Athletics

Student-Athlete
It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to show Christian character in what they say and do and maintain academic excellence. As an athlete they use their God-given ability to work with their teammates to improve their skills and have fun.

Coaches
It is the coach's responsibility to show the love of Christ in their words and action, to provide a learning and supportive environment for all their athletes, and to provide an atmosphere where each player can develop his or her skill.  

Spectators
It is the spectators' responsibility to enjoy the game within the bounds of good sportsmanship - shining the light of Christ in all they say and do. Good spectators recognize good play and hard work from either side. Remember that each coach, referee, player, and spectator is a child of God and person who deserves our love and respect.

Volunteers
Are a vital part of RCLS athletics and are needed to help the athletic program run successfully and smoothly. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks including but not limited to concessions, logo wear, event and game workers, RCLS field day, donating concession items, and admissions.

Officials
It is the official's responsibility to continue to study the game so they keep up with rule changes. Official’s will do their best to be knowledgeable, fair, impartial, consistent, and attentive in all contests.

Teams are coached by faculty members, volunteer parents, or volunteer friends of RCLS. Coaches help students develop Christian character, promote academic excellence, and teach fundamentals skills of athletics.

Our teams compete in the Southeast Minnesota Lutheran Athletic Conference (SEMLAC), and in some sports, area non-public schools. The SEMLAC conference teams include RLCS, Immanuel Plainview, Immanuel Silo, St. John’s Lake City, St. Martin’s Winona, Resurrection Rochester, and St. John’s Wykoff. 

If academic expectations are not met in the areas of homework, classwork, and/or grades in good standing then the athlete will be considered on academic probation. In that situation, a meeting will be set to discuss academic progress that will include the student, teaching staff, parents, athletic director, and any other party deemed necessary. A probationary period will be determined. During the probationary period a student may practice, but may not participate in contests.

After probation period of one to two weeks the situation will be evaluated. If academic expectations continue to not be met, the student will be on Academic Suspension and will not be able to participate in scheduled athletic contests, events, or practices. All parties will be informed of the student’s eligibility status and progress. When the student’s grades are again at an acceptable level the student will become eligible to compete in scheduled athletic events and activities.

Students in grades 7-8 are eligible to participate in high school competitive programs, but RCLS students are only eligible to play at John Marshall. Please contact John Marshall athletics for specific programs and more information.

All athletes must follow code of conduct expectations including all academic expectations in order to participate in the RCLS athletics program. Missing activities, practices, or events can result in reduction of playing time dependent on coaches expectations. All eligible student-athletes will participate in contests unless an exception is shared beforehand to parents or described in the coach's philosophy.

All athletes need to register at the beginning of the school year. Students must be enrolled at RCLS and in 4th - 8th grades, complete and submit to the office both the registration and medical forms, and pay fees prior to students participating in athletic contests.

The majority of all athletic funds are from game admission & concessions stand sales, and athletic fees. Athletic fees help cover costs of buses, uniforms, tournament & meet fees, equipment, etc. Fees do not cover hotel stays, meals, spectator admission, logo wear, or the like. Athletic funds are used to pay tournament fees, pay referees, buy physical education and athletic equipment, purchase uniforms, yearly awards, and other expenses.

Every sport has different needs for equipment. Athletes should always bring all equipment to every contest. Athletes are responsible for keeping their uniform clean and damage free. Uniforms should be machine washed on delicate or hand washed. Wash jerseys and uniforms in cold water, and hang dry.  Do not machine dry, iron, or bleach. This will cause damage to the fabric and printing. RCLS will not replace uniforms that are damaged, and it is the responsibility of the athlete to pay for a new uniform.

All transportation to sporting events must be arranged by the athlete’s parent/guardian.  Car-pooling is suggested. Please talk with the coach if transportation is needed for your child.  Buses with transport only to and from the Track and Field Day in Winona. Students are required to ride the bus to Track and Field Day, but may be transported home by their own parent/guardian. Parents must let their child’s teacher know that they are taking their child home from the contest prior to leaving the event. Students cannot ride home with anyone else other than their parent/guardian unless prior consent is given via written note or email. 

Student athletes may NOT remain at school or at an athletic event unsupervised. On school days after 3pm students must be supervised by a coach, parent, or staff member. All unsupervised students will need to report to Post or Stepping Stones. After athletic events coaches and staff will wait until all athletes are picked up. It is the responsibility of parents to pick up their child(ren) on time after athletic events and activities.

Concessions is a primary means of funds for the athletic department. Concessions are typically sold during volleyball and basketball games, specifically at tournaments. Volunteers are needed to help run and maintain concessions. Parents of athletes are expected to help with concessions during the season. Donations of concession items are greatly appreciated, especially during tournament time as they offset the costs of concessions.

Communication is primarily handled through email (athletics@rcls.net). Parents will be contacted via email and should check the athletic website for updated schedules and changes. Any rescheduled activities or events will be put onto the athletic website and coaches and parents will be notified via email.

All parents, athletes, and coaches are required to attend the PAC (parents, athletes, coaches) meeting. Information on the upcoming season will be covered by the athletic director and coaches. If parents or athletes miss the meeting they will need to meet with the athletic director and coaches prior to student(s) participating in contests.

In the event there is a weather related school closure or early dismissal, ALL athletic events will also be cancelled. If a weather event causes public school after school activities to be canceled, RCLS will also cancel all athletic events.  

Athletic letters are awarded to student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in a particular sport. To receive a letter an RCLS student-athlete must meet RCLS athlete expectations (see athlete code of conduct) as well as be recommended by their coach. Lettering qualifications involve four main components: Christian character, academic excellence, effort in practices and performances, and athletic achievement.

Lettering Criteria

1. Christian Character

• Uses words and action to praise and serve our Lord and Savior.
• Serves others by putting others’ needs before their own including all teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, spectators, and the like.
• Demonstrates humility in all athletic practices and contests whether winning or losing.
• Demonstrates Christian sportsmanship to all game officials, coaches, players, teammates, and spectators.

2. Academic Excellence Qualifications

• Finishes and hands in assignments to teachers in a timely manner.
• Maintains passing grades in all of classes.
• Has minimal absences and tardies.
• Respects and obeys those who are in authority: teachers, principal, parents, athletic director, coaching staff, etc.  
• Accepts responsibility for actions and consequences that may follow.

3. Effort in Practice and Performances

• Attends practice with minimal absences.
• Listens to, follows, and respects the directions of coaches;
• Supports and encourages teammates, regardless of ability;
• Displays modesty in team’s victory and graciousness in team’s defeat.
• Maintain enthusiasm and composure during events.

4. Athletic achievement qualifications start in 7th and 8th grade to letter in athletics. An athlete must participate in two sports at RCLS in order to letter as an athlete.

This is the highest award given to athletes at RCLS. Robb Brunett was a Member of Holy Cross and a graduate of RCLS. He displayed Christian character, academic excellence, and great athletic ability. He was killed in a car accident at age 16, and his parents created a memorial at RCLS in his name.  

Since 1990 this award has been given to a middle school boy and girl (usually an 8th grader) who displays the highest achievement in the following areas: Christ-like attitude, servant-leadership, academic excellence, citizenship, coachability, sportsmanship, and athletic achievement. Student-athletes are evaluated by teachers, coaches, and the athletic director in the following areas:

• Displays Christian character (servant-leader, humble, self-control, etc.)
• Distinguished in the classroom (academics and leadership)
• Participates in multiple sports (sportsmanship, leadership, work ethic, abilities)