Shrine of St. Jude

St. Jude Athletic Association

• About the St. Jude Athletic Association
• Team Schedules
• Participant Eligibility
• Team Selections
• Fall Sports Activities
• Spring Sports Activities
• Coordinators
• Coaches
• Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
• Revenue and Fee Structure
• Awards and Recognition

The SJAA policy is to provide a well-rounded sports program for parish children. The SJAA will continue to stress participation, first and foremost, in whatever sports are offered by the
Catholic youth organization (CYO). The SJAA has the ability to support other programs that
are deemed suitable by the board (examples would be MSI, MCBA, Montgomery County recreation). The SJAA will continue to strive to compete at all levels of competition provided by the CYO and to choose the appropriate teams necessary to compete as representatives of the Shrine of St. Jude. The SJAA will continue to follow the motto, "so that every child has a place To play."

Participant Eligibility

The following details the list of participants who are eligible to participate on SJAA sponsored
teams. (Please note that the applicable league rules for participation are also applicable to any team sponsored by the SJAA):

Children of St. Jude's parish
Children who attend St. Jude school
Children who attend St. Jude school but belong to other parishes
Children from neighboring Catholic parishes (without teams in the CYO) based upon approval by CYO and the SJAA
Other non-neighboring children (Catholic or non-Catholic) recommended to the SJAA
Coordinators and approved by the SJAA board
Non-catholic children approved by the sjaa who are eligible for league in which St. Jude participates

Team Selections

The SJAA as previously noted, espouses the notion that every child has the right to play and participate in any sport that child selects. The SJAA, along with the coordinators of each individual sport, will attempt to properly place a child with a team that best suits that individual. Each group of athletes will be evaluated individually by the coaches and coordinators. Additionally, in keeping with doctrine set forth in the CYO handbook, teams will be divided to match the league's prescribed criteria.

In mid-atlantic competition as well as tournament teams, the CYO suggests that the teams be divided by skills to match the prescribed league. In non-tournament and instructional leagues it is suggested that teams be evenly distributed. In any effort to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved these guidelines suggested by CYO will be followed.

It is the responsibility of the coordinator and coaches to decide how the players will be selected for each team. It is the responsibility of the parents to find out how the teams will be divided before the teams are selected. It is highly suggested that the coordinator for each group have a parent's meeting before the teams are divided to address all questions that parents or guardians may have.

Fall Sports Activities

Cheerleading - there are currently three cheerleading squads sponsored by the SJAA. They are divided into groups of 7-8 grade, 5-6 grade and 3-4 grade. All groups will participate and cheer at appropriate fall sports, usually respective football teams. The 7-8 grade and 5-6 grade are also eligible to participate in competition.

Soccer - the SJAA sponsors soccer programs for boys and girls in the following age groups:

7 - 8 grade boys and girls
5 - 6 grade boys and girls
3 - 4 grade boys and girls
1 - 2 co-ed

These teams will all participate in the appropriate CYO leagues.

Football - SJAA will participate in various football leagues that best meet the competition level of the children. The number of children participating, league availability, and competition level will all be considered when choosing the appropriate leagues in which to participate. The teams will usually be broken into groups based on age and weight.

Spring Sports Activities

Basketball - the SJAA sponsors basketball programs for boys and girls in the following age
groups:

7 - 8 grade boys and girls
5 - 6 grade boys and girls
3 - 4 grade boys and girls
1 - 2 grade co-ed intramural

The following will participate in the appropriate CYO leagues. For the mid atlantic teams (boys and girls) and the tournament teams (boys and girls) will also participate in the Montgomery County rising stars leagues.

Baseball - the SJAA sponsors baseball programs for boys in the following age groups:

7 - 8 grade boys
5 - 6 grade boys
3 - 4 grade boys

These teams will participate in the CYO and may also participate in additional county or city leagues.

Softball - the SJAA will sponsor girls softball teams in the following age groups:

7 - 8 grade girls
5 - 6 grade girls
3 - 4 grade girls

These teams will compete in the CYO and may also participate in additional county or city leagues at the discretion of the coordinator.

Spring soccer - the SJAA will sponsor this sport for 1 - 2 grade boys and girls (co-ed). These teams will compete in the CYO.

Track and field - the SJAA will sponsor CYO track for boys and girls in grades
1 - 8. This team will compete in CYO sponsored track meets.

Intramural T-ball - the SJAA will sponsor co-ed T-ball to be played on the plateau at St. Jude's School for children in grades k-2. This will be a purely instructional league.

Summer league basketball - the SJAA will sponsor basketball for the following age groups:

Rising 7 - 8 graders (boys and girls)
Rising 5 - 6 graders (boys and girls)

The teams will play in the CYO league for the summer. In the event the CYO does not have a program the decision of where to participate will belong to the coordinator.

Coordinators

Every sport that is sponsored by the SJAA has a coordinator for that sport. The
responsibilities for each coordinator are as follows:

1. The selection of coaches.
2. Supervise the registration of participants.
3. Coordinate league placements with the SJAA.
4. Assignment of coaches to selected teams.
5. Establish practices schedules and field/gym assignments.
6. Obtain practice facilities.
7. The disbursement and collection of uniforms and equipment for each sport.

Coaches chosen by the coordinators are responsible for the return of uniforms.
Coordinators are selected by the athletic director for two year terms. The athletic director may extend a coordinator for an additional two years. Any further appointment requires the
approval of the board.

Coaches

The selection of coaches for each particular sport is a difficult process because the
choices are made from volunteers having a variety of experiences and qualifications. Coaches
are selected by the coordinator of each sport. The coordinator can then have "sub-coordinators" (for example a coordinator for 3-4 grade girls basketball) who will select the additional coaches that are needed. All coaches are required to complete the coaches' certification course required by the CYO. Currently a coach can coach for one season/one sport before this certification is completed. The coaches are required to adhere to the rules and regulations for their particular sport. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the coach to act in a sportsmanlike manner and to instruct the participants to do likewise. Being that the coaches will be instructing CYO teams it will also be necessary to include religious thoughts and teachings throughout the season. Specifically the coach must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CYO athletic handbook.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

1. Obtain a physical examination to confirm that your child is physically able to participate.

2. Please be prompt when arriving for practices and games. If a player cannot attend a practice or a game please communicate that with the coach ahead of time. Also, please realize that you and your child are making a commitment to a team. The participant should try and attend all prescribed games and practices.

3. Communication with your coach is encouraged. If you have a problem or a concern please
address that with the coach. If you are not satisfied with that discussion please direct issue to the Coordinator of that particular sport.

4. Parents should have knowledge of what is happening at practices and games. Parents are
invited to attend practices to observe the practice regime. Parents should be satisfied that the best interest and welfare of the participants are being protected. In that same vein, if you are satisfied with the coach and practice schedule please allow the coaches to coach the teams during practice and games.

5. The SJAA assumes no financial liability for any injury incurred by a participant during
practice or games. We strongly suggest that you make sure your child has the proper insurance.

Revenue and Fee Structure

All funds for the SJAA are garnered through participation fees, an annual second collection and volunteer efforts. The current participation fee is $50 per participant per sport. Additionally, if a child participates in a sport where there is team participation in more than one league the fee will be $80.

Additional funds for the SJAA are created by the rental of the blue room and thadeus room by parishioners. The scheduling of the room is currently handled by the athletic director. Volunteers work at these events. If you have a child who participates within the SJAA sponsored programs it is suggested that you volunteer for these events. The funds that are raised are used to pay for the various leagues, facility rentals, uniforms and equipment. Additionally, the association, from time to time, will pay for facility improvements on St. Jude School property.

Awards and Recognition

The SJAA will sponsor two awards banquets, one in december to celebrate the participants of the Fall sports and one in may to celebrate the participants of the Spring sports. Each child will be presented with a certificate that notes the team and the participation.