Sports Handbook
Click here for a downloadable pdf of the Athletic Handbook.
The Chicago Waldorf School has an after school sports program! All school sporting events are listed on the school calendar.
Philosophy
The Chicago Waldorf School believes that interscholastic athletic activities have an important place in the overall development of students in grades 6-12. It is an important arena for social and skill development and provides an opportunity for school pride. We believe that middle school athletics should be a participatory experience that stresses team work, sportsmanship, skill development and discipline. Competition in the high school is meant as a serious test of skills against worthy opponents. We strive to provide a quality athletic experience where players can expect to improve and excel. We expect dignified, focused, strong players who conduct themselves with pride and grace in competitive situations and in representing the school well.
Medical Examinations and Parent/Guardian Permission
In order to join a team or participate in any practice or game, students must have a current physical examination on file in the office, and a signed parent permission slip. A student needs to be examined yearly. No exceptions will be made to this policy beginning in September of 2009. Parents of students who are participating in the 2009-2010 school year are strongly encouraged to have their student athlete undergo a physical examination.
Eligibility
CWS Thunder interscholastic athletics are open to all students in grades 6-12. Students must be in good academic standing to participate. Students wishing to participate in after-school programs must be keeping up with class assignments, come on time to school, have good attendance and participate positively in all classes. If these conditions are not met the student can be placed on probation and kept from participating in athletics until the situation is improved and progress is confirmed through a conference with teachers and parents.
Making the Team
All students who are eligible to join the team are encouraged to do so. The coaches at Chicago Waldorf School do not make cuts. Every student who goes out for a team is on the team. However, students and parent/guardians should be aware that participating in a sport does require the student to be willing to make a significant investment of time and energy and may mean sacrificing other activities during the season. We strive to provide a quality experience with a moderate schedule, and so it is especially important that students attend for the entirety of all scheduled events.
Playing Time
All athletes are expected to be ready to play in each game, to attend each game and to watch the other teams (when there is more than one level of play). Although the coaches cannot guarantee that every athlete will play in every game, they will do their best to be certain that all team members have the opportunity to play during the course of the season. Exceptions to this are in the case of chronic absences and academic probation. Other reasons for reducing/eliminating playing time are team rule violations, missed practices or danger of injury. These decisions are at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Transportation
Players are transported to away games via school busses provided by the Chicago Waldorf School. The busses will pick up the players in the school parking lot after school and drop students off in front of the school. Players are expected to accompany the team back to the Chicago Waldorf School on the bus, but may leave from the game with their parent or guardian. Students must inform their coach if they are leaving with their parent or guardian. Students who plan to leave a game with another student’s parent must have written permission from their own parent and/or have made prior arrangements with the coach. Coaches will supervise their athletes on the bus and will stay at CWS until all students have been picked up.
Spectators/parents/siblings may accompany the team on the bus, but children younger than 9th grade must be accompanied by a supervising adult other than the coach and have written permission from their parent to travel with the team to away games. One adult may not supervise more than five children. While on the bus and at away games siblings/spectators are subject to team rules of conduct and behavior.
Equipment/Uniforms
Students are responsible for the uniform issued to them by the school and will be charged for any missing items. The price list of items is available from the Athletic Directors. The school does not provide footwear, knee pads, or socks. Uniforms consist of a jersey or, most often, a jersey and shorts.
Behavior
All students are expected to exhibit proper school behavior in all athletic activities. The school behavior code is in effect during practices, games and on busses. Student behavior at other schools and as hosts should be particularly stressed because they are representing our school, its fine athletic program and Waldorf Education. Any violations of school rules should be reported to the administration and may result in the exclusion of that student or students from participating in the CWS athletic program.
Cancelled Games and Schedule Changes
While the athletic department strives to provide accurate schedules well in advance of any event, changes to the schedule are inevitable. Coaches and players will be notified in the event of postponement or cancellation by the athletic directors. Parents can check with the main office or on the web site for up-to-the-minute changes. Rescheduling will be announced as soon as possible. Any changes in the schedule will be reflected on the online school calendar, will be verbally relayed to players and may be circulated via a letter or through a telephone tree by a team parent.
Rules for Games and Contests
All of our interscholastic games and contests follow the rules of the CAMS League and the IHSA.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are helpful and appreciated. We often need assistance communicating schedule changes, working the scoring table, and hosting visiting schools. If you are interested in applying for a coaching position, CWS posts open positions in various publications, on the internet and on our website. All paid positions require an interview process, references and a background check.
Spectator Behavior
Appropriate spectator behavior is simply this: Please let the players play, the coaches coach and the officials officiate. Although it can be difficult, and perhaps different from other spectator venues, we ask that our fans take the above to heart. Please refrain from yelling at the students, issuing directives and/or loudly editorializing while they are playing the game. As any player could tell you, instructions are all but impossible to decipher in game situations. Teams and coaches work together on game plans and this relationship should be respected. Please ask questions of your coach at the conclusion of games or at other times rather than during the game.
Fans are prohibited from talking to officials before, during or after the games. All spectators are subject to the civility code of the school academically and ineligible students are not allowed to watch games after school. Parents are encouraged to be supportive of Thunder athletic teams as well as visiting teams.
During contests in our gym our coaches will supervise their players, but parents must supervise their other children including keeping them off all gym equipment. No one should be on the court before and during games or at half times. Only approved scorekeepers are allowed to sit at the scorers table and, while there, they may not use their cell phones to make telephone calls, send/receive text messages or surf the internet, etc.
Closed Practices
Coaches at the Chicago Waldorf School are charged with the responsibility of running effective, challenging and energetic practices to improve players’ skills and team performance. Spectators, siblings, friends, parents, fellow students and others may not be in attendance during practices. Students who enter the gymnasium during practices will be sent to the main office and parent/guardians will be called to pick them up.
Athletic Directors
The Athletic Directors are responsible for the scheduling of games, officials and bus transportation, ordering equipment and supplies, making hiring recommendations for coaching staff, and training and supervising coaches. Parents who have questions about our after-school athletic programs should direct them to the Athletic Directors.
For more information, please contact:
Christian Schnell or Andrea Shaffer or call 773.465.2662 × 8481.