Oldenburg Academy's 2013-2014 Student Handbook

ATHLETICS At Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception, we believe that sportsmanship is an attitude demanded by our very mission as a Catholic school. Our mission to “build a strong Christian foundation for young men and women” requires that we teach our students to love and respect others on and off the playing field. While gamesmanship boasts, “I am greater than you,” sportsmanship says, “We are all God’s children, created in his image and likeness.” The Gospel message of love must motivate us and guide the way that we behave ourselves while participating in athletic activities. In practicing sportsmanship, we will be giving faithful witness to this message. Oldenburg Academy coaches, athletes, parents, and fans will demonstrate sportsmanship in the following ways… • Sportsmanship begins within the team. Athletes must first learn to be good teammates by loving, respecting supporting, and encouraging everyone on the team. The good of the whole will be placed above the desires of the individual. • We will treat our competitors as fellow human beings, not mortal enemies. We will refrain from any taunting, trash talking, excessive celebrating, or any other behavior that is degrading to our opponents. When we win, we must win with class, and when we lose, we must do so with dignity. • We will respect the authority, decisions, and personal dignity of all game officials. Heckling, taunting, or verbally abusing officials will not be tolerated. • We will offer hospitality to all visiting teams. • We will treat the fans and supporters of opposing teams with respect. • We will take seriously our responsibility as role models and witnesses of the Christian faith. The athletic department at Oldenburg Academy is dedicated to making the promotion of sportsmanship its top priority. This will be accomplished by giving proper training to coaches, students, and parents and by complying with all of the requirements of the IHSAA Sportsmanship Program. 28 | P age