P a c e a c a d e m y

AthleticsP h i l o s o P h y • c o d e o f c o n d u c t • G o a l s

Our PhilOsOPhy

l Consistent with Pace Academy’s stated mission to develop well-rounded students, our student-athletes should use sports as a significant component in their mental, physical and emotional development, helping to prepare them to become leaders in business, education and their communities. Pace is very proud that its students have used athletics as a means to advance to some of the most prestigious universities in the country and, in many cases, continue their participation in athletics after graduation.

l Pace’s goal is to provide opportunity for students to participate in a broad variety of interscholastic sports at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity levels. Pace believes in and strongly encourages the value of the multi-sport experience, and encourages broad participation by students as well as faculty.

l Participation, athletic skill development and competitive team environments will each be used as points of emphasis based on the team level. Pace Middle School teams will place a much heavier emphasis on participation. Pace junior varsity teams will emphasize athletic skill development. Pace varsity teams will create more competitive team environments with a goal of excelling within the region and state. At all levels, but especially at the varsity level, playing time is not guaranteed, and it is left to the coach’s discretion to field a team that best represents Pace. This should be clearly and consistently communicated to student-athletes and their parents at the beginning of each season.

l Coaches at all levels, but especially at the varsity level, must clearly and consistently articulate what they expect of each team member. Before the season, each varsity coach will define, with the Athletic Director’s approval, the criteria for receiving a varsity letter.

l Reflecting Pace’s “student first, athlete second” philosophy, Pace bases admissions decisions primarily on each prospective student’s academic

Our PhilOsOPhy

capability, with additional consideration given for personal strengths, accomplishments, extracurricular activities and community service. Only the Pace Academy Admissions Office has the authority to admit an applicant and to notify an applicant of admission. Pace coaches do not make admissions decisions regarding prospective student-athletes.

l Pace is a proud member of the GHSA and follows its policies and guidelines regarding the admission of prospective student-athletes. Consistent with those guidelines, Pace does not award merit-based scholarships for academics, sports or any other extracurricular activity. However, Pace has a robust financial aid program to assist families with a demonstrated financial need in obtaining a Pace education for their children. Financial need is determined by the Pace Academy Financial Aid Office.

l Pace coaches will be supported by the Athletic Director and his or her staff. Transportation, meals and other support (score and time keepers) also will be provided. In addition, Pace coaches will have the opportunity and are expected to participate in coach development/continuing education.

l Pace coaches will receive evaluations after each season, based on how well they perform against the stated philosophy and goals. Coaches will also be required to evaluate Pace Athletics.

l Pace Athletics is committed to supporting Pace student-athletes, parents and coaches by publicizing events and accomplishments in a timely manner in ways that are easily accessible to both the Pace and larger Atlanta communities.

l The Athletic Director is responsible for taking the lead in communicating the Pace Athletics philosophy, codes of conduct and goals in a clear and consistent manner so that all Pace constituents understand the role that Pace Athletics plays at the school.

KNIGHTSStrive to be the best you can be • Lead by example • Be supportive and positive • Promote good sportsmanship and fair play • Be respectful

P a c e a c a d e m y

Players’ COde Of COnduCt

l Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, regardless of the score or conduct of the opposing team.

l Be respectful and supportive of everyone on your team.

l Be punctual and prepared for all practices and games.

l Always obey the rules of the game.

l Treat your coaches, teammates and opponents with courtesy and respect.

l Place team goals above individual ones.

l Strive to be the best you can be in both your athletic performance and in your academic pursuits.

l Be responsible for homework and classroom participation, as well as any missed classes or assignments resulting from game participation.

l Refrain from displaying any form of racial, economic or gender discrimination.

l Respect the property and equipment of Pace Academy’s opposing schools.

l When you have an issue, wait a reasonable amount of time for reflection before raising an issue, and always raise the issue with your coach first.

KNIGHTSStrive to be the best you can be • Lead by example • Be supportive and positive • Promote good sportsmanship and fair play • Be respectful

Parents’ COde Of COnduCt

l Be respectful and supportive of players, coaches, officials and other spectators.

l Attend mandatory pre-season team meetings and post-season team gatherings.

l Make sure your child is aware of his or her responsibilities as a team member, and ensure that he or she has proper equipment.

l Be supportive of all players’ efforts, regardless of the outcome of the game.

l Volunteer as needed with respect to your child’s team activities.

l Avoid coaching from the stands. Be thoughtful as to how you discuss the game and/or team issues with your child so as not to undermine the coach or any teammates.

l Each member of the team is required to stay with the team while under the jurisdiction of the coach, including during retreats and competition.

l If you have a concern, do not confront a coach before or after a game or practice. Take the time to reflect on the issue and make an appointment to discuss it with the coach. Always raise the issue with the coach first before escalating the issue to another member of the Pace Administration.

l Issues that are appropriate to discuss with coaches:

• Treatment of your child• Ways to help your child improve• Concerns about your child’s behavior

l Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:

• Playing time• Play calling• Team strategy• Other student-athletes• Awards• Publicity KNIGHTS

Strive to be the best you can be • Lead by example • Be supportive and positive • Promote good sportsmanship and fair play • Be respectful

COaChes’ COde Of COnduCt

l Provide a fair and impartial tryout process for each team.

l Hold a parent meeting at the beginning of each season to review codes of conduct, introduce coaches, explain procedures for contacting coaches, and communicate team rules, regulations and schedules.

l Place student-athletes’ emotional and physical well being ahead of winning.

l Create and promote a positive and nurturing environment in both practice and games.

l Encourage and treat each player fairly regardless of athletic ability.

l Promote good sportsmanship and fair play.

l Fulfill all coaching responsibilities as set forth by the Athletic Director, including but not limited to rosters, awards, statistics, equipment/uniforms, practice and game preparation. Ensure that student-athletes have proper meals, nutrition and hydration when traveling from school to an event.

l Select and utilize captains/co-captains in a manner designated by Pace Athletics.

l Engage in continuing education and coach development programs, attend athletic department meetings, and stay informed of current techniques and developments in your sport.

l Support players’ decisions to participate in other extracurricular activities and encourage students to participate in multiple sports.

l Do not put players in a position that will compromise their academic performance. Reflect Pace’s belief that student-athletes are students first and athletes second.

l Support fellow coaches and respect their programs.

l Set up pre-season and post-season meetings with the Athletic Director to provide goals and objectives, and to review and evaluate the season.

l Always represent Pace in a positive manner.

l Lead by example.

Strive to be the best you can be • Lead by example • Be supportive and positive • Promote good sportsmanship and fair play • Be respectful

966 W. Paces Ferry Road NWAtlanta, Georgia 30327

Athletics Office 404-240-7401

www.paceacademy.org/athletics

GOals fOr the STUDENT-athlete

l To learn:

• The importance and benefit of being a part of a team• To compete with good sportsmanship, grace and humility• To accept and be tolerant of the varied contributions and

abilities of teammates

l To develop and appreciate the value of hard work, determination and self-discipline

l To attain the highest level of his or her athletic ability

l To always represent the highest standards of Pace Academy

GOals fOr the COaCh

l To create and promote a positive and nurturing environment in both practice and games

l To clearly communicate the following information to student-athletes and their parents:

• Criteria for earning a varsity letter• Locations and times of practices and games• Team rules and disciplinary actions for violations • Expectations for the team and for each team member• Requirements regarding equipment, off-season activities

and training• Parent commitment