BEREAN BAPTIST
ACADEMY
ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
Developing disciples of Christ who strive for academic excellence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES 4
PHILOSOPHY 4
NOTE FROM ADMINISTRATION 4
CONFERENCE AFFILIATION 5
MISSION STATEMENT 6
VISION STATEMENT 6
EXPECTED STAKEHOLDER OUTCOMES (ESO) 6
ARTICLES OF FAITH 9
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES 9
OVERVIEW 9
ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES 9
COACH RESPONSIBILITIES 10
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES 10
ATHLETE RECOGNITION 10
ATHLETIC LETTERING REQUIREMENTS 10
INDIVIDUAL SPORT REQUIREMENTS 11
TRI-SPORT ATHLETE 11
SCHOLAR ATHLETE 11
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 12
IRON STANDARD LEADERSHIP 12
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER 12
COACH’S AWARD 12
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER 13
COMMUNICATION/CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY 13
PARENT/STUDENT TO COACHES 13
COACHES TO PARENTS 13
DISCIPLINE 13
DRESS CODE 14
RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY 14
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE/DISCIPLINE 14
PRACTICE/GAME ATTENDANCE 15
ACADEMICS 16
PHYSICALS 17
PROBATIONS/SUSPENSIONS 17
TRANSPORTATION 18
GAMES 18
TRAVEL AGREEMENT 18
MISCELLANEOUS 18
CONCESSIONS HELP 18
FACILITIES 18
MEDICAL RELEASE 19
TEAM INVOLVEMENT 19
UNIFORM / EQUIPMENT 19
FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES
PHILOSOPHY
Berean Athletics enhances Berean Baptist Academy’s mission by employing the unique platform of athletics to develop Christian character, a desire for excellence, and Christ-centered relationships. In providing opportunities for interscholastic competition, the athletic department seeks to reinforce that everything should be done to glorify God (I Cor. 10:31). In the context of athletic activity, the student is exposed to many spiritual concepts, including the importance of self-discipline (I Cor. 9:27), respect for others (Eph. 4:32), proper use of God-given abilities (Matt. 25:14-30), the pursuit of excellence (Col. 3:23), time management (Eph. 5:16) and submission to authority (Rom. 13:2). Ultimately, a Christian athletic program should produce an enhanced Christian character in the participant as well as the spectator.
NOTE FROM ADMINISTRATION
Thank you for being a part of the athletic program here at BBA. Athletics is a tool that can be used to teach lifelong lessons and help develop a Christian lifestyle. Berean Baptist Academy's goal is for all our students, staff, and parents to exemplify Christ-likeness in all they do. The purpose of this manual is to maintain consistency and fairness for our athletic program.
Berean Baptist Academy requires athletes and parents to read and sign this manual. Knowing the school’s expectations will help athletes strive to do their best and help parents properly support the athletic program. Thank you in advance for your support.
We look forward to working alongside you.
Heidi Ueltzen, Athletic Director
Dr. Mike Boarts, Interim Superintendent
CONFERENCE AFFILIATION
Berean Baptist Academy is a member of the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association (NCISAA), the Sandhills Athletic Conference (SAC), and the Sandhills Eastern Middle School Athletic Association (SEMSAC).
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Berean Baptist Academy (BBA) is to develop students to become disciples of Christ who strive for academic excellence.
VISION STATEMENT
As a ministry of Berean Baptist Church (BBC), BBA provides Kingdom Education for students from Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and around the world in grades K3-12 through an open enrollment that produces Christlike young adults who contribute to society and proclaim Christ to make disciples.
EXPECTED STAKEHOLDER OUTCOMES (ESO) and CORE VALUES
At Berean Baptist Academy, we believe it is essential that every member of our faculty, staff, and administration embodies the traits outlined in our Expected Stakeholder Outcomes — setting a Christlike example for students in the spirit of Matthew 10:24-25, which emphasizes that disciples become like their teachers. By demonstrating both faithful discipleship and academic excellence, our educators model lifelong goals and values, preparing students for life by teaching them these enduring standards through age-appropriate expectations.
God Glorifying
Rendering praise, honor, and worship to God through who we are and how we live. God created mankind for Him; this is our purpose, and each person exists to point to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). We encourage each student to glorify God in everything they are and do.
• Disciple of Christ — Share the Gospel boldly: witness to others through words and actions, making disciples wherever God leads.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20
• Academic Excellence — Pursue knowledge with diligence: seek wisdom and understanding through disciplined study and a love for learning.
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Proverbs 4:7
Love
Demonstrating selfless, sacrificial affection that seeks the good of others. Love for God and others is rooted in the truth that God loved the world enough to provide Christ to die for our sins so that believers might have eternal life (Romans 5:8). We teach our students to love God with their entire being and to love their neighbors as themselves.
• Disciple of Christ — Love and follow Christ daily: commit to knowing, loving, and following Jesus through prayer, obedience, and service.
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.’” Luke 9:23
• Academic Excellence — Possess strong communication skills: read, write, speak, and listen effectively in order to express truth with clarity and conviction.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6
Biblically Grounded
Living in a manner that is deeply rooted in and aligned with the teachings and principles of God’s Word. The Bible is God’s story, centered on the Gospel through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and unfolding through the metanarrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We challenge our students to develop a biblical worldview that serves as the framework through which they understand and interpret life.
• Disciple of Christ — Engage in biblical study and application: read, understand, and apply Scripture as the foundation for faith and life.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
• Academic Excellence — Think critically and biblically: analyze, evaluate, and solve problems through the lens of Scripture and sound reasoning.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Christlikeness
Being transformed internally and externally to become more like Jesus Christ. Believers are called to surrender to the Holy Spirit and participate in God’s sanctifying work of conforming them to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2). We point students to Christ as the model for how believers are to live differently from the world.
• Disciple of Christ — Live with Christlike character: demonstrate love, humility, integrity, and compassion in all relationships and responsibilities.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5
• Academic Excellence — Work with excellence and integrity: pursue high academic standards while honoring God in every task and responsibility.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Unity
Joining together in one mission through unity of the Spirit. We seek the harmony within community for which Jesus prayed among His followers, working together for the glory of God and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom (John 17:20-21). We strive for unity to be more than simple cooperation — a cohesive community in which administration, faculty, staff, students, and families work together while respecting diverse perspectives within the boundaries of Scripture and holiness.
• Disciple of Christ — Serve others with a kingdom mindset: use God-given gifts to bless the church and community while glorifying God through acts of service.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
• Academic Excellence — Use knowledge to serve and lead: apply learning to impact the world for Christ by serving others and leading with wisdom.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
ARTICLES OF FAITH
As a ministry of BBC, BBA holds the same Articles of Faith as BBC. These are in the BBC Constitution booklet and on the BBA and BBC website.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES
OVERVIEW
Offer a well-balanced and diverse program of interscholastic athletics that complements BBA’s total educational program and reflects the diversity of our student body.
Provide a Christian coaching staff with the highest professional instruction and supervision levels.
Establish mentoring relationships between coaches and athletes that last beyond the playing field.
Train students to view athletics and competition from a biblical perspective.
Model and encourage the development of self-discipline, a strong work ethic, self-sacrifice, loyalty, and pride in one’s team.
Model and develop physical training and nutritional habits that increase the athlete’s performance on the playing field and instill lifelong healthy behaviors.
Communicate the value of commitment, teamwork, and cooperation.
Cultivate a respect for authority, teammates, opponents, and the game.
Partner with the parents and community in helping their athlete reach his/her fullest potential.
Increase student and spectator interest and involvement in each sport.
ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES
Follow all school, NCISAA, SAC, and SEMSAC rules and standards.
Respect all decisions of coaches, teachers, parents, and administrators.
Respect the official’s judgments and decisions and abide by them.
Dress appropriately and neatly on all trips.
Turn in all issued athletic equipment immediately after the completion of a sports season.
Report all injuries, even minor ones, to a head coach or trainer immediately.
COACH RESPONSIBILITIES
Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and must be in complete agreement with Berean Baptist Academy’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Statement of Faith.
Must promote and enforce the Berean Athletic handbook and athlete code of conduct.
Must develop and demonstrate a sound knowledge base of best practices specific to their coaching area.
Must model good sportsmanship to players, fans, and officials at all times.
Must maintain open and honest communication with students, parents, and other coaches.
Must provide an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork among coaches and players.
Must create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for student-athletes.
Must be a positive role model by being an integral part of the Berean community and understanding his/her leadership style and its impact on student-athletes.
Must support and encourage students' academic expectations, responsibilities, and achievements.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Model appropriate behavior, poise, and confidence to your student-athlete.
Attend the early-season parent meeting.
View the game with team goals in mind.
Attempt to relieve pressure on your student-athlete, not increase it.
Encourage multi-sport participation.
Accept the judgment of officials and coaches; remain in control.
Demonstrate winning and losing with integrity. Be an encourager: encourage athletes to keep their perspective both in victory and defeat.
Serve at the athletic gate at least twice during each season.
Do not interfere with coaching during an athletic event.
ATHLETE RECOGNITION
ATHLETIC LETTERING REQUIREMENTS
These requirements for varsity letters cover all sports:
Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and have no classes under 60 during the sports season.
Exemplify BBA and Athletic core values.
Attend all practices, games, meets, or matches unless excused by the coach, parent, or doctor.
Contribute to the team’s success.
The head coach will recommend athletes for varsity letters at the end of the season, and the AD will make the final decision on any letters.
Injured athletes who meet the “playing time” criteria up until the point of injury may receive a letter at the discretion of the coach and AD. Injured athletes must still attend all practices and games unless there is a medical reason for them not to attend.
Managers who hold the position for at least 2 seasons in the same sport may earn a letter. Only those who, in the judgment of the coach, have made a significant commitment of time and effort shall be awarded the letter.
INDIVIDUAL SPORT REQUIREMENTS
Baseball and Softball: Play at least 50% of the games.
Basketball: Play in at least 50% of the games.
Cross Country: Compete in 75% of the matches.
Golf: Participate in 50% of the varsity matches.
Volleyball: Play in 50% of total season games.
Cheer: Participate in 75% of total number of games.
Soccer: Play in at least 50% of the total number of games
Track & Field: Participate in 50% of the total number of meets.
TRI-SPORT ATHLETE
Athlete must letter in 3 sports in the same year.
Athlete must remain in good standing throughout all 3 seasons to be considered for the award.
Athlete will be awarded a plaque at the Spring Athletic Ceremony and will have his or her name inscribed on a plaque by the Athletic Office.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
Athlete must letter in two sports and must finish in the top 10% of his / her class.
Athlete must remain in good standing throughout the year.
Athlete will be awarded a plaque at the Spring Athletic Ceremony and will have his or her name inscribed on a plaque by the Athletic Office.
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Athlete must letter in 2 sports in the same year he/she is in consideration for this award.
Athlete must remain in good standing throughout the year to be considered for this award.
Athlete must consistently display an attitude and character traits consistent with BBA’s Athletic Core Values.
Athlete must have a significant part in helping his or her team accomplish goals on and off the field.
Athletes will be nominated by head coaches no later than April 15th of each year. BBA Faculty, Staff, and Administration input will be considered when deciding the winner of this award.
Athlete will be awarded a plaque at the Spring Athletic Ceremony as well as a $500 scholarship paid to the college of his or her choice. He or she will also have his or her name inscribed on a plaque by the Athletic Office.
IRON STANDARD LEADERSHIP
Must letter in their sport.
Athlete must remain in good standing throughout the year to be considered for this award.
Athlete must consistently display an attitude and character traits consistent with BBA’s Athletic Core Values.
Athlete must have a significant part in helping his or her team accomplish goals on and off the field.
Must hold the captain position for their team during the season.
Administration will vote to decide the winner of this award.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP)
Awarded to the athlete whose performance has been pivotal to the team's success, demonstrating exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency throughout the season.
COACH’S AWARD
Recognizes an athlete who exemplifies the qualities of dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, often going above and beyond in support of the team and coaching staff.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Given to the athlete who has shown the greatest development in their skills, understanding of the game, and overall performance from the beginning to the end of the season.
COMMUNICATION/CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY
PARENT/STUDENT TO COACHES
All concerns about teams must first be presented to the head coach by the parents or, if the player is mature enough, by the athlete himself/herself. A respectful demeanor is required at all times. These concerns must not be brought up before or after a contest. These are emotional times for a parent and a coach, and are not wise times to make an attempt toward a resolution of a problem. We request that an appointment is made with the coach to discuss any issues.
If the problem is not resolved, the parent and/or student may bring the concern to the Athletic Director. If the student brings the concern, he/she must have permission from his/her parents to do so. Please use the same courtesies listed above when contacting the athletic director. The parent should attempt to resolve all issues with the coach and athletic director before utilizing the Head of School’s open-door policy.
A parent conference may be requested as needed.
COACHES TO PARENTS
Coaches should respond to parent telephone calls or email messages within 24-48 hours.
A formal parent pre-season meeting is required after the roster has been finalized.
Informal conferences should be arranged as needed.
If a parent and coach cannot resolve a difficulty, the Athletic Director may be contacted.
These principles that we have chosen to follow are taken directly from Matthew 18:15-16. In no way should a parent attempt to undermine a coach’s authority or decision-making.
DISCIPLINE
Each athlete is a representative of the ministry of BBA and must reflect a positive testimony in actions, behavior, and speech (1 Timothy 4:12). Coaches are employees of the school and carry out all school policies and standards of behavior for athletes as set forth by the administration. Disciplinary actions will be enforced for misconduct. Serious offenses are brought to the attention of the administration.
Due to the fact that BBA seeks to instill moral character into student athletes, student athletes who receive a school suspension may be put on probation from the team. On days of suspension, student-athletes may not participate in their team’s practice. If the suspension occurs on a game day, the student may not participate in the game that night.
DRESS CODE
Practices: All athletes may wear t-shirts or tank tops and shorts during practice. Shorts should have a minimum of a 5" inseam. Tops should not have any logos or wording that goes against the core values of BBA. Tops should be modest in appearance. Female athletes may wear dark-colored spandex-style full-length workout pants. Spandex-style shorts that come above the knee are not allowed.
Travel / Game Days - All athletes on a certain team will dress alike. Athletes must wear their team jersey and warm-up while traveling to a game Monday through Friday. If they are not wearing their BBA-issued uniform, athletes must wear school-dress-code attire. Coaches may request that young men wear a shirt and tie. Coaches reserve the right to decide if the team will travel in uniform or not.
Administration reserves the right to change the dress code if needed.
RULES FOR ELIGIBILITY
ATTENDANCE/DISCIPLINE
Students involved in the athletic program must be in school for 50% of their physical school day in order to participate in a game or practice that day. Exceptions to the rule would be for pre-approved family days and doctor appointments.
A student accumulating three detentions from the beginning of each season shall miss one game. Two more detentions will suspend him/her from another game. The season begins on the first practice day of that sport. Detentions do not accumulate from season to season. A student accumulating seven detentions from the beginning of the season shall be off the team for the remainder of that season.
PRACTICE/GAME ATTENDANCE
Practices are a vital part of any team’s success. If a practice needs to be cancelled due to weather or some other conflict, a notification will be communicated immediately to parents. If an athlete anticipates missing a practice or a game, prior notice should be given to the coach.
Players must be at every practice and game unless excused for one of the following reasons:
- Doctor or dental appointment
- Personal sickness
- Death in the family
- Previously scheduled church commitment
- Approved family day or college day
The coach should be notified if the player is going to miss a practice/game whether it is excused or unexcused.
If a player is injured, he/she is still part of the team. Therefore, they will be required to attend every game and practice.
If a player misses a practice/game for any other reason, the following disciplinary procedures will be followed:
- 1st infraction: ½ game suspension
- 2nd infraction: 2-game suspension
- 3rd infraction: 4-game suspension
- 4th infraction: dismissal from the team
If a player quits the team or is suspended because of practice requirements, the player will not be able to participate in the next two sports. For example, if a player quits basketball, he/she will be unable to play a spring sport or next year’s fall sport. We strongly believe the student is giving a commitment to the team and should remain with the team no matter the circumstance.
All coaches will announce their discipline procedures for being late. If a player is late three times to a practice or game, it will count as an absence.
Student-Athletes who are planning on attending Berean may attend summer workouts and practices for any sports team. Starting August 1st, each student-athlete should complete enrollment and not have any outstanding financial accounts before they can attend tryouts and official team practices.
ACADEMICS
Each athlete will be held to the same standard academically and must stay within the guidelines as stated below in order to remain eligible to participate on game days.
1. GPA & Grades
During the season, athletes must keep a 2.0 GPA in their core classes.
GPA and grades are based on the current school year and are averaged across quarters.
Grades will be checked every four weeks.
2. Probation Rules
They go on academic probation for at least two weeks.
During probation, they cannot practice, sit with the team at home games, or travel to away games.
Grades are checked after two weeks. If the athlete meets the standards (GPA = 2.0, they return to the team.
If not, they are removed from the team permanently.
The Athletic Director (AD) emails both the athlete and the parent when probation ends.
3. Tryout Requirements
To try out for a team, athletes must have a 2.0 GPA
For fall sports, this check is based on the final grades from the previous school year.
4. Missing Assignments Policy
Every Wednesday, a report checks for missing assignments.
If an athlete has 5 or more missing assignments (core + electives):
They must go home on Thursday (no practice or games).
They can return on Friday after approval from the AD and a meeting with a teacher to create a plan to catch up.
Exceptions (doctor’s appointment, family emergency) can be arranged with the coach and AD.
PHYSICALS
All athletes participating in BBA athletics must have a record of a current physical on file with the school office. The physical is good for one year previous to the tryout date for the sport in which the athlete is participating. (Ex: Volleyball tryouts are on 8/5/2019; physical must be dated after 8/5/2018). An athlete will not be able to participate in any interscholastic games until a proper athletic physical is on file with the school office. Forms can be found on the school website under the admissions tab. Please turn in your completed form to the athletic office.
PROBATIONS/SUSPENSIONS
During academic ineligibility or school suspension, the following guidelines will be observed:
The student will not be allowed to dress out or participate in any games or scrimmages.
The student will not be allowed to attend team practices.
The student will not attend and sit on the bench at home games.
The student will not travel with the team for away games.
TRANSPORTATION
GAMES
All athletes must travel with the team to all away games. A school-owned or school-rented vehicle will be provided for travel to and from all away games. A team member may ride home with his parent(s) or legal guardian, provided that the coach is informed by written or verbal communication prior to leaving. A student may leave the game with another student’s family only if written permission has been given by his parent or legal guardian and by those with whom he will be riding. Students will not be allowed to leave the game with just another student. There must be an adult present.
TRAVEL AGREEMENT
During the athletic season at BBA, there will be many events in which the team members of the soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, basketball, and baseball teams will be traveling via church or school vehicle to practice fields and rival schools for competition. It is the school’s policy to obtain permission from the individual player’s parents or guardians in order to transport him off the school property and to a specific location for a sporting event or practice. All drivers for the events are certified with a current CDL license, and the head coach for the team will travel in the same vehicle as the team.
MISCELLANEOUS
CONCESSIONS HELP
Parents of our athletes are expected to help at least twice in the concession area or take admission during the season. A signup sheet will be sent out by email at the beginning of each season.
FACILITIES
Extreme care and caution should be taken in the use of facilities that have been provided for students at BBA. Each player is responsible for ensuring that every field and court (both home and away) is left in the condition in which it was found. No player will be permitted to leave without first receiving permission from the coach. Any athlete defacing or destroying property will be disciplined according to school policy. Activities by teams should be limited to the area specifically designated for the team’s use. All other areas are off limits.
MEDICAL RELEASE
It is the policy of the school to obtain a medical release that would authorize the school to allow a physician or emergency medical personnel to treat a student in need of medical attention. Be advised, this is not a waiver enabling a student to take prescription medication or permitting a school staff member to administer prescription medication. Please contact the athletic director for a medical administration form.
TEAM INVOLVEMENT
As the athletic program continues to expand and enhance, it is required that a student not participate in more than one sport or team per season without prior administrative approval. This policy helps to avoid conflicting events such as practices and games between those sports.
UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT
The school has made a significant investment in the uniforms that each athlete wears. With this in mind, each uniform must be washed after each game and well taken care of each season. The athletic director and coaches will inventory each item loaned to the athlete, and each athlete will be held accountable for the individual cost of those items. Each uniform must be returned washed (per uniform instructions) and in its entirety in a plastic bag with the athlete’s name, 7 days after the last game of the season. There will be a cleaning fee ($10) charged to the student account if the athlete returns their uniform uncleaned or if the uniform has a bad odor.
If a uniform is not returned on time, the replacement cost of the uniform will be added to the student’s school bill. Once the uniform is returned in its proper condition, the fee will be removed from the student’s account. If a student loses any part of the uniform or returns it damaged, the athlete will be responsible to pay for the replacement cost.
Athletic equipment can go home with the coach, but not an athlete. Under no circumstances will equipment be checked out to athletes for personal or home use.
