Powered by Grafix Web Works © 2012 - Saint Mary’s Catholic High School 2525 North Third Street - Phoenix, AZ  85004 - Phone: (602) 251-2500 calendar | parents | alumni | faculty Athletic Code ATHLETIC CODE PREAMBLE Saint Mary's is fortunate to have as our patron Mary, the Blessed Mother, and to have as our mascot the symbol of the Knight.  Our Blessed Mother stands for all that is good and healthful, and her love for children knows no equal.  The Knight is a symbol of courage, striving for victory on the field of battle, and upholding the highest standards of Christian values and behavior in daily life. The adoption, and enforcement, of an Athletic Code at Saint Mary's High School is important for several reasons; First, the interscholastic athletic program at Saint Mary's is an integral part of school life and is a major contributing factor to the spirit and morale of the entire Saint Mary's community.  It is important to remember that participation in interscholastic athletics is not a right but rather a privilege that must be earned. Second, because the athletic programs generate wide public interest and attention, everyone connected with the program shares a great responsibility to the entire school community to maintain the highest standards of behavior at all times.  Athletes are viewed as leaders, and we expect our athletes to exert a positive form of leadership by setting a good example and willingness to make a total commitment to the school. Third, to wear the "Green & White" in an athletic contest is an honor that must be earned on a daily basis by faithful adherence to rules of good sportsmanship and good citizenship, both on and off the playing field. Fourth, participation in athletics involves a special financial sacrifice and commitment by parents which goes beyond the already substantial sacrifices made to allow a student to attend Saint Mary's. Because the student-athlete exemplifies all the positive attributes that are embodied in the "Saint Mary's Spirit", each athlete pledges to the greater Saint Mary's community (family, teammates and schoolmates, faculty and administration, alumni, and supporters of Saint Mary's) to follow both the spirit and the letter of this Athletic Code, in addition to faithful adherence to the rules and regulations that apply to all studets at Saint Mary's High School. Parents play a special role in the athletic program at Saint Mary's and the demands we make on our athletes.  Accordingly, we ask parents to join in the code of conduct that governs our athletes. We look to parents for a special kind of leadership in setting a good example for each young adult who represents Saint Mary's in the athletic arena. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 1.  Conduct - Courtesy - Respect Every Saint Mary's athlete is expected to live by the highest standard, on and off the field.  Conduct unbecoming this standard will not be tolerated under any circumstances.  The general welfare and discipline of a team or the school is not to be upset by anyone.  The athlete will address coaches, officials, teachers and other adults with respect at all times, using formal titles (e.g. Sir, Ma'am, Mr., Mrs., or Coach). 2.  Appearance Because the athlete represents the entire Saint Mary's community, it is important that each athlete projects an image consistent with the school's dress code at all times.  Importantly, athletes participating in any sport, when attending athletic events, are expected to set the highest standard for dress and behavior.  Varsity athletes have particularly important responsibility to set the standards, because of their visibility and responsibility as role models to younger players. 3. Alcohol - Drugs - Tobacco  The use of illegal substances by our student-athletes is totally incompatible with the sponsorship of our Blessed Mother and the symbol of the Knight.  The rule that applies to every Saint Mary's student - that the use of these substances is absolutely prohibited - is vigorously enforced by the Athletic Department.  In addition to sanctions and penalties that may be applied by Saint Mary's through the normal disciplinary process, the athlete may face additional consequences;  the athlete will lose between ¼ and 1/3 of the season on the first offense, the whole season on the second and will be dismissed from any athletic teams on the third offense. 4. Resignation From the Team Responsibility to others ("we" before "me") along with being a desirable individual trait is a vital aspect of maintaining excellence in any athletic program.  For this reason, any athlete who finds it necessary to resign must provide an explanation to the head coach.  No student should ever believe that his or her participation is required, but every student should exit a team activity with the welfare and interests of the team as a consideration. 5. Eligibility To be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, a student-athlete must earn a passing grade in each course in which he or she is enrolled. Eligibility grades are determined four times each school year: first quarter grades, first semester grades, third quarter, and second semester grades.  If a student-athlete is failing in any class at the end of that particular grading period, that student-athlete becomes ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for the following grading period. Students who have a failing grade(s) at the end of the second semester are ineligible for fall sports pending the make-up of the deficiency.  Official transcripts must be received by the first full day of school in order for a student-athlete to be eligible to participate at the beginning of the fall sports season.  During the ineligible grading period, a student-athlete may try out for a sport continuing into the following grading period, but the ineligible student-athlete may not suit up, play with the team, or miss any class time until he/she completes that grading period with a passing grade in each course in which he/she is enrolled.  An ineligible athlete may regain eligibility prior to the next grading period by earning a passing grade in each class at the next progress report grading period.  Passing grades must be received and verified by the Registrar before eligibility is regained.  The Athletic Director and Athletic Secretary will be notified of all verified changes in eligibility. Download 2011-12 Athletic Handbook