St. Pius X-St.

Matthias Academy
Coach/Athletic Handbook
2017-18

St. Pius XSt. Matthias Academy

7851 E Gardendale St, Downey CA 90242
Director of Athletics Mr. Chris Morrison
Athletic Dept. (562) 861-2271 ext. 1030
School Website: www.piusmatthias.org
Athletics: www.pmawarriorsathletics.com
INTRODUCTION

The St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (PMA) Athletic Handbook is a reference guide for coaches, student-
athletes, and parents/guardians, concerning the policies that govern interscholastic athletics at PMA at all
times.

The Head Coach of an athletic team reports to the Director of Athletics. He/she is primarily responsible for
compliance by his/her assistant coaches and student-athletes regarding adherence to the rules, regulations,
and policies governing athletics at PMA and also those rules, regulations and policies mandated by the
California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS). The Director of Athletics will administer
these rules and regulations as they relate to any team/squad and/or coach.

Sound reasoning, good judgment, and adherence to the schools mission and core values will be the
standard by which situations outside these stated rules and regulations are determined and evaluated.

Interscholastic athletics is a voluntary program. Students are not obligated to participate and participation
is not required for graduation. Thus, competition in high school athletics is a privilege and not a right.
Accompanying this privilege is the responsibility to conform to standards established for the PMA athletic
program. This privilege may be revoked if the athlete refuses or fails to comply with the rules as stated
herein.

ST. PIUS X-ST. MATTHIAS ACADEMY ATHLETIC PROGRAM

PMA a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.) and the Catholic Athletic Association
(C.A.A.) and abides by all policies regarding open enrollment. PMA sponsors interscholastic athletic teams in
the following sports for the 2017-18 school year: B/G Cross Country, Football, B/G Basketball, B/G Soccer,
Baseball, Softball, B/G Track & Field, B/G Volleyball, and Cheer.

PHILOSOPHY

The Athletic Department is an integral part of the total education process of PMA. Being involved in
athletics provides the student with opportunities to learn good sportsmanship, grow in confidence, develop
leadership skills and learn the ideals of fair play and ethical behavior that are necessary for competition and
cooperation in our society. It should also provide our students with unique opportunities for self-discipline,
self-sacrifice, and loyalty to the community, the school and the team. PMA encourages all students to
participate in athletics by offering a well-rounded program for girls and boys in all grades.

COACHING

PMA hires experienced coaches, dedicated to educating student-athletes in developing individual skills,
teamwork, good sportsmanship, and fair play. Preference is always to recruit coaches from our faculty and
staff. For those coaches hired from outside the school, every effort is made to integrate them into the
entire school community. The same behavior expected of a teacher in the classroom is expected of all
coaches during practices, games and any other related activity among the students he/she is charged with
supervising.

SPORTSMANSHIP

As members of the PMA athletic program; students, coaches, and parents are expected to demonstrate
proper respect for each other, toward opposing team/coaches, teachers, officials, spectators, and the
community as a whole. Student-athletes and coaches are expected to exhibit the highest standard of
conduct, both on and off the playing field/court as they are at all times a representative of their team,
school, and community.

COMMITMENT

In order to be successful and build toward college attendance, a student-athlete must place the highest
priority on health, academics, and training. All team members are valuable and each team needs to know
that it can count on its members dedication. Often this means sacrificing social life, family trips, and other
events which come in conflict with the rigors of training and competition. Learning how to make good
choices is one of the most valuable life lessons an athlete takes from a quality athletic program.

ACADEMICS & ELIGIBILITY

Athletes must be currently enrolled in at least 35 semester units. In addition, student-athletes must have
passed in at least 25 semester units at the completion of the last regular grading period, have at least a 2.3
GPA for all enrolled courses on a 4.0 scale, and be enrolled in at least seven classes. No student, whose
nineteenth birthday is attained prior to June 15th, shall participate or practice on any team in the following
school year. The athletic clock for all students begins their first semester in any high school. That clock runs
eight consecutive semesters without interruption for any reason. Therefore, a student who repeats a grade
is likely to be ineligible for athletic competition during their senior year per CIF rules.

ACCIDENT AND INJURY REPORTS

All students who participate in PMAs interscholastic sports program are covered (with limitations) by
accident insurance through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Parents need to be aware that this accident
insurance is secondary coverage to their familys health insurance which is primary. In most cases, the
Archdiocesan insurance is not primary insurance coverage. The Archdiocesan insurance only becomes the
primary insurance when a family does not have health insurance.

Coaches are in possession of medical info forms for all students at all practices and contests. If an accident
or injury occurs, it is mandatory for a coach to submit a written accident report containing as many details as
possible to the Director of Athletics within 24 hours. If the injury is serious, the coach will call 9-1-1, (9-9-1-1
from a PMA phone) and the parent, using the number(s) listed on the students emergency card. The coach
will stay with the student until help is secured. If an athlete misses practice on the request of a physician,
the athlete will need a note of clearance to participate in sports issued by the familys medical practitioner
before returning to practice or contests. This should be submitted to the coach or Director of Athletics.

AWARDS VARSITY TROPHIES, PLAQUES, MEDALS, PATCHES, AND CERTIFICATES

Athletes are recognized for outstanding athletic achievement by their coaches at each athletic banquet. In
order for athletes to be eligible to receive trophies, plaques, medals, patches, and certificates, athletes are
required to attend their respective banquet. Athletes who do not attend the banquet for their season of
sport will forfeit all awards. For athletes, the banquet dress code is consistent with the schools formal dress
policy. Letter awardees may wear their school approved letter jacket. Only one letter per student.

AWARDS JUNIOR VARSITY, FROSH/SOPH, AND CERTIFICATES

Athletes and student managers who participate on an interscholastic Junior Varsity, Frosh/Soph, or
Freshmen team sport earn certificates. A PMA athlete is recognized at the conclusion of his/her respective
season. The established criteria for receiving a certificate is based on attendance at practice, work ethic,
dedication, enthusiastic participation, good sportsmanship, and the head coachs recommendation.

BOOSTERS

Parent Participation/Team Parent Parents are encouraged to support their athletes, attend games, serve
as team parents, assist in the concession stands, and coordinate fundraising efforts such as Warrior gear and
other events. Everyone is encouraged to attend monthly Sports Boosters meetings to share comments,
suggestions and ideas that support the students and our athletic programs. In order to facilitate
communication between the different teams and the Sports Boosters, each team has a Team Parent who
represents their team at the Booster meetings, coordinates team fundraising efforts, team gatherings, etc.

COACHING EVALUATIONS

The Principal and Director of Athletics will evaluate coaches on criteria including:
Attendance at mandatory coaches training each year; upholding policies and regulations of the school, CIF
and CAA; exhibiting the same high standards of behavior and commitment expected in an academic
classroom; clear communication with student athletes and parents regarding coaching philosophy, team
rules, and expectations, practice/game schedules, and procedures for conflict resolution. Student-athletes
are invited to complete a survey at the end of the season.

CANCELLATIONS OR SCHEDULE CHANGES

In the case of Cancellation/Rainout, it is important to take quick action. Contact the Athletic Director first so
the following can take place:

1. Ensure that transportation is cancelled, if an away contest.

2. Inform the Coordinator of Officials that assigns your officials, if it is a home contest.
3. Get word to your team members so they will not leave class needlessly.
4. Inform the Athletic Director if a field was to be marked or a facility prepared.
5. Call the school office. They often receive calls asking if a game is to be played.
6. Reschedule as to your league by-laws, if that is possible. Inform the A.D. of any rescheduled contest.

CATHOLIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (CAA) PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

From the CAA Gold Book:

The Catholic School pursues the cultural goals and the natural development of youth to the same degree as
any other school. What makes the Catholic school distinctive is its attempt to generate a community climate
in the school that is permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love. It tries to guide the adolescent in
such a way that personal development goes hand in hand with the development of the new creature that
each one has become through baptism.

In keeping with the spirit of the statement from the Declaration on Christian Education, members of the
Catholic Athletic Association recognize the great value of the interscholastic sports programs to Catholic
school communities. These programs serve to bring the school community together in celebratory rituals to
counteract feelings of alienation creating a sense of belonging to a group, and to heighten the appreciation
of the public demonstration of values as evidence on the court and playing field.

At the same time, the members of the Association understand that the athletics program of a school is only
one vehicle in the development of the student. Catholic education is concerned with the whole person of
the student who, in the critical and formative years of adolescence, must become proficient in intellectual
skills, reflective about all things moral, adept at interpersonal relationships, appreciative of physical
attributes, committed to a Christian lifestyle, and dedicated to resolve the social issues that confront them.

We do not proclaim that the interscholastic sports program is the panacea for the social injustice of racism,
classism, and sexism. However, Catholic educators including parents and coaches are conscious that a
strong Christian values-based athletic program can provide the context in which students of all races,
socioeconomic classes, and of both genders can learn to value, respect, and appreciate the talents, skills and
efforts of their peers no matter the athletes school affiliation.

The CAA acknowledges that the Gospel spirit of freedom and love is spelled out in the particular charisma of
each of its member schools. The various perspectives our schools bring to the education of our students
form the rich, diverse composition of the Association. From this diversity emerges our common intention to
promote in our student athletes:

1. The consciousness that they publicly demonstrate the Christian value of the joy of play.
2. Their willingness to articulate their appreciation of the efforts of their teammates.
3. Their coaches, the officials, and the members of the other schools team and staff.
4. The recognition of the contributions of their parents and of the schools administration that make
possible the sports program.
5. The practice of self-discipline that enables the athlete to properly control emotions during periods
of stress and to remain committed to the sport despite the difficulties that may intrude during a
season.
6. The knowledge to be a representative of the school in the area of athletics is only one aspect of
Christian service to the community and as a service does not support self-aggrandizement.

CLUB SPORTS

Many athletes and coaches are involved with club sports. PMA teams are independent of all travel and club
sports. Participation in club sports does not fulfill academic PE requirements, nor is it a criterion for playing
on a PMA team. Participation in outside travel or club sports teams is not an excuse for missing PMA team
practices or games.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

When conflicts or issues arise, it is important that they are addressed immediately, and as thoroughly as
possible, so that they can be promptly resolved. It is important for student-athletes and parents to
recognize that coaching strategy and playing time are not appropriate subjects for discussion. In addition,
parents should follow any instructions from the coach about the best method/time to approach the coach
with concerns or questions so that they may be handled with the greatest care.

First Step: Student-athlete contacts coach The student athlete should present the conflict/issue to
the coach as soon as possible. It is always best for students to become their own advocates. It is
expected that the majority of concerns will be resolved at this first meeting.

Second Step: Parent contacts coach If needed, the parent may contact the coach directly but not
just before, during or following a practice/game. A parent should email or call the coach to set up
an appropriate time to discuss the issue in person.

Third Step: Contacting the Director of Athletics If a satisfactory solution is not reached through
direct contact with the coach, the student and/or parent should contact the Director of Athletics.
 The coach should be informed that this contact is going to be made. If needed, a meeting may be
scheduled involving all concerned parties in an attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution. The
Director of Athletics will respond to the student-athlete and parent in a timely manner as to the
disposition of their concerns and any resolution.

Fourth Step: Contacting the Principal If there is still not a satisfactory resolution, the student or
parent may contact the PMA Principal. The Director of Athletics should be informed that this
contact is going to be made. While there can be no guarantee that all parties will agree with all
resolutions or findings, a thorough, respectful airing of different perceptions and experiences can
lead to more productive relationships and clearer understanding in the future.

DISMISSAL OF AN ATHLETE OR QUITTING A TEAM

Athletes who are dismissed or quit a team in season cannot try out or practice for another sport until the
sport in season is completed. There are two exceptions to this policy: (1) athletes who do not make the
team can try out for another team in the same season; (2) athletes who are dismissed or quit a team must
obtain permission from the coach who dismissed him/her or from the coach of the team the athlete quit
and permission from the Director of Athletics to try out for another team in the same season.

Dismissal from a team is the last action a coach should take in attempting to discipline a student.
Suspension, additional work, and counseling are alternative ways of dealing with discipline problems. The
following reasons may warrant dismissal:
a. Failure to follow the PMA athletic code.
b. Failure to maintain required academic standards.
c. Violation of CIF or league rules governing eligibility (age, residence, etc.)
d. Major school infractions leading to suspension from school.
e. Smoking or use of drugs or alcoholic beverages in or out of uniform
f. Consistent absenteeism from practices or games/contests without a legitimate excuse.
g. Improper conduct on PMA approved transportation to/from an athletic event.
h. Unauthorized wearing of school uniform or use of school equipment.
i. Stealing or vandalism.
j. Use of obscene language and/or profanity.
k. Insubordination to coaches or other school personnel.

EMERGENCY CARDS / REPORTS

Coaches carry medical forms (copy of student emergency cards) for all players at all practices and contests.
Coaches are trained in basic first aid and CPR. If an accident or injury occurs, the coach submits a written
accident report to the Athletic Department within 24 hours of the incident. If the injury is serious the coach
will call 9-1-1, (9-9-1-1 on our school telephone) and the parent. The coach will stay with the student until
help is secured.

Some students may have potentially infectious diseases. Coaches should treat any acknowledged condition
in a confidential manner when the parent/guardian relates the information. If an athlete misses practice on
the request of a physician, the athlete will be required to submit a note of clearance from his/her medical
practitioner before returning to practice. It can be submitted to the coach or Director of Athletics.
COACHING EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
All coaches must complete the following programs/paperwork and submit to Athletic Department:

Be VIRTUS certified
Complete Livescan Fingerprinting
Child Abuse Form
Play Like A Champion Certified
Be certified in CPR (every two years)
Be certified in First Aid (every two years)
Be versed in theory and coaching techniques
Concussion Certified
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certified
I-9 and W-4 Forms
Coaching Employment Agreement
TB Skin Test (Mantoux)
Emergency Information Form
CIF Coaches Code of Ethics
Guidelines for Professional Relationships with Students (pg. 33)

FUNDRAISING
A coach must consult with the Director of Athletics prior to initiating any additional fundraising activities.
Coaches must receive written approval by school administration to officially begin planning any fundraising
event (See attached Fundraising Form). Players may only be asked to engage in fundraising activities after
they have been selected to a team.
Each season of sport may fundraise during the following months: Fall August-October, Winter- November-
January, Spring February-March, Funds for Summer Sports Camps May-July. A.D. approval required.

GAMES AND TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES

The Director of Athletics schedules all league contests for each team. Coaches may elect to add tournaments
and scrimmages, depending on the sport, for additional preparation prior to the start of league play.

The Director of Athletics and Principal must approve all team overnight stays in advance. Once approved by
PMA Administration, the coach is responsible for completing all forms and paperwork that seek the approval
of the Regional Supervisor or the Superintendent of Catholic Secondary Schools and the CIF.

HAZING
Hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization that willfully or
recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or person. Hazing is strictly prohibited
under school policy.

HEALTH ELIGILITY
Every participant must have a physical health card on file with the Director of Athletics and receive clearance
to participate. This form carries the signature of a doctor who has examined and cleared the student for
competition, signed permission from a parent and information about the required insurance.

ILLEGAL AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES

Any athlete found to be in possession of or involved in the use of alcohol, tobacco, smokeless tobacco or
narcotics during the season, while attending school or any St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy sponsored
activity, will be suspended from athletics for a period of time determined by the schools Administration.
Performance enhancing substances are strictly prohibited. The Administration recognizes that the use of
androgenic/anabolic steroids (steroids) and other performance enhancing supplements present a serious
health and safety hazard. As part of St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academys drug prevention and intervention
efforts, the Principal or designee and staff shall make every effort to ensure that students do not begin or
continue the use of steroids or other performance-enhancing supplements.

Students participating in interscholastic athletics are prohibited from using steroids or any other
performance-enhancing supplements. Coaches shall educate students about PMAs prohibition and the
dangers of using these substances.

Before participating in interscholastic athletics, a student athlete and his/her parent/guardian shall sign an
agreement that the student athlete shall not use steroids.

A student who is found to have violated the agreement or this policy shall be restricted from participating in
athletics and shall be subject to disciplinary procedures including, but not limited to, suspension or
expulsion in accordance with law, and administrative policies and regulations.

The principal shall ensure that PMA does not accept sponsorship or donations from supplement
manufactures that offer muscle building supplements to students.

LEAGUE MEETINGS
Attend all League coaches meetings, especially for the purpose of nominating athletes to all-league teams.
If you are not there, your student(s) will not be represented, and they should be. You will also be expected
to assist with set up of the awards banquet/evening at the end of your season of sport.

LOCKER ROOMS
The sports and physical education locker rooms located in the gymnasium or by the field have lockers that
have been designed with the athletic and physical education programs in mind. The same regulations apply
to these locker rooms as to any other school facility, especially in regards to locker use and locks. The
following are the main regulations:
1. School issued/purchased locks must be used on all lockers.
2. The athletic director, physical education instructor, or head coach of a team may assign gymnasium
or fieldhouse lockers.
3. Students who have been assigned to a locker can only use gymnasium lockers/fieldhouse lockers.
Any student using a combination or key operated lock not purchased/issued through the school, or
who operates a locker not assigned to him/her, will have the lock removed and his/her personal
belongings confiscated. Students are to respect the locker room facilities by striving to maintain a
clean and sanitary environment at all times.
4. Loitering is never allowed in the locker room and students should not be in any locker room without
adult supervision.

MULTI-SPORT AND DUAL-SPORT ATHLETES

It is expected that each member of the PMA coaching staff will support the entire athletic program and
support athletes who must complete the prior season before starting the next season. Encouraging athletes
to participate in ones sport should be done in a positive manner and no PMA coach should discourage a
student athlete from participating on another team at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy.

Any student-athlete that wishes to participate in two sports in the same season must get approval of the
coach from each sport and and Director of Athletics.
OFF SEASON PRACTICES
Coaches will clearly explain to student-athletes the benefits of off-season conditioning. Coaches may
provide information about recommended pre-season practices and conditioning activities. Pre-season
activity is voluntary and in addition to a students physical education classes. Recorded attendance at
scheduled pre-season conditioning is not a requirement for team selection and does not excuse a student
from Physical Education. However, coaches may articulate the expected level of conditioning and skill
development for team selection and participation.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

All sports must hold pre-season meetings to inform parents and students about try-outs and expectations.
These meetings will be publicized in the Daily Bulletin, PMA online calendar, and on the PMA sports website.

PHYSICAL CONTACT
Physical contact should be limited to that necessary and appropriate to teach a skill, treat an injury, console
or congratulate a player. In the instance of teaching a skill, minimal contact should be involved and none
which places the adult in a position of power or intimidation.

A volunteer (other than parent or legal guardian) alone in a one-on-one situation with a player is considered
inappropriate. If an adult is alone with a player it should be in a visibly public site.

Some coaches are expressive using their hands to give a pat on the back, a rub on the head, or other sorts
of contact to show appreciation or indicate a job well done. In a public setting, those acts are understood.
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy acknowledges there are appropriate times and places for showing such
approval. However, there should be no touching at all in a private one-on one situation. Even the suspicion
of inappropriate contact with a player may be enough to create the impression that it has occurred.
Coaches must think defensively so that there is no question of impropriety.

During an out-of-town competition a non-parent custodial adult shall not share any sleeping arrangement
with any player or players. Adults should respect the privacy of players and allow privacy in changing rooms,
showers, and bathrooms at all times.

Suspicious behavior by an adult of a sexual nature should be reported to any school official according to St.
Pius X-St. Matthias Academy policy. Reports can be made to the head coach, Director of Athletics, any
administrator or teacher. Protecting our children and our coaches is everyones priority and concern.

PRACTICES
Coaches will hold regular practice schedules depending on availability of field or gym space. Varsity
practices are expected and not to exceed 2 hours in length, 6 days per week. JV and Frosh/Soph practices
are generally 5 days per week. Early morning practices may be held due to facility availability. Coaches may
schedule occasional additional practices but time and length of practices will not be determined by student
performance (i.e. considered punishment for losses). It is expected that coaches and players will abide by
the CIF code of conduct during all practices and games/contests.

PUBLICITY, SCORES & STATISTICS

Coaches will be required to update websites such as MaxPreps.com and our Home Campus website.
Coaches are also required to maintain an accurate stat sheet for every varsity athletic contest when/where
appropriate. Stat books must be turned in at the end of the season.
PURCHASING
All purchasing requests must be submitted to and approved by the Director or Athletics prior to any order
being placed. The Director of Athletics will be responsible for submitting all athletic requisitions.

RECRUITING
Recruiting is not allowed at any school. Coaches may have contact with students at the middle school level,
at youth camps, in club sports and in the community. Encouraging students to come to St. Pius X-St.
Matthias Academy is not acceptable. Encouraging athletes to join a certain club team is also not acceptable.

RELEASE FROM/RETURN TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

Only the teacher of record can excuse an athlete from his physical education class. The Director of Athletics
notifies the physical education teachers once he has received a team roster and checked eligibility. The
student must return to his or her Physical Education class after the last competition or if he or she is
released from or quits a team. If a JV player is called up to Varsity for CIF playoffs, the coach must notify the
Director of Athletics who will inform the PE teacher.

ROSTER ELIGIBILITY (Academic and Transfer)

Prepare an alphabetical and numerical roster of your students and give a copy to the Director of Athletics to
be checked for academic eligibility. Discuss eligibility with your team. Students should be made to
understand that if they participate without being eligible, the team could suffer by forfeiting the
games/contests that the student has participated in and additional games as well.

SAFETY
There are inherent dangers in all sports activities. Coaches must alert student athletes of potential injuries
even though certain risks are consented to by students and parents. Coaches must inform the Director of
Athletics of faulty equipment and unsafe conditions in the practice or playing area immediately upon
discovery. Culpability is issued if any of us are found negligent in our assignments.

PMA VARSITY LETTER

Only athletes and student managers who participate in an interscholastic varsity team sport can earn varsity
letters. A PMA athlete may be eligible for a Letter in a sport at the conclusion of a varsity season. An
athlete who displays his/her varsity letter on a letter jacket or sweater does so with pride and realizes that it
is both a privilege and an honor. By wearing the Letter, athletes represent St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
and must conduct themselves as outstanding Christian citizens. The PMA Varsity Letter is a block letter
eight (8) inches in size and can only be worn on an approved letter jacket or sweater.

Athletes who bring dishonor to themselves and to the school may be denied the privilege of wearing his/her
letter. The Director of Athletics, in consultation with the Principal, may deny an athlete the privilege and
honor of wearing his/her letter due to inappropriate behavior. Only one letter will be issued per student.

SANTA FE ATHLETIC LEAGUE

St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy is a member of the Santa Fe League. The athletic directors of the member
schools handle the management of all Santa Fe League games/contests and post season awards.

SCHEDULE
Work with the Director of Athletics in preparing a schedule of preseason games your team will play.
Complete forms to order transportation to away games. Provide information about non-league home
games to your Director of Athletics so officials can be requested. Make sure team rosters and game
schedules are available. At the beginning of the season, give team rosters and game schedules to the
Director of Athletics so that faculty members can be informed of early dismissals from academic classes.
Remember that they are students first and athletes second, so they should not leave a class any sooner than
absolutely necessary.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE BY ATHLETES

On the day of a game/contest or on for a scheduled practice during the school week, athletes must be in
regular school attendance for a minimum of half of the school day in order to participate in a game/contest
of practice. The only exception to this policy is when mitigating circumstances prevail, and then the Director
of Athletics can decide if an athlete is permitted to participate.

SCHEDULE CONFLICTS WITH OTHER SCHOOL COMMITMENTS

Athletes may request to miss a practice or game in order to participate in another academic or extra-
curricular school activity such as a music performance. Athletes must recognize that missed practices or
games may result in reduced playing time in future contests.

SEASONS of SPORT
Fall Boys & Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, and Football
Winter Boys & Girls Basketball and Boys & Girls Soccer
Spring Baseball, Softball, Boys & Girls Track & Field, and Boys Volleyball

SECURITY
It is the responsibility of every coach to closely monitor the security of school facilities. Coaches must
ensure that all lockable facilities are secured after their use and that all equipment is returned to its proper
storage area on a daily basis.

SUMMER CAMPS
Coaches who plan to have their teams participate during the summer months need to be fully aware of CIF
and Santa Fe League policies regarding such participation. All activities need to be cleared through the
Director of Athletics. At this point in time, this is simply a matter of presenting a calendar of activities
showing date, day, time, location, and level of participation. Coaches and players are financially responsible
for all costs incurred during any summer activities.

TEAM MEETING
Immediately following team selection, coaches meet with all student-athletes and their parents to discuss
the following:
Safety requirements, team expectations, rules and policies
School transportation policy
Coaching philosophy including factors that affect playing time
Sportsmanship and appropriate behavior
Team rules and expectations
Schedule of practices and games
Importance of parents role in supporting their student-athlete
How to communicate with the coach regarding appropriate questions or concerns
Prohibitions on hazing of fellow athletes and consequences of such behavior
Letter requirements
TRANSPORTATION
Student-athletes must go with their team and return to school on the transportation provided by the school.
Students may be allowed by their coach to return to school or go home with their parent(s) as long as
arrangements were made and the coach has been notified in advance.

There may be an occasion under certain circumstances where it will be necessary for a student-athlete to
drive his/her own vehicle to an athletic contest/practice. When necessary, the Director of Athletics may
grant permission when the following is done:
1. Written permission from the parent/guardian stating the reason why the student must drive.
2. Student-athlete must submit a transportation form to the Director of Athletics one day prior to the
athletic contest.
3. Student-athletes may not travel with other students or athletes.

There may not be funding for all teams to secure busses for all away games. Coaches may request parents
drive teammates to away games. All parent drivers must have insurance cards on file with the school office.

TRYOUTS
Student-athletes should check the Daily Bulletin for announcements of a preseason meeting for each sport.
Coaches will hold a pre-season meeting for all interested students explaining the tryouts schedule, practice
and game expectations, any pre-season voluntary conditioning recommendations and criteria for team
selection. All students meeting eligibility requirements may try out for a team. Tryout times vary but
generally last two weeks. Multi-sport athletes have five days from the end of their season to try out for a
new sport. Students will not be released from Physical Education classes until after team selection and
submission of a roster to the Director of Athletics.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Athletes are issued uniforms and certain required equipment for their sport. All equipment and uniforms
must be returned to the head coach or Director of Athletics within seven days of the last game/contest. A
student will be charged for the replacement cost of uniforms and associated PMA issued equipment.

USE OF SPORTS FACILITIES

The gymnasium and athletic fields are primarily used by St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academys athletic program
and the physical education department. The schools extracurricular activities also have use of the athletic
fields and gymnasium when the athletic teams and physical education classes are not using the facilities. The
Director of Athletics must approve extracurricular use of the athletic fields and gymnasium. Organizations
outside of St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy must obtain approval from the Director of Athletics and Principal
and must complete a users application, pay user fees and liability insurance, prior to using any of the
schools athletic facilities.

VARSITY, JV, AND FROSH/SOPH TEAMS

PMAs athletic program may consist of Varsity, JV and/or Frosh/Soph teams within each sport. The varsity
head coach supervises assistant coaches and oversees the sport on each level. On occasion, varsity coaches
may select JV or F/S players to participate in practices or games and/or CIF playoffs.

WEIGHT ROOM
The weight room is open all day until 6:00 pm and during the summer each day depending on coaches
availability. Please schedule any teams use with the Director of Athletics. Sports in season will have
priority. Students may not be in the weight room at any time without adult supervision.
Director of Athletics Mr. Chris Morrison cmorrison@piusmatthias.org

Head Coach Directory

Fall Season:
Cross Country (Co-ed) Mr. Marcel Viens mviens@piusmatthias.org
Football Mr. Todd Butler tbutler@piusmatthias.org
Girls Volleyball Mr. Tommy Dube tdube@piusmatthias.org

Winter Season:
Boys Basketball Mr. Harold Jones hjones@piusmatthias.org
Girls Basketball Mr. Bob Santisteven bsantisteven@piusmatthias.org
Boys Soccer Mr. Karlo Soto ksoto@piusmatthias.org
Girls Soccer Ms. Nieshe Washington nwashington@piusmatthias.org

Spring Season:
Baseball Mr. Tony Beza tbeza@piusmatthias.org
Boys Volleyball Mr. Miguel Flores mflores@piusmatthias.org
Softball Mr. Michael Mora mmora@piusmatthias.org `
Track & Field (Co-ed) TBA
 MISSION
The mission of PMAs Athletic Department is to provide a challenging, Catholic, college preparatory
athletic program in a supportive learning community that will positively affect the lives of our student-
athletes and provide opportunities for all student-athletes to grow in faith, develop their talents without
limits, and live with a purpose.
VISION
PMAs Athletic Department will excel in creating an athletic environment where student-athletes
recognize their significance within our school athletic programs and are encouraged to seize opportunities
to grow and to lead, emerging as empowered, faith-inspired and contributing members of their team and
instilling pride within our school community. We will be known for visionary leadership; innovative and
passionate coaches and educators; inspired, tenacious and optimistic student-athletes; supportive
families and an engaged community.

PRIDE VIRTUE PURPOSE

PRIDE ARISING FROM HUMILITY & SERVICE WHERE
Students will understand the source of their self-worth as being loved by God.
Students will share their God given gifts with the school and global community.

VIRTUE SHAPED BY FAITH & MORALS WHERE

Students will deepen their faith through knowledge and experience.

PURPOSE DRIVEN BY GOALS & DETERMINATION WHERE

Students will become holistic learners who exhibit perseverance and self-motivation
Graduates will emerge poised to succeed in college, career, and life.