). If you are
interested, please e-mail us at s​ [email protected]

Standards of Coaching Behavior

● Setting a good example for participants and fans to follow and exemplifying the highest
moral and ethical behavior

● Respecting the judgment of officials and abiding by the rules of the event
● Treating opposing coaches, participants and fans with respect and shaking opposing

coaches’ and team members’ hands each contest
● Instructing participants in sportsmanship and demanding they display good

sportsmanship
● Coaching in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values
● Not addressing a parent/guardian in front of a child regarding personal matters. If you

have something to discuss with the parent/guardian, you must schedule a private
meeting either before or after practice or via a telephone call
● Not addressing a child regarding financial or personal family matters ​at any time.​
Examples include, unpaid fees, missing uniforms, or missed games/practices. Coaches
must​ address these issues with o​ nly​ the parent/guardian of the child and not in the
child’s presence
● Contacting the parent/guardian regarding a continual disciplinary problem at practice.
Coach must inform parent/guardian before leaving practice of disciplinary violation(s) of

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the child and ask for help with correcting the problem. If disciplinary violation continues
after speaking to parent/guardian, coach must contact the Athletic Director for further
action.

Coach Responsibilities

The following responsibilities pertain to all volunteer coaches coaching under the St. Finn Barr
Athletics program. All volunteer coaches are chosen by the Athletic Director.

1. Coaches will comply with CYO, Vikings, San Francisco Youth Soccer, Rec & Park, PAL,
SFYBL, Junior Giants and Archdiocesan guidelines for LiveScan Fingerprinting,
background checks, coaches clinics, online courses and volunteering requirements.
* Any coach who suspects a member of their team is being abused
(emotionally, physically, or verbally) should report it directly and confidentially to
the Athletic Director, subject to the laws of the State of California.

2. Coaches are responsible for the actions of their players and spectators at all games and
practices. All incidents must be reported to the Athletic Director immediately. An I​ ncident
Report​ will be due to the Athletic Coordinator within 24 hours.

3. Coaches are responsible for enforcing proper care of the facilities at which they practice
or have games. For example, if a gym’s policy stipulates no food/drink other than water,
the Coach ​must​ enforce it with his/her team. Coaches are responsible for any damages
to the facilities where a team practices or plays. All incidents must be reported to the
Athletic Director immediately. An ​Incident Report​ will be due to the Athletic Coordinator
within 24 hours. All monies due to St. Finn Barr Athletics for damages to any facilities
over 30 days can lead to collections of money due or legal action.

4. Coaches are responsible for all equipment issued to them by St. Finn Barr Athletics.
Replacement of lost equipment will be done by the Athletic Director. The Coach will be
responsible for reimbursing the St. Finn Barr Athletics program the cost of the replaced
equipment. All monies due to the St. Finn Barr Athletics program for lost equipment over
30 days can lead to collections of money due or legal action. Equipment must be
returned at the end of each season to the Equipment Coordinator.

5. Coaches are responsible for providing parents/guardians with a contact number to
facilitate communication at their first practice. Coaches are also responsible for asking
every parent/guardian what form of contact works best for them. Coaches should get a
contact number and e-mail address from every parent/guardian.They should find out if a
parent/guardian prefers phone contact over e-mail or both.

6. Coaches are responsible for conducting a pre-season parents/players meeting before
starting their first practice to clarify coach’s expectations for the coming season, all code

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of conduct rules and gym rules. Coaches need to be very specific on what commitment
is expected of every player. For example, how many practices a child can miss in order
to be eligible to play every week, what are acceptable/excusable absences, etc.).
Coaches should also put their expectations discussed at the meeting in contract form to
be signed by both parent/guardian and student-athlete.

7. Coaches should designate a Team Parent to help with practice and game reminders.
The Team Parent should also be responsible for snack lists. It is the duty of the Team
Parent to keep the parents informed of any changes in schedules or practices.

8. Coaches must stay at all practices and games until every child has been picked up by a
parent/guardian. A​ coach cannot leave a child unattended or under the care of
another parent.​ A coach must release the child to the parent/guardian physically in front
of them. A child is not allowed to walk home, run to a car, or wait somewhere else for
their parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must come up to the coach and inform the
coach they are picking up their child. Failure to follow the above protocol will be cause
for immediate suspension of all coaching privileges. A meeting with the Athletic Director,
School Principal and Sports Board Representative will be necessary before coaching
privileges can be reinstated.

9. Coaches are responsible for staying with their team in the event of a catastrophe or
terrorist act during a practice or game. Coaches are to wait a maximum of 30 minutes for
a child to be picked up by their parent/guardian. All children not picked up after 30
minutes should be brought to St. Finn Barr School Goode Hall.

10. Coaches should have a practice plan before every practice.

11. Coaches must work to ensure that the St. Finn Barr Athletics mission statement is
carried out. The coach must work to strive the difficult balance between the need to work
toward team goals, particularly winning, and the need to develop individuals and ensure
their adequate participation.

Coaches Disciplinary Actions

1. Any coach ejected from a game because of unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended
for the next two games and may be subject to additional penalties by CYO, Vikings, San
Francisco Youth Soccer, Recreation & Park, SFYBL, PAL, and Junior Giants officials
and/or St. Finn Barr Athletics Sports Board. The Athletic Director will be responsible for
finding a replacement coach. The coach must go to a Disciplinary Hearing before
resuming their coaching duties.

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2. Any coach who is verbally abusive (for example, uses words harmful to a player’s sense
of self-esteem, or words that are excessively critical of a player’s ability or efforts) may
be disqualified from future participation in the St. Finn Barr Athletics program. The coach
must go to a Disciplinary Hearing before resuming their coaching duties.

3. Any coach who physically abuses an official or another person will be suspended for the
remainder of the season, disqualified from further participation in the St. Finn Barr
Athletics program and will receive at least a one year suspension from further CYO,
Vikings, San Francisco Youth Soccer, Recreation & Park, SFYBL, PAL, and Junior
Giants functions pursuant to the respective program’s guidelines and league policy. All
incidents of physical abuse will be reported to the proper legal and judicial authorities.

4. Any coach who violates a rule in the St. Finn Barr Athletics ​Standard of Coaching
Behavior​ will be suspended and asked to attend a counseling session.

Disciplinary Processes

All violations of the St. Finn Barr Athletics ​Standar of Coaching Behavior​, ​Coach
Responsibilities, and/or Disciplinary Procedures ​will follow the following protocol:

1. The Coach will be suspended immediately and will be scheduled to attend a counseling
session. The counseling session will be scheduled within 7 days of the violation. The
coach will be ineligible to attend any practices or games while under suspension. This
hearing will serve as an oral warning. Any future violations will be grounds for
termination of coaching privileges.

2. The counseling session will consist of the Athletic Director, the School Principal and a
representative of the Sports Board. The Athletic Director will determine who will
represent the Sports Board. The coach will be notified by e-mail on the final ruling of the
counseling session.

Player Eligibility

All children attending parochial, public, private, Excelsior Boys & Girls Club, or home schools
who wish to participate in St. Finn Barr Athletics are required to uphold the following standards
of participant behavior, including:

1. Seriously accepting the responsibility of representing the school by displaying positive
behavior at all times

2. Respecting the judgement of the officials and abide by the rules of the contest
3. Being punctual and prepared for both practice and games in accordance with the

coach’s expectations for the season

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4. Committing to participate for the whole season and attend all scheduled practices and
games

5. Following the rules and regulations stated in the C​ ode of Conduct​, S​ t. Finn Barr Athletics
Handbook,​ and different leagues participated in.

Player Conduct

Players participating in St. Finn Barr Athletics must maintain themselves in acceptable
standards of conduct, effort and home study. Failure to do so may result in the player being
suspended from participation. If the player is suspended, the Athletic Director and the
parent/guardian will meet to determine if the player would benefit academically and/or socially
by being removed from participating in the sport. Withdrawal fees will be assessed if the
removal of the player from the team causes the team to be withdrawn from the league. The fee
can be up to $1,500 depending on the league.

The Athletic Director will notify the parents/guardians and coaches when a player is removed
from and/or returned to participation. During the ineligible period, players will not be allowed to
attend practice.

Player Game Participation

Every child who is on a team is to play every game in accordance with the league participation
rules. However, any child who misses practice without a valid excuse may forfeit his/her right to
play in the next game. Parents should advise the Coach beforehand when and why their child is
going to miss practice or a game.

A Coach or the Athletic Director may restrict a child from participating because of inappropriate
student-athlete behavior while at practice, at an athletic program or activity, or for missing
practice without a valid excuse. Coaches must notify the Athletic Director once a player has
been restricted from participation. The parent(s)/guardian will then be notified by the Athletic
Director. An appeal to this rule may be made to the Athletic Director in writing. A meeting with all
parties involved will be scheduled as soon as possible to determine the extent of the restriction.
The student-athlete will remain ineligible to participate in any practices or games until the
meeting is held.

Examples of an unexcused absence will include the following: “I forgot; I didn’t have a ride; I
was grounded; I had too much homework, etc.”. Unexcused absences also include conflicting
elective activities: vacations, participating in another sport, music, scouts, and any other activity
over which one has control. Examples of acceptable excused absences include: funeral, illness,
and a singular conflicting event such as a family wedding, First Communion, anniversary, etc.
which cannot be rescheduled.

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If a student-athlete is ejected from a game, he/she will be suspended from participating in the
following game or as long as the league deems necessary. If a student-athlete quits a sport at
any time after the initial sign-up period, the student-athlete will be restricted from participating in
the next sport unless the action was instigated by illness or some other situation deemed
extraordinary by the Athletic Director. The student-athlete will be responsible for any withdrawal
fees incurred by St. Finn Barr Athletics due to their withdrawing after the season has begun.
The fee can be up to $1,500 depending on the league.

With regard to conflicts with other extracurricular sporting activities, the following rules
will apply​:

1. St. Finn Barr Athletics games (practice and league) take precedence over games of
other leagues

2. St. Finn Barr Athletics practices take precedence over other practices
3. A student-athlete may be excused by the Coach or Athletic Director from St. Finn Barr

Athletics practice session to play in scheduled games or practices of other leagues. This
will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Parent/Guardian Participation and Responsibilities

To assure the success of St. Finn Barr Athletics we must have the participation of A​ LL
parents/guardians with children in our program. This is Y​ OUR​ program! Together, we provide
the environment that builds our children’s self-esteem and character. Our program exists only
with your support. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting their children to and from
practices and games in a timely manner. We need to have parents/guardians see that their
children get to and from all practices and games on time. The coaches are not responsible for
organizing carpools, for driving children, or taking care of them before or after practices or
games. Please be courteous and notify your coach when you will be late picking up your child.

In the event your child can’t make it to practice or game, be sure to let the coach know ahead of
time. It is expected that a coach be notified at least 3 days in advance if a child will not be
attending a game. ​A forfeit fee of $100-$150, depending on the league, will be charged to
the family if the team forfeits due to lack of notification.​ Obviously, illnesses or other
emergencies do not apply.

If your child withdraws from a team after rosters have been entered and the team is no longer
fieldable, you will be responsible for all withdrawal fees charged by the league. T​ he fee can be
up to $1,500 depending on the league.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend all games and to support their children’s efforts.
The leagues have strict rules and zero tolerance about parents/guardians misbehaving through
loud, abusive or disruptive conduct at a game towards the opposing team or officials (see: Code
of Conduct). ​No respectable league will tolerate public questioning of an official’s integrity.​

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Respect all players, coaches, and officials.​ Remember, that our children look to us for
guidance and example. Good sportsmanship and common sense should always guide our
spectators, regardless of the behavior and action of others. Always encourage and practice with
your child at home.

Please understand that coaches, the Athletics Board, and the Athletic Director have a right to
request suspension of your child for misbehavior, unexcused absences, and tardiness at
practices and games. Coaches also have a right to expect that their instructions at practices and
games be followed, and within reason may take appropriate action to ensure team discipline
(e.g. extra laps or running liners). Parents/Guardians who disagree with coaching decisions
need to address their concerns directly with the coach in such a way as to not disrupt team
spirit. The concern must be addressed in writing. ​It is necessary to inform the coach of any
medical condition or special needs (e.g. Asthma, Autism, ADHD) that your child has.
Coaches will keep information confidential.

No pets are permitted at any events.

Spectator Conduct

Standards of spectator conduct include:
1. Remembering that the players are children and are playing for their enjoyment as well as
yours.
2. Remaining seated in the spectator area during the game.
3. Respecting decisions made by contest officials and coaches.
4. Being role models by positively supporting teams and by not shouting instructions or
criticism(s) to the players, coaches, or officials. Not coaching from the stands; making
derogatory comments or suggestions to players, coaches, and parents/guardians or
players of the opposing team, officials or league administrators.
5. Following and understanding the procedures outlined in the C​ ode of Conduct​.

Spectator Disciplinary Action

An official, team coach, league official, field marshal or site gym director may remove any
spectator from the facility or field who displays poor sportsmanship. Any spectator who
negatively interferes with the conduct of a St. Finn Barr Athletics activity will be barred from
attendance at subsequent St. Finn Barr Athletics events. The spectator will have to attend a
Disciplinary Hearing before they can attend an event pertaining to St. Finn Barr Athletics.

Enforcement

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The Athletic Director shall enforce the ​Code of Conduct​, Coaches, players or spectators may be
placed on probation or suspended from all leagues participated in for their actions. T​ he Athletic
Director reserves the right to appoint or dismiss a Coach/Assistant as deemed
necessary.​ Complaints regarding violations of the C​ ode of Conduct​ shall be processed through
the guidelines set by the ​Grievance Procedures​ as stated and should be followed accordingly.
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their spectators.

St. Finn Barr Athletics Line of Authority

● Coach
● Athletic Director
● School Principal

Grievance Procedure

1. Player/Coach Grievance:
If a player or parent/guardian is experiencing a problem with a coach or a person
assisting the coach, it should be brought to the attention of the coach in a verbal or
written form. The exception to this would be in instance where the coach is alleged to
have committed an act of physical abuse or extreme verbal abuse. In those cases, the
complaint must be in written form and submitted directly to the Athletic Director. The
Athletic Director will notify the School Principal upon receipt of the complaint.

If the problem is not resolved at the coach’s level, the grievance must be reported to the
Athletic Director in writing at ​[email protected]​. If need for a conference at
this level arises, the Athletic Director will arrange a meeting with the player,
parents/guardians, involved coaches, school representative and Sports Board
representative within 7 days of filed grievance. If the grievance is still not resolved after
the meeting, the School Principal will be notified and asked to intervene. A meeting will
be scheduled with the School Principal and all involved parties, as deemed necessary by
the School Principal.

2. General Parent/Guardian Grievances:
The procedure for submitting a grievance/general complaint regarding St. Finn Barr
Athletics is to submit the grievance in written form to the Sports Board President -
[email protected].​ If the grievance cannot be addressed or resolved it shall be
submitted for inclusion on the Agenda for the next scheduled Sports Board meeting,
unless extingent circumstances exist that require an immediate unscheduled meeting. A
meeting will then be scheduled within two days’ notice. The decisions shall be in
adherence with the S​ t. Finn Barr Athletics Program Handbook​ and C​ ode of Conduct​. St.
Finn Barr Athletics represents the best interests of the school. The decision will be
binding unless the School Principal overrules the Athletic Director and Sports Board

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decision. The School Principal’s decision will be the final decision.

St. Finn Barr Athletics Parent Code of Conduct

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth not

adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of

my child or others.
4. I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guest(s)) will be positive role model(s) for my child and encourage

sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and demonstrating positive support for
all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting
event.
6. I (and my guest(s)) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any
official, coach, player or parent/guardian - such as, booing and taunting, refusing to
shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and
well-being of any players.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to
hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with
respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important that winning, so that my child
will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a
winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a
competition.
13. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco and alcohol
and I will refrain from their use at all games and practices.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the student-athletes ahead of any
personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless
I am one of the official coaches of the team. I​ will not coach from the stands or
sidelines.
16. I will respect the officials and their authority before, during and after games. I will ​never
question, discuss or confront officials and/or coaches at the game field or gym. If I have
a concern, I will speak with my child’s coach at an agreed upon time and place. I will

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contact the Athletic Director regarding my concern if the issue is not resolved with my
child’s coach.
17. I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be
subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to, the following (​ this
applies to Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Parents/Guardians, Spectators):​

● Verbal Warning
● Written Warning and game(s) suspension with written documentation of incident

kept on file
● Indefinite suspension or release of coaching duties

Concussion Information

What is a Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a
“ding”, “getting your bell rung”, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be
serious. You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussions can show up right
after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child
reports any symptoms of a concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, ​seek medical
attention right away!

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion​:

Signs Observed by Parents/Guardians
If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any
of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion -

● Appears dazed or stunned
● Is confused about assignment or position
● Forgets an instruction
● Is unsure of game score, or opponent
● Moves clumsily
● Answers questions slowly
● Loses consciousness (even briefly)
● Shows behavior or personality changes
● Can’t recall events prior to or after hit/fall

Symptoms Reported by Athlete
● Headache or “pressure” in head
● Nausea or vomiting
● Balance problems or dizziness
● Double or blurry vision
● Sensitivity to light

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● Sensitivity to noise
● Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
● Concentration or memory problems
● Confusion
● Does not “feel right”

How Can You Help Your Child Prevent a Concussion:​
Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from a
concussion.

● Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
● Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
● Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as

helmets, padding, shin guards, knee pads, and eye/mouth guards). Protective
equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and
correctly.
● Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

What Should You Do if You Think Your Child has a Concussion:​
● Seek medical attention right away​. A healthcare professional will be able to
decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return
to sports.
● Keep your child out of play.​ Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child
return to play until a healthcare professional says it is okay. Children who return
to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having a
second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can
cause permanent damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
● Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion​. Coaches should know if
your child had a recent concussion in ​ANY​ sport. Your child’s coach may not
know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless
you tell the coach.

What is the Procedure for a Suspected Concussion​:
● Any athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in
practice or a game shall be removed from the activity at that time and for the
remainder of the day.
● Any athlete who has been removed may not return to play until the athlete is
evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider in the evaluation and management of
concussions and has received a written clearance to return to play from the
healthcare provider.

LET YOUR CHILD’S COACH KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU SUSPECT
YOUR CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Participating and Non-Participating?
The participating fee is for families who participate in ​both​ mandatory fundraisers (Fall Gift
Wrap and Spring Candy Sale). The non-participating fee is for families who chose not to
participate in the mandatory fundraisers.

Do we only participate in CYO?
No. We participate in SF Vikings Soccer League, San Francisco Youth Soccer, SF Recreation
and Park, Boys & Girls Club, PAL and SFYBL Baseball League. Teams may participate in two
leagues at the same time. For example, CYO and SF Recreation & Park or CYO and Boys &
Girls Club.

Who chooses what leagues we participate in?
The Athletic Director determines what leagues we will play in.

Can anybody enter a team in a league or promote a camp without the Athletic Director’s
knowledge?
No. Only the Athletic Director can field or enter a team. If you are interested in a league or
camp, you must let the Athletic Director know. Only the Athletic Director can promote or
distribute information regarding leagues or camps.

Why can’t a parent or coach recruit for a team or promote a camp?
There are Archdiocese policies and liability policies that govern that Athletics program. Teams
fielded without the Athletic Director’s knowledge will be playing without following protocol. The
teams will not be covered for any injuries or property damage causing a financial liability on the
school.

Why do we have combined teams?
When a grade cannot field a team on their own, we will combine two grades to form one team.
Our goal in the Athletics program is to give every child who wants to play sports and opportunity
to do so.

What happens when you can’t field a team but you have interested athletes?
If we cannot field a team by combining two grades, we will enter all interested players by
grade/age in SF Recreation & Park leagues.

Do you have to attend St. Finn Barr Catholic School to play in the Athletics program?
No. All children are eligible to play regardless of where they attend school. Homeschooled
children are also eligible. The child must be attending CCD classes or be active in the Parish. A
letter of verification may be requested.

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By signing below, I understand that if I am removed from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct I
will be automatically suspended indefinitely. I understand that refusal to follow procedures will
result in forfeiture/discharge of the game/team and I will be responsible for all
forfeiture/withdrawal fees imposed on the Athletics program due to my actions. I agree to
adhere to the aforementioned rules and guidelines.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ________
Child’s Name and Grade: ______________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________________________ Zip Code: ______________
Home Phone: _______________________________ Mobile Phone: ___________________

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