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Sports Ministry Handbook 2005-06

A WORD FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

â€œLove Isnâ€™t Everything, Itâ€™s The Only Thingâ€

â€œA new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.â€
John 13:34

Over the past few years, the Lord has been blessing the sports ministries of our church family. Currently, we have twenty-two youth individual boys and girls basketball teams, beginning from 1st to 12th grade.

Recently, I met with the coaches and shared the mission and values of the overall athletic program of our church family. Allow me to share them with each of you, especially if you are a participant in the ministry.

The mission of the sports program reflects two important aspects of the ministry: Outreach and Discipleship. The Sports Ministry should provide the environment for seekers to meet Christ and for believers to grow in Him. This means that seekers are intentionally invited to participate in the program.

Vince Lombardi, Hall of Fame coach of the Green Bay Packers, was quoted as saying, â€œWinning Isnâ€™t Everything, Itâ€™s The Only Thingâ€. In todayâ€™s professional athletics, this time honored quote probably needs to be adjusted to â€œMoney Isnâ€™t Everything, Itâ€™s The Only Thing.â€

At Evergreen SGV, the motto (based on John 13:34) is â€œLove Isnâ€™t Everything, Itâ€™s The Only Thing.â€ If people canâ€™t see a difference on our teams or in our leagues, then weâ€™re not doing it right. I happen to believe that sports can be used by the church as an entry point to the kingdom of God, if the love of Christ is present.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Cory

I. MISSION STATEMENT OF EVERGREEN BAPTIST CHURCH â€“SAN GABRIEL VALLEY (EBC-SGV) SPORTS MINISTRY

To help introduce athletes and their families to the love of Christ and to provide a learning experience for Christ-like growth.

â€œA new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one anotherâ€ John 13:34

II. VALUES OF EVERGREEN BAPTIST CHURCH â€“ SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SPORTS MINISTRY

Primary Value â€“ â€œLove Isnâ€™t Everything, Itâ€™s The Only Thingâ€

Twelve Values of Evergreen Athletics
1. Encouragement as the principle means of motivation (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
2. Benevolence towards officials (Romans 13:1-3)
3. Commitment to worship, church school and youth fellowships (Hebrews 10:24-25)
4. All team members are important (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
5. Teaching of biblical values (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
6. Humility in victory (Proverbs 16:18-19)
7. Longsuffering in defeat (Romans 8:28)
8. Emphasis on teamwork (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
9. Teaching of good fundamentals (Proverbs 1:1-7)
10. Importance of family (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
11. Commitment to discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11)
12. Sportsmanship as a priority (1 Corinthians 10:31)

III. EVEGREEN BAPTIST CHURCH â€“ SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SPORTS COUNCIL

A. Members of the Sports Council
1. Executive Sports Council Officers
2. An EBC-SGV staff member
3. EBC-SGV pastoral staff members on an as-needed basis
4. One Team Representative from each Sports Ministry team

B. Sports Council Meetings
1. The Sports Council, including all Team Representatives, shall meet on a designated Friday of each month
2. The Executive Sports Council shall meet on a designated Friday of each month or on an â€œas needed basis,â€ between regularly scheduled Sports Council meetings
3. Each member shall prayerfully make decisions based upon the greater good and unity of the Sports Ministry

C. Executive Sports Council Officers
1. Sports Council Chairperson and/or EBC-SGV Staff member
2. EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff member, as needed (ex officio)
3. CYC and JAO Representatives
4. Gym Coordinator

5. Sports Council Secretary
6. New Team and Adding Player Coordinator
7. Special Events Coordinator [Optional]
8. Sports Equipment & Jersey Coordinator [Optional]
9. Team Information Coordinator [Optional]

D. Duties of Executive Sports Council Officers
1. Sports Council Chairperson and/or EBC-SGV Staff Member
(1) Preside over Sports Council meetings, Executive Sports Council meetings, and coachesâ€™ meetings
(2) Make policy decisions with the EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff
(3) Oversee and monitor Sports Ministry teams, coaches, and athletes

2. CYC and JAO Representatives
(1) Make decisions regarding a playerâ€™s eligibility status with the Executive Sports Council and EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff
(2) Oversee teams participating in the respective CYC and JAO organizations
(3) Attend respective CYC and JAO meetings on behalf of Sports Ministry
(4) Communicate information and requests to and from CYC and JAO

3. Gym Coordinator
(1) Obtain and coordinate gym schedules for Sports Ministry teams
(2) Arrange for payment of gym rentals

4. Sports Council Secretary
(1) Record the official minutes of the Sports Council
(2) Communicate information and requests to and from Team Representatives and coaches
(3) Assist sub-committee leaders assigned special Sports Council tasks

5. New Team and Adding Player Coordinator
(1) Oversee the forming of new Sports Ministry teams
(2) Oversee the adding of new players to Sports Ministry teams

6. Special Events Coordinator [Optional]
(1) Oversee the planning and running of special events, such as:
(a) Pee Wee Clinic
(b) Annual Sports Ministry Awards Celebration

7. Sports Equipment and Jersey Coordinator [Optional]
(1) Collect and distribute Sports Ministry team jerseys
(2) Collect team jersey deposits and give to EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff (see section VII.A for more details)
(3) Provide for Sports Ministry teamsâ€™ equipment needs

8. Team Information Coordinator [Optional]
(1) Collect required individual player accountability information for all Sports Ministry teams
(2) Assist EBC-SGV Staff in collecting volunteer information from all coaches

IV. COACHES

A. Faith Issues
1. Coaches must be â€œborn againâ€ believers
2. Coaches must regularly attend (at least 75% annual average attendance) and be active within the Evergreen church family

B. Recruitment of Coaches
1. Head coach candidates will be recruited by a coordinated effort between EBC-SGV staff member and Executive Sports Council at least one month prior to league play.
2. Assistant coach candidates will be recruited by a coordinated effort between the head coach and the Executive Sports Council
3. Coaches will complete the following steps:
(1) Undergo an interview with an Executive Sports Council officer (head coaches only)
(2) Submit a written application (Volunteer Ministry Application)
(3) Be certified in CPR
(4) Be fingerprinted

C. Coaches Commitment
1. Coach within the scope of the EBC-SGV Athletic Values (ref. Section II)
2. Submit to the Executive Sports Council and EBC-SGV Staff
3. Encourage players to attend EBC worship services, church school, and youth fellowship
4. Conduct prayer time at games and practices
5. Oversee devotion(s) for team games (Devotion is required if a game is scheduled during Sunday worship service or church school hour)
6. Follow the rules and regulations of the JAO/CYC Organizations and Tournament organizers
7. Exemplify and role model good sportsmanship at all times. Under no circumstances shall a coach receive a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct

V. TEAM REPRESENTATIVE

A. Selection
1. Team Representatives serve on a yearly basis (Sept. 1st to September 30th of the following year)
2. Only one primary team representative must be assigned.
3. Former team representative is responsible for the transitioning of new team representative for the upcoming season

B. Duties and Responsibilities
1. Make and support decisions based upon the greater good and unity of the Sports Ministry
2. Attend or send alternate team representative, to Sports Council meetings
3. Disseminate information and requests from Sports Council to team parents, and forward information and requests from team parents to Sports Council
4. Submit team information and fees for CYC/JAO league and tournament(s)
5. Have copies of emergency forms at league and/or tournament games
6. Coordinate practice schedules with Gym Coordinator and notify Gym Coordinator as soon as possible if practice time must be changed or cancelled
7. Encourage and monitor players attendance at EBC worship services, church school, and youth groups
8. Serve in the distribution and collection of team uniforms and equipment. For teams that do not own their own jerseys, the team representative must submit a deposit in the amount to be determined by Executive Sports Council. (Ref. Section VII)
9. Notify the CYC/JAO Representative and Executive Sports Council if team is disbanding
10. Serve in various capacities to assist the Sports Council
11. Optional duties which may be delegated:
(1) Oversee snack schedule
(2) Oversee gifts to coaches
(3) Coordinate team gatherings

VI. ATHLETES

A. Athletes Commitment
1. Athletes will submit to and follow the instructions of their coaches at all times
2. Athletes must exemplify good sportsmanship at all times. Under no circumstances shall an athlete receive a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Unsportsmanlike behavior shall result in the following:
(1) First technical foul will be followed by a one game suspension
(2) Second technical foul during the season will be followed by a three game suspension
(3) Third technical foul will be followed by a season long suspension
4. Athletes commit to participate in all team activities unless excused by the Head Coach
5. Athletes commit to attending regular season practices and games on time. Athletes will be subject to disciplinary action(s) for not arriving on time for practices and/or games
6. Athletes commit to observing rules and regulations of the CYC/JAO Organizations and Tournament Organizers

7. Absences for Games and Practices
(1) Excused Absences
(a) Excused absence requires a phone call prior to absence or a note of explanation for the absence, at least 12 hours prior to practice or game. All other absences will be considered unexcused.
(b) An excessive number of excused absences will result in the loss of starting role and possible reduction of playing time
(c) After 3 excused absences the Head Coach will arrange a special meeting with the player and his/her parent(s).
(2) Unexcused Absences
(a) The first unexcused absence results in loss of starting role and possible reduction of playing time
(b) Two unexcused absences may result in a one game suspension
8. The coach can suspend a player at any time for rebellious behavior or behavior detrimental to the team
9. Athletes will attend annual Commissioning Service during Sunday Worship Service

B. Eligibility for Athletes
1. All attempts must be made by the Team Representative, coaches, and other team members to invite all non-regular attendees of EBC (less then 75% annual average attendance) to â€œCOME and SEEâ€; Sunday morning Worship Service, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship Group, or special EBC events (Easter Celebration, Christmas program, and so forth).
2. Once the player reaches the sixth grade, â€œallâ€ active roster players must be regularly attending (75% average annual attendance) EBC Worship Service, Sunday School, or Youth Fellowship Group in order to be eligible to play on a Sports Ministry team.
3. Any player(s) who does not meet the eligibility requirements once they reach the 6th grade (non-regular attendee or attendee of another Church affiliation) must submit a written, formal petition to the Executive Sports Council.
(1) A written, formal petition must be submitted on a year-to-year basis in order to play on a Sports Ministry team
(2) A petition must be submitted by either the player or a parent(s) of the player, coach, or Team Representative on behalf of the player.
(3) The Executive Sports Council and EBC-SGV Staff will determine a playerâ€™s eligibility, on a case-by-case basis. The Executive Sports Council will contact the individual submitting the petition, as to the decision made regarding the individual playerâ€™s eligibility.
4. The Team Representative and coaches will individually explain the rules regarding eligibility to the team player and parent(s) or guardian(s).

C. Release from a Sports Ministry Team and Transfers
1. After one year of participation, a player may be released from Sports Ministry team without restrictions upon written request to the Executive Sports Council.
2. After more than one year of participation, a player will be required to sit out one season before joining another CYC/JAO team unless there is a geographic move of the family

3. Any transfer with restrictions can be appealed in writing (an email notification is not acceptable) to the Executive Sports Council
4. Any family bypassing the Executive Sports Council and going directly to league commissioner or to another organizationâ€™s representative will receive an automatic one year ineligibility to play regardless of reason for transfer
5. Teams should request a â€œReleasing an Athleteâ€ policy from Executive Sports Council for more extensive details

VII. UNIFORM POLICY

A. Sports Ministry Jerseys Loaned to Teams
1. Jerseys are provided for every Sports Ministry teams unless a team decides to purchase its own uniforms.
2. Any team that loses or alters a Sports Ministry jersey will be charged for its replacement. The following must NOT be done to Sports Ministry jerseys:
(1) Customize (alter size or put name on jersey)
(2) Cut label
(3) Trade jersey with another team unless you inform Jersey Coordinator first
3. Team representative will submit a deposit (amount to be determined by Executive Sports Council) for loan of jerseys. This deposit will be returned to the Team Representative when jerseys are collected and returned to Jersey Coordinator.

B. Purchase of Team Uniforms
1. If a team decides to purchase their own uniforms, a request must be made in writing to the Jersey Coordinator.
2. A sample jersey design must be submitted to the Executive Sports Council with written request for approval.

VIII. SPECIAL TEAM POLICIES

A. Courtside Behavior for Parents
1. Commit to encouraging words on behalf of the team
2. Refrain from offering instructions to their child and/or team during a game
3. Refrain from commenting to officials during a game

B. Grievances
1. If an athlete or parent has a concern about a team issue or Sports Council policy, then they should share their grievance(s) in the following manner:
(1) Raise the issue with a coach or Team Representative
(2) If the issue cannot be resolved by the coach or Team Representative, then by written a letter to the Executive Sports Council
(3) If the issue still cannot be resolved, request a special meeting with the EBC-SGV Staff Member or Pastoral staff

C. Special Ministry Events
1. Practices will not interfere with Youth Group or Church family retreats, Easter Celebration, Sports Awards Celebration, and other special church events.

D. Special Organizational Events
1. CYC Jamboree: last Sunday of February, mandatory for all CYC players and coaches
2. JAO Jamboree: Sunday during mid-March, mandatory for all JAO players and coaches

E. Change in Team Name
1. A new team name must be submitted in writing for approval by the Executive Sports Council

F. Forming a New Team
1. Refer to the â€œNew Team Policyâ€ for more information

G. Adding Player(s) onto an Existing Team
1. ATHLETES SHALL NOT BE RECRUITED FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.
2. All attendees of EBC-SGV or affiliated Evergreen churches shall be given priority consideration as candidates for team membership.
3. An interested athlete may attend only one practice to visit the team players and coaches before submitting a â€œNew Playerâ€ application. No other practice is allowed until officially added to the team, unless pre-approved by the Executive Sports Council.
4. All interested players will submit a â€œNew Athlete Applicationâ€ to the Executive Sports Council in order to be considered for team membership.
5. Before an interested athlete can be officially added to a team, an Executive Sports Council officer or EBC-SGV staff member must explain to the athleteâ€™s parent or guardian the values of the Sports Ministry and the commitments required of the athlete.
6. Details concerning the timeline and parent meetings are contained in the â€œAdding an Athlete â€œ policy. Teams should request the â€œAdding an Athleteâ€ policy from the Executive Sports Council (or download a copy via EBC-SGV website: www.evergreensgv.org)

H. Fund Raisers
1. Any fund raiser must receive approval from the EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff and be organized and sponsored by the EBC Sports Council
2. An individual team may not conduct a fund raiser on their own

IX. TOURNAMENTS AND OUTSIDE LEAGUES

A. Guidelines
1. The Executive Sports Council must approve team play in a tournament or outside league (at least one month prior to due date of the tournament application). All roster players must be invited to participate.
2. â€œPlaying timeâ€ in tournaments follows the same guidelines as during the regular season, minimum of 5 minutes per half

3. The Executive Sports Council must approve the addition of players for tournaments at least one month prior to due date of the tournament application
4. No Sports Ministry team shall be privately sponsored for a tournament or outside league
5. If an Evergreen athlete is asked to play on another team for a tournament or an outside league, it must not conflict with a Sports Ministry teamâ€™s participation in the same tournament or league. The player must submit his or her request in writing to the Executive Sports Council at least one month prior to the official due date for rosters for that tournament or league.

B. Prohibited Tournaments:
1. No Sports Ministry team shall play in any of the following tournaments:
(1) Las Vegas tournaments
(2) Easter tournaments
(3) Christmas tournaments
(4) Motherâ€™s or Fatherâ€™s Day tournaments

X. DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. CYC â€“ Community Youth Council
1. Sponsors a boys league from November through mid-February
2. Sponsors a boys developmental summer league

B. JAO â€“ Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles
1. Sponsors a girls league from January through the end of March
2. Sponsors a girls developmental summer league

C. SEYO â€“ Southeast Youth Organization (Norwalk)
1. Sponsors a boys and girls league from mid-November through mid-March
2. CYC has restrictions for teams participating in SEYO.
3. Any JAO team choosing to play in SEYO must notify the JAO Representative at least one month prior to beginning league play. Participation requires approval by the Executive Sports Council.

D. GEO â€“ Gardena Evening Optimist
1. Sponsors a boys and girls league from September through mid-November
2. Any JAO or CYC team choosing to play in GEO must notify its respective JAO or CYC Representative at least one month prior to beginning league play. Participation requires approval by the Executive Sports Council.

E. PREP 9th-12th Grades
1. High school league from March through May (possibly June)
2. Boys - Sponsored by Crescent Bay Optimist (CBO)
3. Girls â€“ Sponsored by JAO
(1) Girls participating in JAO Prep are prohibited from playing in SCWAU (Southern California Womenâ€™s Athletic Union)

F. Age Classifications
1. CYC
(1) PW: Pee Wee 5 - 8 years of age
(2) MB: Midget Boys 9 â€“10 years of age
(3) MA: Midget Upper Boys 11-12 years of age
(4) JB: Junior Boys 13-14 years of age
2. JAO
(1) Midget: Grades 2nd - 6th
(2) Juniors: Grades 7th â€“ 8th
3. Prep: Senior Boys and Girls Grades 9th-12th

Amended and approved by the EBC-SGV Pastoral Staff and the
Executive Sports Council, September 2005

——————————————————————————————–
REVISION 1: OLD WORDING

IX. TOURNAMENTS AND OUTSIDE LEAGUES
B. Guidelines
1. If a Sports Ministry team decides to play in a tournament or outside league (where 50% or more of the teamâ€™s players are participating), all roster players must be invited to participate.

NEW WORDING

X. TOURNAMENTS AND OUTSIDE LEAGUES

B. Guidelines
1. If an Evergreen Sports Ministry team decides to play in a tournament or outside league, â€œallâ€ roster players must be invited to participate.
2. The Executive Sports Council must approve any change(s) or modification(s) to an Evergreen Sports Ministry current team roster when participating in a tournament or outside league (at least one month prior to due date of the tournament application).
——————-

REVISION 2: OLD WORDING

IV. COACHES
D. Guideline for Coaches: Playing Time for Athletes
1. Allot equal minutes to all players whenever possible
2. Last five minutes can be reserved for the most effective five players
3. A few players can play extra minutes, with everyone else sharing equal minutes
4. A minimum of five consecutive minutes per half is required for all players during regular season, summer league, and tournament games
(1) For JAO, 2nd and 3rd grade teams - 7 min/half minimum (5 min consecutive)

NEW WORDING

IV. COACHES

D. Guideline for Coaches: Playing Time for Athletes
1. Allot equal minutes to all players whenever possible
2. Last five minutes can be reserved for the most effective five players
3. A few players can play extra minutes, with everyone else sharing equal minutes
4. Minimum minutes per half are required for all players during regular season, summer league, and tournament games, as specified below. Consecutive minutes are based upon age level and rules applied to league or tournament organization(s).
(1) For JAO, 2nd and 3rd grade teams - 7 min/half minimum (5 min consecutive)
(2) For all Prep teams - 4 min/half minimum
(3) For all CYC teams and JAO 4th-8th grade teams - 5 min/half minimum, regardless of league or tournament participation
5. Player requirement for consecutive minutes are based upon age level and rules applied to league or tournament organization(s)

REVISION 1: OLD WORDING

NEW WORDING

IX. TOURNAMENTS AND OUTSIDE LEAGUES

REVISION 2: OLD WORDING

NEW WORDING

IV. COACHES

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