Parish Athletics I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart.  Psalm 119:32 Role   Athletics is an active component of parish life at St. John Vianney, bringing together children from various schools and age groups for a variety of sports. The lights are always on in the 1990s-built SJV Activity Center. Responsibility The purpose of the SJV athletic program is to teach the fundamentals of sports, as well as to develop leadership, teamwork, discipline, quickness of mind, physical well being, moral and physical courage, and the knowledge that dedication, hard work and perseverance can many times compensate for limited natural ability. The athletic association was created to organize, support and encourage athletic programs for parish boys and girls, supported financially by members of the parish. The association also defines, develops and implements policies for the use of the parish's athletic facilities. The Athletic Association fulfills its mission by:     *  Offering participating athletes a positive learning experience for Christian development      *  Emphasizing sportsmanship and team work      *  Helping each athlete understand and realize the full benefits of athletic competition      *  Providing the opportunity for athletes to develop and share athletic knowledge appropriate for their          level of development      *  Creating and fostering favorable sentiment for the SJV athletic programs through cooperation with           SJV church authorities, school officials, parish organizations and parish members      *  Raising funds to support athletic activities      *  Hosting boys' and girls' athletic tournaments   The Athletic Association is governed by a nine-member Athletic Board, which is selected according to the discernment policies of the parish. Board members serve a three-year term with three new members generally rotating on the board each year. Meetings are held regularly throughout the year. Participation and feedback from parish members are encouraged and welcomed. Membership Parish students in grades 5-8 are invited to participate in the athletic program.  Programs are offered in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and other (Golf, Tennis, CYM).     Team Policies When more than one team is needed in a particular sport, teams are split in grades 5 - 6 so that there is an equal level of athletic talent on each team, and split into "A" and "B" teams in grades 7 - 8 based on athletic ability. All teams are split so that there is a minimum of eight players and a maximum of fifteen players per team. There is no cutting of players from teams based on athletic skill.  Coaches are required to play each participant for a specified time amount in each game or tournament. All student participants are required to sign a copy of the SJV Athletic Contract, which states that they will respect the rights of other athletes, represent SJV in a positive manner, respect school property and the property of others, and abstain from the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.