Frequently Asked Questions
SKPS Sport Registration and Fees
We ask this for a few reasons. The first is to get a handle on the number of children seeking participation in the sport so we can work with coaches and develop a plan to develop a program for our children. As the largest school in the Diocese proper planning is essential for the efficient operation of our programs. Another reason is to make sure we have uniforms/equipment for the children/teams. With this move we will turn in a signed roster to the diocese stating the children associated with that particular team. If a child is not on the roster prior to turning in the forms, he/she will not be able to play on the diocesan team for that season. It will be critical to receive the registration forms and releases when we request them towards the end of the school year for next participation in next school year’s sports programs.
No. You must still submit the two medical release forms.
Yes. Everyone involved in sports at SKPS is a volunteer. We do not pay administrators or coaches so we need all parents of kids playing sports to also volunteer. Our volunteer requirements are minimal and if every parent volunteers we will have no problems ensuring all needs are met.
First, each team needs a "team parent" who will work with the coaches to ensure all volunteer needs are met. Each team is required to provide parents to run concessions. For basketball, each team must provide parents at games to: collect admission fees, run concessions, keep the book, run the scoreboard and monitor the halls so young kids are not running around. For cross country and track/field, parents must volunteer to help monitor kids at practices and help at meets.
Yes, please review our Document Page for complete information.
SKPS Sport Teams
Yes. Due to our size we have more teams than are ideal for one gym and one field. While we ensure all teams at all levels get adequate time we do give priority to our varsity and JV teams.
Yes. Many schools only have one team and that team gets significant time in the gym or on the field. We have many teams and we ensure that all teams get quality time. However, we do provide opportunity for our top level teams to pick up extra practice slots.
No. By registering your child for a sport you are agreeing that you and your child have discussed the pros/cons of participating in sports, the committment required for sports; and the possibility that your child may not be placed on the team they desire. Once registered we, as an athletic association, plan for those numbers to play and ensure costs associated with the evaluation process, with team placement and with equipment purchases. We also count on our parents to volunteer for necessary team needs, including concessions, collecting admission fees at games (basketball), etc. If your child decided to not play after evaluations we use your registration fee to offset the loss of your volunteer time. We also recognize that if your child registeres to play sports in local communities (Seneca Valley, Mars, Pine Richland) those organizations do not refund fees.
SKPS Coaches and SKPSAA Administrators
All SKPSAA aministrators and coaches are volunteers.
Our volunteer coaches are just that, volunteer coaches. They have knowledge of the sport, the skills to assist in developing our athletes and creating a positive environment for the children. We also rely on coaches who have been involved at SKPS in prior years to pass on and mentor newer coaches. Depending on the sport, we may also have coaches from more formal programs volunteer and assist SKPS coaches. All coaches, like everyone who volunteers at SKPS are required to possess all clearances and training required by the Diocese and the Commonwealth of PA.
Parents are welcome to discuss their child and share feedback directly with coaches. Parents also can fill out our Coach Evaluation Form. Additionally, parents can talk directly to the athletic director.
Not necessarily but in many cases if feedback is positive and the coach is willing to return, we will proceed with having them return. Some coaches enjoy coaching the developmental teams and do not seek to continue moving up in older grades with more competitive coaching. In addition, if other qualified individuals step up and wish to volunteer for the position, we will consider their qualifications for the coaching position.
No. All clearances must be completed prior to coaching or volunteering at any diocesan school. No exceptions.
SKPS Practices, Games and Additional Training
There is no set rule as to how much practice a team of any age gets in a school. Generally we will try to have the older athletes practice 2 times per week (5th to 8th grades) and the developmental teams 1-2 times per week. Other factors are involved including gym availability, coach availability and game schedules.
There are options open for basketball players. AAU basketball is a very popular option for the athletes as they will continue to learn and develop their skills with another team and set of coaches. Many organizations offer programs in our area if you are interested. In addition, many camps are offered during the summer months at local universities to assist in continual development of the athlete. Some offer day camps, others will offer a weekly camp for the athlete. All camps are not created so speak to others about the camp you are interested in attending. There is a summer league that forms with all other catholic schools for the months of June/July and sometimes August. Your coach will advise you more when the school receives information. The summer league is a chance for kids to play organized basketball with a flexible schedule.
Our ability to offer open gyms during the offseason depends on the availability of our coaches and willingness of our parents and kids to participate. We typically do have periodic open gyms during the summer for basketball and volleyball.
The answer is, it ‘depends’. SKPSAA follows rules set forth by the diocese and based on those rules it will be determined if an athlete can play on multiple teams (ie a JV Section Soccer player could be named on the roster of the JV Section team and the Varsity section team (but not a league team); similar rules apply to volleyball, basketball and football.
Per our registration, the family will be responsible to reimburse the school a fee of $75.00 to replace a lost uniform.