St. Mary’s Athletic Program is dedicated to the physical and Christian development of the students. The Athletic Program offers a variety of sports activities which are organized through the Parochial Athletic League (PAL). This program relies on the support and commitment of volunteers.
Membership on a sports team requires acceptable behavior at all times–good sportsmanship, respect for coaches, players, and officials during games and practices. Participation in sports is to supplement the academic program. Participation in the program requires attendance at all practices and games as required by athletic coaches.
Athletes are expected to…
- Put forth 100% effort at practices and games.
- Attend practices unless excused by a written note from parents.
- Use the equipment provided by the Athletic Department with respect.
ST. MARY SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS
St. Mary School encourages the participation of all students who are interested in competing on a school-sponsored athletic team. It is our belief this participation will provide these students with the opportunity to learn new athletic skills and develop an appreciation of the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-discipline in an environment promoting religious, educational, and athletic values. It is our intent these skills will provide each participating student with an understanding of the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-discipline in everyday life both now and in the child’s future.
Player Eligibility
For many students, sports are the only motivating force in their lives. Oftentimes, those students having difficulty in school will do much better in their classes when they have the encouragement and support of their coaches and their teammates. It is important we remember students are at St. Mary to get a good education. They are Student Athletes at St. Mary. Their first priority is their education.
Coaches
“Coaches should ask themselves whether or not anyone would identify them with Jesus Christ because of the way he coaches.” “The Athletic Director must keep in mind that the top priorities of the school – the school’s religious mission and its academic program – always takes precedence over athletics.” Fr. Richard McGrath, OSA, Ph.D.
The Athletic Director appoints coaches to a team. Like all other volunteers at St. Mary, coaches are required to have:
- Department of Justice Fingerprint Certification
- Safe Haven Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogen In-Service Certification
- Play Like a Champion Today Certification
- Concussion Training
- Cardiac Arrest Training
Conduct of Players During Games and Practice
Athletes are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all games and practices. Athletes are expected to represent St. Mary School in a manner that exemplifies pride and respect.
Conduct of Parents and Fans
Coaches are responsible for ensuring parents and fans who are not on the coaching staff are letting the coaches do their job. The coach is the leader of the team; therefore, athletes are expected to follow his/her directions during both practices and games. Parents need to refrain from coaching unless they have been asked to do so by the Athletic Director and Head Coach. While we welcome and encourage parent support and enthusiasm, we ask parents to remain as spectators during games. Any opinions and suggestions from you will be welcomed and considered by the coach; however, never on the playing field or gym while the coach is supervising students.
Awards
At the end of the Fall season and again after Winter/Spring seasons, the school will sponsor an Awards Night. All athletes, their parents, and families are invited to attend. The school will provide all the awards presented at the night of the ceremony. Parents and Coaches may not present awards to students outside of these school-represented awards.
Practice/Games
Practice times should not be over 2 hours in length.
Emergency Forms
All participants must have on file prior to first practice:
PAL Doctor’s Medical Release 2024-2025
Student Athlete Contract 2024-2025
Opioid, Concussion, and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Fact Sheets Acknowledgement
Each coach is responsible for ensuring all drivers have a completed and submitted Insurance Verification Form on file with the school.
Medical Release (Physicals)
All athletes MUST have on file with the school a Medical Release Form filled out and signed by their doctor before attending practices. We ask that students be given a complete physical every year.
Fall Leagues Divisions
Flag Football Varsity Boys Grades 5-8
Volleyball JV Girls Grades 5-6
Volleyball Varsity Girls Grades 7-8
Cross Country Co-Ed Grades 5-8
Winter Leagues Divisions
Basketball Little Dribblers Grades 1-4
Basketball JV Girls Grades 5-6 REC/COMP
Basketball JV Boys Grades 5-6 REC/COMP
Basketball Varsity Girls Grades 7-8 REC/COMP
Basketball Varsity Boys Grades 7-8 REC/COMP
Spring Leagues Divisions
Volleyball Varsity Boys Grades 6-8
Golf Co-Ed Grades 5-6
Flag Football Varsity Girls Grades 5-8
Track & Field Co-Ed Grades 5-8
