2020-2021 Student Parent Handbook 10.26.20Rev

STUDENT-ATHLETE PHILOSOPHY AND POLICY We believe that the principles and lessons learned in the classroom and at home can be put into practice through athletics. Because of the competition found in athletics, a student is surrounded with pressure. The athlete is then tested and the true character is revealed. Thus the character of a student/athlete has the chance to grow through the athletic competition.

Gatewood takes pride in its athletic teams and programs, which encourage student participation, support, and total physical effort on the fields of play. While we delight in a winning team, Gatewood does not place athletics as the cornerstone of our program.

Gatewood students are students first, then athletes who know the joy of participation, tough competition, and winning.

Athletic Booster Club: All Gatewood families are required to be a member of the Gatewood Booster Club. Minimum family dues are set each year. This one-time fee enables students from a family to participate in athletics throughout the entire school year.

Information is available from the Athletic Director. Special memberships are available which entitle the member to special privileges including admission to all regular season home athletic contests. Please see a Booster Club representative for more information.

Role of Coaches Coaches are one of the significant components of our athletic program as we strive to achieve excellence. They have the responsibility of molding the attitudes, behaviors, and desires of our student athletes. In order to be considered an effective coach and role model, our coaches must be thoroughly knowledgeable in their sports, capable of detailed preparation, able to motivate athletes, to make adjustments during competition, and to provide positive situations for our student-athletes.

Programs We believe that each individual program at Gatewood should work to develop a wellrounded student-athlete. The head varsity coach shall be responsible for providing a consistent structure and ensuring that similar philosophies are implemented at all levels of the program. The programs shall develop pride among the participants and support among the student body. Parents should be supportive in the process of developing the student/athlete by supporting off season conditioning, camps and summer workouts.

All activities within an athletic program should exemplify Gatewood’s commitment to excellence and also reflect the school’s and athletic department’s policies, procedures, and philosophies. As a Christian-based institution, we expect parents and Gatewood 39