Table of Contents
Student Code
of Conduct Agreement
Copyright KC Metro LaZers Inc.
September 1, 2006
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1.1 The KC Metro LaZers Board exists for the purpose of:
·
Providing the
opportunity for homeschool students to participate on organized, competitive
sports teams.
·
Using the competition
to teach Christian based principles.
·
Challenging and
encouraging each young person to strive for maturity in all areas of their
lives.
1.2 Competitive sports philosophy:
·
In general, the degree
of competitiveness increases from JH, to JV, to Varsity.
·
At the JH level, the
skill separation between athletes is less apparent and by default, practices
and even game situations can become developmental in nature. Still, at the JH
level, more skilled athletes will be in the game longer and at the most
critical points of the contest.
·
The purpose of the JV
level is to prepare athletes for the Varsity team. The degree of
competitiveness steps up greatly. Mistakes in the game are far more costly, as
opponents are more able to capitalize upon those errors. Additionally, if a
vacancy occurs at the Varsity level, a member of the JV may be asked to suit up
and play in a Varsity game. That athlete needs to be ready.
·
The LaZers play games
against other programs (homeschool and private Christian schools) that bring a
competitive, Christian approach to their games. To send our athletes into the
game without properly preparing them for the contest could be damaging to them
emotionally or psychologically, as well as putting them at a greater risk of
injury.
·
What competitive does
mean:
o When we step on the field or court, JH, JV, and
Varsity, we intend to win.
o Coaching decisions like playing time, game strategies,
etc. are team-oriented; what gives the team the best chance to win now, and or
builds the team for the future.
o More skilled players will be in the game to a greater
extent than those less skilled.
o More skilled players will not be disadvantaged due to
their age.
o More skilled players may contribute at two levels
(e.g., JH and JV, or JV and Varsity).
·
What competitive does
not mean:
o Win at any cost.
o Coaches play athletes based upon favoritism or
individual skills only.
o Equal playing time for all athletes.
o Older athletes play more than younger athletes who
are more skilled.
o Younger athletes must wait their turn.
We
believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. We believe that
God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son
(Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus
Christ: in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His
substitutionary and atoning death, in His resurrection, in His ascension to the
right hand of the Father, in His personal return in power and glory. We believe
that children are a gift from the Lord and are entrusted to parents to provide
them with Godly training and discipline.
The
official KC Metro LaZers motto is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The
KC Metro LaZers is an independent organization with no affiliations.
5.1 Governing
Authority
The
governing body of the KC Metro LaZers shall be known as the KC Metro LaZers
Board, and it shall have plenary powers to do all things necessary and proper
to operate fully the KC Metro LaZers organization, as in compliance with the
standards, rules and limitations of a 501 (c) 3 organization.
5.2
Composition and Qualifications
The
KC Metro LaZers Board will consist of five to seven (5-7) members. Members will
be those who have been or are home educating.
Members must be approved by majority vote of the KC Metro LaZers Board. Each member must affirm before the Board
his/her concurrence with the Statement of Faith.
5.3 Members
of the Board
The
KC Metro Lazers Board shall consist of no fewer than the following offices:
Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board members shall serve one-year terms,
with a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same Board position. No
husband and wife shall maintain Board positions concurrently. Board members
shall attend the scheduled Board meetings regularly. The Board member’s term
will begin July 1 and end June 30.
Newly elected Board members should attend the final meeting of the
current Board to receive instruction and more fully understand the duties and
responsibilities of Board membership.
5.4 Election
of the Board and Filling Vacancies
The
KC Metro LaZers Board shall be, in its origin, appointed by the incorporators
and from thenceforth be replaced by election from within the KC Metro LaZers
Board by majority vote. Anyone wishing to be considered as a Board member may
apply in writing to the secretary of the KC Metro LaZers Board.
5.5 Removal
of Board Members
KC
Metro LaZers Board members may be removed by majority vote for any of the
following reasons:
·
Self-removal for
personal reasons.
·
Conduct or attitude so
unbecoming a member that in the Board’s judgment the best interests of the KC Metro
LaZers will be served thereby.
·
Removal of a LaZers
Board member shall be by majority written vote of all Board members, such vote
may be by email or submitted form.
5.6
Delegation of Authority
The
KC Metro LaZers Board may delegate to one or more of its members or to a
committee of its choosing the powers and duties as it may deem necessary and
appropriate to fulfill its functions.
No Board member shall, of his/her own entity, have any authority to act
for the Board in deciding policy and procedure. Each member of the Board shall have equal status with that of
each member, and each member shall have the right to vote on any and all
questions coming before the KC Metro Lazers Board.
5.7
Compensation
Members
of the Board may receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in the
maintenance of their duties if approved by majority vote of the Board. At this
time, Board members receive no financial compensation in return for their
service to the LaZers program.
5.8 Meetings
of the Board
The
quorum for all Board meetings, whether regular or special, shall be a majority
of active voting Board members. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held as
necessary, at times and places established by the Board. They shall meet at minimum three (3) times
per year. Special meetings of the Board may be held upon two days’ notice. The Board Chair may call such meetings on
his/her own initiative and is also obligated to call such a meeting when
requested by another Board member.
5.9 General
Board Responsibilities
The
KC Metro LaZers Board is responsible for administering the athletic
programs. As a group, the Board will:
·
Approve by majority
vote each sport becoming a part of KC Metro LaZers.
·
Approve of and maintain
the coaching staff.
·
Develop a budget in
conjunction with the coaches.
·
Establish yearly fees
for each sport after consulting with the fundraising committee and the coaching
staff. Discounted fees may be offered as determined appropriate and approved by
the Board.
·
Approve of all major
expenditures. Major expenditures are
considered those purchases that would be outside the normal operational needs
of the coaching staff.
·
Draft a proposed yearly
budget before the first September Board meeting. Prepare a year-end fiscal
report showing actual yearly income and expenses for June 1 to May 31 approved
and delivered to the treasurer by July 31, along with any necessary information
to be filed with Federal Tax forms.
·
Prepare detailed
minutes of all meetings in which business is conducted. Submit minutes of Board
meetings to the LaZers Board within 14 calendar days of the meeting for email
approval.
·
Approve of any
significant changes to the Handbook.
·
Act as the final
authority in situations regarding disciplinary action, however such action may
be delegated to a disciplinary committee and approved by the Board (see Section
8.0).
·
Maintain a record in
scrapbook form of the teams, members, and coaches.
·
Maintain a membership
list in current form.
5.10 Office
Responsibilities - Chair
The
Chair must have homeschooled for at least three years and be a member of the KC
Metro LaZers for at least one year prior to appointment. Responsibilities
include:
·
Attend, provide agenda,
and conduct the Board meetings.
·
Maintain and update
policy and procedure when necessary.
·
Appoint, with Board
approval, committees to help carry out functions of the Board.
·
Maintain records of the
business meetings, a listing of current sports and the athletes and coaches
involved.
5.11
Office Responsibilities - Secretary:
The
Secretary must have homeschooled two years and be a member in good standing of
the LaZers. Responsibilities include:
·
Take minutes at Board
meetings and list those in attendance.
·
Deliver prepared
minutes electronically or in printed form to each Board member within 14
calendar days for approval.
·
Type and send all Board
correspondence.
·
Be knowledgeable about
and keep up-to-date the insurance for the teams and the Board.
·
Prepare and submit
required annual corporate reports.
·
Maintain notification
to State and Federal authorities required by state and federal statutes as they
pertain to Not-For-Profit corporation and 501 (C) (3) requirements.
·
Identify through
recommendation to and approval by the Board of an individual to serve as an
Agent for Service and ensure such registration with the Secretary of State of
Missouri is current.
·
Maintain official
record files for the corporation.
5.12 Office
Responsibilities - Treasurer:
The
Treasurer must have home-schooled for two years and be a member in good
standing of the LaZers. Responsibilities include:
·
Keep and maintain the
KC Metro LaZers checking account.
·
Keep and maintain the
financial books.
·
Report the financial
status at Board meetings.
·
Handle reimbursement or
receipts for approved expenditures.
·
Appoint a
representative, with Board approval, to collect fees and insurance for each
sport.
·
Insure that all
financial functions of the KC Metro LaZers are in compliance with 501(c)(3)
status for non-profit organizations.
·
Submit to each Board
member preliminary budgets for each sport by September 1.
·
Submit to the LaZers
Board a detailed year-end fiscal report showing all beginning bank balances,
actual yearly income and expenses, and all ending bank balances for July 1
to June 30 no later than September 1
annually.
·
Prepare and submit W-9s
for the previous calendar year and indicate monies paid to each individual from
January 1 to December 31 of the previous year no later than January 15
annually.
·
Maintain a list of all
contributors and amounts contributed annually.
6.1 Academic
Standards
All
participating athletes must maintain at least a 2.0 ( or “C”) average during
the active season. Methods for
monitoring shall be left to the parents of the athlete, and it shall be the
parents’ responsibility to inform the coach if their child is not meeting this
standard.
6.2
Home-School Requirements
·
Each athlete must be
homeschooled per applicable state law at the time of participation.
·
In order to insure the
viability of a sport (i.e., to fill a roster) the LaZers Board may approve
participation of non homeschooled athletes. Each such inclusion shall be
approved on a case by case basis, sport by sport and season by season.
6.3
Recruiting
It shall be considered unethical for any homeschool organization or team to, for the purpose of participating in athletics, recruit a public or private schooled child by setting up a situation where the child would be taught by another home-school parent.
6.4 Age
Limits
KC Metro LaZers sports teams conform to the following Age requirements.
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Junior High |
Age 14 and under |
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Junior Varsity |
Age 17 and under |
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Varsity |
Age 18 and under |
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Athletes
who are not older than the limiting age prior to September 1 of the
participating year are eligible to try-out for KC Metro LaZers sports. If the
specific sport team has a junior high team which competes on local, state, and
national levels, athletes 11 years of age by September 1 of the participating
year may, at the discretion of the coaches and with specific guidelines, be
able to participate in the program.
7.1
Role of the Board
The
Board of Directors and its coaches will uphold and enforce the following
guidelines for all staff, coaches, athletes, parents, and family members of
this athletic program:
7.2
Respectful Conduct
Team
members will be respectful at all times.
This includes exhibiting respect for the coaches and officials as well
as other teammates and opposing team members.
Respect is displayed in proper attitudes and courteous speech and
actions. Vulgar or foul language, or
ridiculing or taunting of other players will not be tolerated.
7.3
Equipment
Equipment
is to be used in the manner for which it is intended. Any damage to equipment may result in suspension of the athlete
at the discretion of the coach and/or the Board. Parent(s) of the athlete(s) may be responsible for the
replacement of, or reimbursement for, the total cost of the equipment involved.
7.4 Christian
Principles of Conduct
All
athletes are expected to conduct themselves following Christian principles,
before, during and after events, as participants or spectators. This includes,
but is not limited to, modesty in dress and dignified physical contact. There
will be no inappropriate contact between athletes.
7.5 Dress
Code
Each
coach reserves the right to specify dress codes for team members at team
activities.
7.6
Attendance
Team members should make every effort to attend all
practices and participate fully in team activities. Refusal to participate in required activities may result in
suspension at the coaches’ discretion.
7.7
Non-Athletes
Parents
and family members attending KC Metro LaZers activities are expected to conduct
themselves in an appropriate manner.
This includes exhibiting respect when addressing officials, coaches,
players and fans of the opposing teams.
Verbal abuse or un-sportsman-like conduct by parents or family members
will result in a warning. A second
offense will result in the suspension of the offender from one game or
meet. After the third offense the
offender will be required to appear before the KC Metro LaZers Board and may be
suspended from attending team competitions for one full year. Failure of the parent to comply may result
in the removal of their child(ren) from the team at the discretion of the KC
Metro Lazers Board. The decision of the
Board in these issues will be final.
Everyone associated with the LaZers
program shall strive to conduct themselves in accordance with Biblical
principles. For the good of the LaZers program, athletes, parents, and coaches
have the right, and in fact the obligation, to express concerns regarding the
misbehavior of any person associated with the LaZers program.
·
Concerns can include conduct on and off the court or field
of play prior to, during, or immediately following a LaZers sanctioned event or
while in temporary housing on traveling events.
·
Offensive conduct can include actions and/or words spoken,
that directly or indirectly cause embarrassment, harm or risk to another person
or the program as a whole.
·
Behavior or actions which are disrespectful, demeaning,
harassing, sexually inappropriate, destructive acts, vandalism or violence or
actions of an illegal nature shall be reported.
·
Serious misconduct shall be referred to the KC Metro Board
for disciplinary action.
8.1 Complaints
should be expressed in the following sequence:
·
A verbal complaint made directly to the athlete, parent,
coach or other LaZers associate whose conduct is in question.
·
A verbal complaint may be made to a member of the Board of
Directors.
o
The Board Member shall be obligated to initiate action to
obtain a remedy.
·
Complaints and associated conversations should not
negatively impact a practice session or game; the complaint should be made in
privacy so as to minimize disruption.
·
A verbal complaint of a serious nature must be handled as a
“Serious” complaint.
8.2 Serious
complaints:
·
Serious complaints are complaints which may lead to
disciplinary action.
·
A serious complaint may originate as a verbal complaint;
however, serious complaints must be made in written form.
·
The complainant is responsible to document the complaint.
·
If a serious complaint is made verbally to a Board member,
the Board member may elect to document the complaint in collaboration with the
complainant.
8.3 Formal
written complaint:
Once a
complaint is presented in written form it becomes a Formal Written Complaint. Formal, written complaints must
be based upon first-hand knowledge or information, and should include the
following:
·
The facts involved in
the situation, issue or conduct.
·
An expression of the
negative impact, potential harm or risk to the LaZers program or its members
·
The names of all
persons involved in, having knowledge of the issues, or witnessing the
circumstances of the incident.
·
The complaint must be
signed by the person submitting the complaint.
·
A viable resolution may
also be included.
8.4 Disposition
of Formal Written Complaint:
The
Board will conduct a full and prompt investigation of all complaints of a
serious nature to provide a remedy. Strict confidence shall be maintained by
all persons involved regarding the incident and all associated discussions.
·
A Formal Written Complaint shall be submitted to the Board of Directors
for consideration. If the Board determines disciplinary action is warranted,
the Board shall apply the procedure specified in Section 9, Disciplinary
Process.
·
At the discretion of the Board Chair, a Formal Written Complaint of a
serious nature is grounds to issue temporary suspension of the indicated person
or persons pending Board disciplinary review.
·
A Formal Written Complaint which is not serious enough for disciplinary
action shall be resolved through discussion or notification by a designated
person and entered into the record for the athlete or parent, staff or coach as
appropriate.
·
All Formal, Written Complaints will receive follow-up from the Chair or
a designee within 14 days.
9.1
Disciplinary Action
It
is essential that all staff, coaches, athletes and their families, accept
responsibility for maintaining the high standards of conduct established by the
LaZers, including the observance of program policies and guidelines. The Board
of Directors attempts to be fair and consistent in the handling of all issues,
maintaining Christian values along every step of the way. If it becomes
necessary for the Board to discipline someone within the Lazers program, many
factors are taken into consideration - the nature and seriousness of the
situation, the person's past record, the total impact on the team and on the
program, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. The purpose of
disciplinary action is corrective in nature and designed to encourage
improvement of conduct - with the goal of continued participation in the LaZers
program.
9.2
Progressive Steps
In
general, discipline is applied in the following progressive steps:
·
Verbal Warning
·
Written Warning
·
Suspension from LaZers
program (as determined by the Board)
·
The Board may design
and implement additional requirements for supervision and correction it may
deem appropriate.
9.3 Serious
Offense
The
nature and severity of the offense and each set of particular circumstances
determine whether or not all the steps in the above sequence are followed.
These corrective disciplinary measures will not apply in the event of a serious
offense that warrants immediate dismissal or suspension or in other
circumstances when the Board determines that corrective measures would be
inappropriate. In the case of sexual abuse, theft, violence or destructive
acts, or other incidents as the Board determines appropriate, the Board shall
consult with legal counsel to determine if police or other authorities must be
informed.
9.4 Requests
Requests
for the Board to take formal Disciplinary Action must be made in writing.
9.5 Appeal
Process
Formal
disciplinary action may be appealed by the person who received the action, or
in the case of an athlete, by a parent/guardian on their behalf. Appeals must
be in written form and received within 14 days of issuance of the disciplinary
action. Appeals must be addressed to the Board Chair who will evaluate the
appeal and determine appropriate action in consultation with the Board of
Directors. The appeal should be limited to:
·
Whether the incident
constituted a violation of the LaZers’ policies and guidelines as stated in the
Handbook.
·
Whether the action
taken was warranted under the circumstances
·
Whether the action
taken was authorized.
Appeals
must include the following information:
·
The specific ground(s)
for the appeal
·
The specific relief
requested
·
A statement that
supports the appellant’s position and reason for relief requested
Appellants
will receive follow-up from the Chair or a designee within 14 days of the
appeal.
This Code has been adopted by the KC Metro LaZers.
The KC Metro LaZers sports programs will impart
important life skills and promote the development of good character.
Trustworthiness * Be
worthy of trust in all you do. Teach by
your lifestyle, honesty, reliability, and loyalty.* Don’t lie, cheat, steal or
engage in or permit dishonest or unsportsmanlike conduct.* Do what you say you
will do.* Be on time* Except in cases of extreme personal necessity, do not
resign during the year.* Put the team above your personal glory.* Be faithful
to the mission of the KC Metro LaZers.
Respect *
Treat all people with respect. Require the same of your athletes* Be gracious
in victory and accept defeat with dignity. * Encourage athletes to help up
fallen opponents, compliment extraordinary performances.* Don’t complain about
or argue with an officials decision.* Adopt whatever policies are necessary to
assure safety of all.* Be clear about your expectations, goals, and policies.
Maintain open lines of communication. * Don’t engage in or permit profanity or
obscene gestures during practices, sporting events. * Refrain from
psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, and conduct demeaning to athletes. *
Encourage athletes to pursue victory with passion, to think and play as a team,
and to improve through effort and discipline.* Sexual or romantic contact with
athletes is strictly forbidden.
Responsibility
*Encourage athletes to think of
themselves as students first and athletes second. * Stress that good character,
ethics and sportsmanship are essential to honorable athletic competition. *Be a worthy role model. *Assure that you
and your athletes know and understand rules of the game. * Maintain a sports
environment that is physically and emotionally safe. * Put the health of young
athletes above other considerations. * Follow the advice of a physician whether
an injured athlete is ready to play. *Assure that athletes understand that
participation in sports in a privilege, not a right and that they represent not
only themselves and their family, but their team, the LaZers, and God. * Avoid
displays of anger. Don’t
retaliate. Be kind but honest when
talking with parents.* Get approval before using the LaZers name.
Fairness *Be
open-minded and willing to listen and learn.
Be fair in team selections and discipline. * Seek council if you feel
you are getting “down” on a player.
Caring *
Put safety and health considerations above the desire to win. Never permit athletes to intentionally
injure another player. * Encourage athletes to look out for one another and
think and act as a team.
Citizenship *Do
not engage in or allow any conduct designed to evade rules governing fair
competition. Be mindful to acknowledge
acts of good sportsmanship on the court/field.
I have read and understand the requirements of this
Code of conduct and acknowledge that I may receive disciplinary action if I
violate any of its provisions.
_________________________ ________________________
Coach Date
This following Code of Conduct
has been adopted by the KC Metro LaZers athletic program, and it applies to all
parent/guardians involved in the program. The complete Code of Conduct can be found at
www.charactercounts.com
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Do
what is right, even when it’s unpopular * Encourage players to do what is right
* Don’t lie, cheat, or steal or engage
in any other dishonest conduct * Fulfill commitments. Do what you say you will do. * Put the interests of the team
above your child’s personal glory
RESPECT
Be
a good example of teaching your child to be gracious in victory, and accept
defeat with dignity * Don’t engage in disrespectful conduct including
profanity, obscene gestures, yelling derogatory or demeaning remarks at any
athlete, coach, or official * Don’t argue calls or decisions during or after an
athletic event. * Verbally support your child’s coach and the LaZer’s program
RESPONSIBILITY
Commit
with your child for him/her to earn a diploma and get the best possible
education * Be a positive role model in word and deed * Promote to your child
the avoidance of unhealthy substances such as tobacco, drugs, and alcohol *
Sexual/romantic contact between students and adults forbidden
FAIRNESS
Be
willing to listen and learn * Live up to the high standards of fair play
CARING
Consistently
demonstrate concern for your child and those on the team. * Encourage team members to help one
another, look out for one another, and act as a team
CITIZENSHIP
Teach
your child to be a good sport. * Honor
rules * Teach your child to avoid the temptations to gain unfair advantage
through improper or unethical means.
I have read and understand the requirements of this
Code of conduct and acknowledge that I may receive disciplinary action if I
violate any of its provisions.
______________________________ ____________________
(PARENT) (DATE)
______________________________ _____________________
(PARENT) (DATE)
This following Code of Conduct
has been adopted by the KC Metro LaZers athletic program,. It applies to all
student-athletes involved in the program. The complete Code of Conduct can be found at
www.charactercounts.com
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t
deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the
courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by
your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the
Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language •
Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone •
Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do •
Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined
• Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your
choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others •
Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive
others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Stay
informed • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority •
Protect the environment
~~~~~
I have read and understand the requirements of this
Code of conduct and acknowledge that I may receive disciplinary action if I
violate any of its provisions.
Student/Athlete_____________________________________
Date ___________________________