St. Monica Catholic School

SMS Athletics

Philosophy of Athletics:

The philosophy of athletics at St. Monica is simply to offer a positive sports experience for students which emphasizes the development of athletic abilities, good sportmanship, team cooperation and unity. Students, parents, and volunteer coaches are the backbone of our athletic program.

Governing Organization:

The Governing Organization for St. Monica School is the Dallas Parochial League. Please visit the DPL website for more information: www.dallasparochialleague.com

History:

St. Monica School has won the Large School All Sports Trophy many times over the last 10 years due to its diversity of teams. St. Monica has won the trophy for the years: 2006-2007, 2005-2006, 2003-2004, 2002-2003 and 2000-2001.

Sports Offered:

FALL
	Football: August - November
	5th grade - JV Division I 6th grade - JV Division II 7th/8th grade - Varsity
	Volleyball: August - November
	5th grade - even teams 6th grade - JV Division I or II (even teams) 7th/8th grade - Varsity D1 or D2 or D3 (even teams)
	Swimming: October - a 1 night swimming event
	5th/6th JV 7th/8th Varsity
	Cross Country - 2 meets in October
	5th/6th JV 7th/8th Varsity
	Tennis - weekend tournament in October
	Basketball Pre-season Tourneys: December
SPRING
	Basketball: January - March
	5th grade - even teams 6th grade - D1, D2 (even teams) 7th grade - D1, D2 (even teams) 8th grade - D1, D2, D3 (even teams)
	Swimming: February - a 1 night swimming event
	Track and Field: JV March - April, V - April - May
	5th/6th - JV 7th/8th - Varsity
	Baseball: Late March - Late May
	5th grade - even teams 6th grade - D1 or D2 (even teams) 7th/8th - Varsity D1 or D2 (even teams)
	Softball: Late March - Late May
	5th grade - even teams 6th grade - D1 or D2 (even teams) 7th/8th - Varsity D1 or D2 (even teams)
	Soccer: Mid May - week long tournament
	Golf: Late May early June 1 day tournament
SUMMER
	Bishop Dunne Summer Camps - Wrestling Running
	John Paul II Summer Camp Flyer

Sign Up For Sports Forms:

Sign up sheets are used to determine the number of teams to form and coaches needed. These forms will be placed on the perspective sports page and sent home with students.

Registration Process:

A registration form will be sent home and posted to the sports page for the purpose of committing to a sport and forming team rosters. These forms will also indicate a desire for volunteering as a coach or assistant coach.

Volunteer Coaching:

Volunteer coaching is a great way for you to show your support, share your time, and share your knowledge of sport. Volunteer coaches are the mainstay of the program without which, hundreds of students would not be able to participate in sports at St. Monica. We strive for parents to coach first, and if in need of more coaches, we then look to outside help. Being the largest school in the DPL, parent volunteer coaches are absolutely in high demand.

Coaches meetings are held before each sport session to discuss the expectations of the coach, athlete, and the parents. All prospective coaches must go through the Safe Environment training and pass a background check prior to having any contact with a student in athletics. Forms for the background check may be obtained from Marilyn Hicks. Dates and times are usually published on the St. Monica website.

This year, the DPL will require mandatory training for all volunteer coaches known as Play Like A Champion. This training will be offered throughout the year. The purpose of this training is to provide our volunteers with a more rounded technique that develops maturity, spirit and athletics. Training must be completed prior to coaching for all sports starting the fall of 2009. The next 2 PLay Like A Champion training dates are listed below:

Sunday, August 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. location TBD.

Sunday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. location TBD.

Sports Coordinators:

Sport Coordinators are volunteer parents who manage a sport. They manage rosters, uniforms, and collect fees as required by St. Monica. They report directly to the Athletic Director for questions and concerns regarding their represented sport as well as pass along requests/concerns from the Athletic Director.

Athletic Fees:

Athletic fees are the Dallas Parochial League assessed fees. This year, the cost for participation in a sport is $70. If a child is not financially able to pay a particular sports fee, there is help available. These fees are collected before a child may receive practice and/or game equipment.

Team First - Practices and Games:

Practices are usually follow a two day (most sports) or three day (football) practice week that is followed by one or more games. Parents who have children particpating in teams/sports outside the school must seriously consider the time committment that is involved in practicing/playing St. Monica sports. Most of our coaches are willing to work with outside sports. The reality is that most outside sports are not willing to work with our sports. St. Monica desires that during a particular sports season a child/parent put their St. Monica sport first. Volunteer and staff coaches have the ability to curtail playing time as deemed appropriate in situations where practice and games are missed.

The Dallas Parochial League mandates playing time for each player in the developmental grades of 5th and 6th. At the varsity level, playing time requirements do not exist, except for D3 basketball.

Eligibility:

'Ineligibility' prohibits a student from games and practices. Academic eligibility is reported when progress reports are issued and at the end of the first three quarters. Any students who misses school for an illness will not be able to participate in a game or practice on that same day.

Please visit each sports page for additonal details.

For additional information on rules, schedules and results please visit the DPL website.

Dallas Parochial League website