STS Athletics
A student wishing to represent St. Thomas on an athletic team must be dedicated to giving his/ her personal best in class work, behavior, and attitude. Participation in athletics is contingent upon compliance with the behavioral standards of the school. The school will work with the students and parents in helping maintain academic expectations in order to participate in athletic activities.
Academic Eligibility Standards For Student Athletes
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School aspires to provide an excellent Catholic education to each child according to their needs. In order to educate the whole child and enhance the academic curriculum, Saint Thomas provides a wide range of extra-curricular experiences for its students, including competitive sports and various clubs. Participation in school-sponsored, extra-curricular activities and events should fulfill the school’s mission to the academic formation of the student.
To support its mission, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School has adopted the following academic eligibility standards and enforcement processes for its students participating in the Athletics Program and other extra-curricular activities. These policies apply to all students enrolled at STS in grades 5-8. (Students in grades K-4 do not participate in the athletic programs.)
Academic Probation
A student who does not fulfill the standards of academic eligibility (C- or above in each class) will be placed on academic probation for a two-week period. The student and his/her parents will be notified in writing of the probation. Specifically, written notification will be sent home to indicate the subjects in which the student has performed below grade level. The form will require a student and parent signature. The student’s coach will also will be notified that the student has been placed on academic probation. At the end of the probation period, academic progress will be rechecked to determine the student’s eligibility to participate.
Ineligibility
At the end of the probationary period, if the student still does not comply with the standard for academic eligibility, he/she will be declared ineligible to participate in athletics (and any other extra- curricular activities) for a two-week period. During this two-week period, the ineligible student may not play in games, participate in practices, or attend team meetings. Written notice of decision to declare the student ineligible will be sent by the student’s teacher(s) to the student and his/her parents, with a copy forwarded to the student’s coach.
Other Eligibility Rules, Expectations, and Requirements
Absences from School
Students who are absent from school are not permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities, including athletics, on the day of the absence. A student will be considered absent for the day if they are not present in school prior to 11:30 a.m. A student will be considered absent for the day if they leave school for an illness at any time during the day and do not return prior to 11:30 a.m. Students who have medical excuses to be exempted from physical education classes during the day will not be permitted to practice or play on a sports team that day.
Physical/Health Requirements
All students must provide a completed Emergency Medical Authorization Form signed by the student’s parents or guardians. This document must be on file before the student-athlete may participate in practices and games.
Different sports demand varying levels of physical exertion. Players must understand the requirements of their sport and make sure that they are in appropriate physical condition to participate safely.