Elementary Interschool Sports

Elementary Interschool Sports

Regina Catholic Schools enjoy a long-standing tradition of excellent elementary intersschool sports activities.   The success of our sports program is built on the efforts and commitment of all the people involved – our students, staff, parents and volunteers.  Our program is well organized and strengthened by a commitment to high expectations by volunteers, teachers and administrators.

Regina Catholic Schools Interschool Sports Opportunities

• Cross Country Running
• Aerial Football
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Badminton
• Track & Field

The Philosophy for Regina Catholic Schools Elementary Interschool Sports
Elementary interschool sports activities are an important part of the education program that contribute to students’ physical, mental, emotional and social development.  These sports activities are organized to foster sportsmanship, fair play and respect for others before winning.

The Beliefs that Guide Our Actions
Coaches are responsible for upholding our Catholic values and are guided by the following beliefs for all Elementary Interschool Sports Activities. 

1. We believe it is important to provide our students with opportunities for interschool sports activities to encourage physical activity and skill development.

2. We believe students who are engaged in interschool sports activities develop better social skills and life skills.

3. We believe inter-school sports activities provide opportunities for students to explore different sports and to enjoy positive interaction with others who have similar interests.

Actions and Indicators of Success

All staff and coaches are called to reflect our beliefs consistently in every aspect of the organization and operation of our elementary inter-school sports activities.

1. Our Catholic faith and values are expressed in our interactions with our students and community. 
Indicators: Actions I can take to achieve this belief:   

• 1.1 We pray together, especially before games. 
• 1.2 We practice our Catholic faith. 
• 1.3 We express our thanks and appreciation for the ability and opportunity to participate. 
• 1.4 We express our positive appreciation and respect for others by speaking kindly.

2. Every participant has the right to play in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Indicators: Actions I can take to achieve this belief: 

• 2.1 Prior to the game, check the playing area and equipment to ensure safety. 
• 2.2 Carry a First Aid Kit. 
• 2.3 Ensure participants are dressed appropriately for the activity. 
• 2.4 Be respectful of students. 
• 2.5 Treat every student fairly as a valued person. 
• 2.6 Ensure equal playing time for all students during the regular season. 
• 2.7 Work to engage students who may be limited by socio-economic barriers.

3. Coaching is directed at strengthening student skill development and an appreciation of sports. 
Indicators: Actions I can take to achieve this belief: 

• 3.1 Strive to be knowledgeable, positive and enthusiastic about the sport you are coaching.
• 3.2 Strive to be a model of active living and a healthy lifestyle.
• 3.3 Encourage students to develop a healthy, active lifestyle.
• 3.4 Plan and organize structured practices.
• 3.5 Encourage students to develop their athletic talents.

4. Competitions, the application of rules and the conduct of athletes, coaches and officials contribute positively to fair play, good sportsmanship, positive relationships, and experiences. 
Indicators: Actions I can take to achieve this belief: 

• 4.1 Coaches discuss and arrange games to ensure competition is fair and that each participating team has a reasonable chance to be successful. 
• 4.2 Keep the score within a reasonable range. 
• 4.3 Encourage energetic team spirit and supportive relationships. 
• 4.4 Talk to negative fans and ask them to leave if necessary. 
• 4.5 Team representatives should thank the officials for their efforts. Respect the officials’ decisions. 
• 4.6 Recognize and celebrate participants’ efforts. 
• 4.7 Encourage teammates to support one another. 
• 4.8 Encourage all participants to shake hands as a sign of respect following the competition.

5. Student character development is supported and strengthened through modelling positive behaviours. 
Indicators: Actions I can take to achieve this belief: 

• 5.1 Demonstrate how to maturely win and lose graciously. 
• 5.2 Teach students how to be competitive within an ethical framework. 
• 5.3 Acknowledge positive behaviours. 
• 5.4 Explain, model and encourage the positive behaviours that are expected. 
• 5.5 Take your boots off in the school and pick up any litter.

Guidelines for Parents

The structure of elementary interschool athletics in Regina Catholic Schools is subject to season length, availability of volunteer staff and other limited resources. If team numbers are too high, it is difficult to provide adequate playing time, attention to individual skill development or to arrange transportation to and from games. For these reasons, we will conduct a selection process, using the criteria which have been developed in reference to the National Catholic Education Association’s document, Athletics and the Gospel Mission of the Catholic School by Rev. Richard McGrath, OSA, Ph. D.   Father McGrath states:

“The very fact that Catholic schools offer athletic programs shows that athletic competition is valued as a way of teaching and training young men and women to cope with life in competitive circumstances.  Competition in our society requires values that we all respect. Teamwork, honesty, cooperation, self-sacrifice, dedication, obedience, hard work, goal-setting, respect, self-discipline, and mutual encouragement are expected outcomes for young people who participate in sports.  These traits are preparation for adult life. By offering athletic programs, Catholic schools are saying that they want to provide this avenue of expression for their students.  Catholic schools cannot be satisfied just to have a program.  The program should also excel; it should be competitive.”

Coaches will establish the eligibility criteria for participating on the team including:

• Attendance – students attend all practices and will notify the coach if they will be absent. 
• Sportsmanship – students demonstrate a positive attitude and act as goodwill ambassadors for the school.
• “Coachability” – students are willing to respond to coaching instructions, suggestions, and ideas.
• Team Spirit – student behaviour towards all of their teammates is supportive at all times.
• Skill Level – a student’s skill level/ability is not a safety concern to self or others. Some consideration will be given to developing the skills of Grade 6 and 7 students, to create continuity and enhance the development of a strong, ongoing program for the school.

The Regina Catholic Elementary Schools Interschool Sports Program is committed to providing students with a positive and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Parents are asked to:

• Be a positive role model through your actions to make sure your child has the best athletic experience possible. 
• Be a “team” fan, not a “my kid” fan. 
• Weigh what your children say; they may slant the truth to their advantage.
• Show respect for opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups.
• Be respectful of all officials’ decisions. 
• Don’t instruct your children before, during or after the game, because it may conflict with the coach’s plans and strategies. 
• Praise student-athletes in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes and as people. 
• Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the game.
• Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play by either team.
• Help your child learn that success is experienced in the development of their skills and they can feel good about themselves win or lose.

If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with the people involved. Take time to talk to the coach in an appropriate manner, including the proper time and place.  Please follow the 24-hour rule:  if you are upset – wait 24 hours to collect your thoughts, but don’t wait months or years – do communicate in a timely manner.  If your question or concern is not appropriately addressed, please contact the school principal.

It will be the coach`s decision to enter city championship playoffs. Players will participate at the coach’s discretion.  For playoffs, players will be placed in competitive situations that are appropriate to their level of readiness. 

Students and their parents/guardians should understand that participation in Regina Catholic Elementary Interschool Sports is regarded as a privilege and not a right.  With this privilege comes the responsibility of making a commitment to the team, to a shared code of conduct and to do well in school to participate in a sport activity. 

Students are asked to make the following pledge of commitment to their school and team to: 

• Be Dependable:  I will accept responsibility and demonstrate my commitment to fulfilling my obligations to my team.
   
• Be Punctual:  I will be there for the team and be on time for practices and games.
   
• Respect for Self and Others:   I will behave with dignity and treat others with respect and courtesy.  My actions will not interfere with the rights of others - this includes my use of appropriate language, actions and attire. I will not harass others verbally or physically. 
   
• Develop Skills:  I will train and work to strengthen my level of physical conditioning and skills to participate competently in the game.
   
• Practice Good Manners:   I will play by the rules and accept losing and winning gracefully, congratulate opponents, and not sulk or display other negative behaviours.

Any conduct that results in dishonour to the individual, team, or school will not be tolerated.