SJV Shamrocks - Athletic Program 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 SJV school and various area schools and age groups for a variety of sports. Responsibility The SJV athletic program teaches the fundamentals of sports, as well as develops 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/Athletics Board 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/Athletic Board 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 (refer to the parish calendar for date, time and location). Participation and feedback from parish members is encouraged and welcomed. Membership Parish students enrolled in SJV School and area schools, registered in the parish, in grades 5-8 are invited to participate in the athletic program.  Programs are offered in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and other (Golf, Tennis, CYM).  An Athletic Handbook is available for parents, students and coaches.     Team Policies When student interest in a particular sport exceeds the minimum number of players for one team, teams are split in grades 5 - 6.  There is an equal level of athletic talent on each team, and members are split into "A" and "B" teams in grades 7 - 8 based on athletic ability. 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. 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.