Athletic Handbook
Statement of Purpose & Objectives
Mission Statement: To prepare students for a life of discipleship, service, and ministry by providing opportunities for physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual development through the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Statement of Philosophy: Columbia Athletics exists as an integral part of the mission of Columbia Bible College, and its mission "to prepare students for a life of discipleship, service and ministry in the contemporary world". This program offers its participants and supporters a valuable experience to develop their God-given talents and abilities. Through the proclaiming and modeling of a Christ-like character by those in leadership, Columbia Athletics provides intentional instruction and opportunity in the integration of faith and sport, spiritual growth, personal development, and leadership development.
Objectives: Columbia Bible College offers an intercollegiate athletics program to provide an opportunity for skilled athletes to participate in sport competition at an advanced level. To support this, CBC's goal is to recruit, develop and retain technically and ethically competent coaches with a heart for ministry.
The following are specific objectives of the Columbia Athletic program:
- To provide an opportunity for highly skilled men and women to participate in a variety of sport competitions at an advanced level.
- To develop and maintain a sport ministry/outreach emphasis
- To intentionally emphasize leadership development through involvement in sport.
- To conduct athletic contests between Columbia and various schools/teams in accordance with specified rules.
- To provide an opportunity for student-athletes to excel to the highest potential of his or her ability.
- To compete at a high level and strive to win in the contests that CBC teams participate in.
- To develop physical fitness, athletic skill and knowledge, good sportsmanship and other desirable social and personal qualities.
- To promote and provide a high level of athletic competition as a desirable form of student entertainment.
- To promote unity between various teams, CBC students, faculty, alumni, friends and the Abbotsford community through a common identity and supportive fellowship.
Columbia Athletics: Distinctives
• Columbia Athletics is committed to the overall development of our student-athletes, including physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
• A quality athletic program built on high ethical standards, resistant to the prevailing push to win at all costs.
• Recognize that our athletes are first and foremost students, and therefore are required to obtain high academic standards.
• A commitment to quality and excellence in promotion, preparation and performance of athletic contests and events.
• Model Christian character as well as purposely be a witness and ambassador for Jesus Christ.
• Intentionally provide opportunity for leadership development.
Membership in Athletic Organizations
Columbia Bible College is involved in athletic leagues at both the local and national level. These leagues include:
The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) - Men's and Women's Volleyball & Men's and Women's Basketball
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) - Men's and Women's Volleyball & Men's and Women's Basketball
These leagues and athletic associations provide us both with a competitive athletic environment as well as an opportunity to minister the gospel of Christ through example and fellowship. Our athletic contests in the past have included games against teams from the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, the Prairies, the United States, and even Europe.
Athlete Elegibility Requirements
1. LEAGUE REQUIREMENTS
A student-athlete shall be eligible to participate if they are currently registered at Columbia Bible College in at least 9 credit hours in each semester they are playing, as well student-athletes must successfully complete 6 credit hours in fall semester and 18 credit hours in the academic year previously. If an athlete joins a team in January, they must pass 9 credits.
NOTE: Any athlete who reduces his/her course load below 9 hours must immediately inform his/her coach and the Athletic Director.
Conduct of Athletes
Athletes are responsible to represent Columbia Bible College in a mature, responsible Christian manner in all situations. Acting in accordance with regulations and expectations of Columbia Bible College as brought forth in the Mission Statement and adjoining code of conduct. Athletes at Columbia Bible College, whether on or off the playing field or court are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Policies:
Athletes are closely observed in many areas: on the court, in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. Therefore, as a representative of your team, the Athletics Department, and Columbia Bible College, your conduct must be above reproach at all times.
While engaging in athletic competition, the athlete is expected to control himself or herself at all times. Profanity, illegal tactics, or loss of physical control is behavior that will not be tolerated.
Each athlete must abide by the standards of the college (see CBC Student Handbook) and any additional guidelines set forth by his or her coach, both on and off campus, in-season and out-of-season.
The conduct of teams when travelling should be impeccable. Good representation by the student-athlete representing this institution is one of the fundamental reasons for the athletic program. Change rooms and hotel rooms are to be left in a neat and orderly manner.
Recognizing the value of personal appearance, student-athletes may be required to conform to a specific standard set forth by his or her coach or by the Athletic Director. (e.g., specific travel dress code).
Acceptable conduct will include the following desirable characteristic of behavior:
- loyalty to one's team and college
- aggressive, enthusiastic, ambitious, but fair
- determined to improve
- humble in victory, dignified in defeat
- responsible
- tolerant of others mistakes
- obedient, courteous, servant attitude
- respects authority, opponents, officials and others
- demonstrates good sportsmanship at all times
- enthusiastically supports all other Columbia teams
Student-athletes are responsible for facilitating the jobs of the manager, the trainer and the coach(es) (i.e., return of uniforms and equipment following games, practices and/or trips, assist in loading and unloading vans, and cleaning the vans after use).
Student-athletes are expected to demonstrate 100% commitment to the team and its area of service as well as full attendance at games and practices.
Commitment: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance form the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col. 3:23-24)
Student-athletes are responsible for assisting with Columbia home game concessions.
Procedures:
- The Coach shall inform each student of appropriate conduct which will be expected at all times.
- The Coach shall do everything within his or her power to influence the athlete's development toward desirable characteristics and abilities.
- The Athletic Director will be kept appraised of concerns or problems as they arise. Do not let a small problem become a large one.
- Violations by athletes of CBC's student conduct code will be dealt with in accordance to Columbia Bible College's Discipline Policy.
- The major expenses on road trips, including lodging and meals, are assumed by the college. The Coach is responsible for dispersing monies when necessary and collecting all receipts for those expenditures.
Student Responsibilities
Academic Responsibilities:
In the event that you will be away from classes due to a scheduled varsity contest:
- Personally communicate to professors well in advance regarding time and day missed. Please approach professors if there are any conflicts with academic classes and athletic events. It is your responsibility to clearly communicate, get important assignments, handouts and announcements from professors, and notes from classmates.
- Make arrangements with professors to reschedule any quizzes or exams.
- Do all of this in a respectful, cooperative, and non-demanding way.
- Class attendance and active participation is expected.
Concession Stand Responsibilities:
Athletes are expected to volunteer at the concession stand for home games (money raised will be used to better Columbia Athletics). The Athletics Events Coordinator will circulate a concession stand schedule to the coaches indicating which team is responsible for which home games.
General Responsibilities:
Wise time management is needed to ensure success at both academics and athletics. Regularly pray for your teammates, coaches, and other athletic staff.
Fairplay:
As an athlete and a spectator, "fairplay" is expected at all times and in all situations.
Remember: Fairplay is a by-product of a spirit of tolerance and good will and the centering of attention on the good qualities of all involved. Therefore, as an athlete and/or spectator you should:
- regard officials, visiting teams, and spectators as guests and treat them as such
- direct energy to encouraging the team rather than booing the officials
- appreciate and applaud the good plays made by both teams
- maintain dignified behavior at all times
Athletic Awards
Each year, we as a department want to recognize those athletes who have excelled in their sports and contributed greatly to their team and our program. These awards are selected annually by the coaches and the Athletic Department staff, based on the following criteria:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP) - To the most valuable player on the team. This individual should be the individual on your team whom you feel your team could not do without. Factors which determine this could vary, but should include athletic ability, leadership and Christian witness. Recipient receives an engraved plaque.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER (MIP) - To the most improved player on the team. This individual should be the one whom you believe has shown the greatest improvement over the course of the season. Recipient receives an engraved plaque.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD (CLA) - The individual who best reflects Christian Leadership. This should be determined by the individual's character both on and off the field/court. This person should be seen by the team as one who best exemplifies Christ and leads the team through his/her attitude and actions. Recipient receives an engraved plaque.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD - To the most inspirational male and female athlete who combine excellence in athletics, academics and leadership. (minimum of 3.0 is required). Leadership scores are determined by their involvement, both on their teams and elsewhere on campus. Length of time at Columbia is also a factor (minimum of 2 years required). Recipients receive an engraved plaque, as well as have their names appear on the President's Award plaque in the trophy case.
ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS - This is primarily a recognition of those athletes who have been selected by their respective leagues to the "all-conference" team. These athletes receive framed certificates.
BA GRADUATING TEAM MEMBERS - Recognition of those who are graduating with their BA degree and have competed on an athletic team for at least 3 years. These individuals receive a Bible with their name inscribed on it.
TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD - Awarded to the team which achieves the highest average GPA during the current academic year.
Hazing and Rookie Initiations
"Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
What is it?
Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; which may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person, regardless of location, intent or consent of participants.
Most University and College campuses have expressly and repeatedly asserted their opposition to hazing and pre-initiation activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of the individuals involved. Hazing is an action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off the College premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, or road trips; wearing publicly apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; shaving of head, facial or body hair, "unique" hair cuts; hair coloring and any other activity which is not consistent with CBC goals and policies.
Penalties: Any athlete or student associated with our Athletics program who participates in the hazing of another, or any staff member who knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its team members or by others subject to their direction or control, may forfeit any entitlement to Athletics funds (meal money, etc.), scholarships, or awards or benefits which are enjoyed by him/her, or by the team and their involvement with the Athletics Program at CBC will be probational or terminated.
What activities can be considered hazing?
Depending on the circumstances, these activities have at one time or another been construed as hazing by the courts and/or institutions of higher education.
- Shaving of head, facial or body hair, "unique" hair cuts
- Applying a substance to someone's body
- Paddling or striking in any manner
- Marking or branding
- Phone duty
- Treasure or scavenger hunts, road trips
- Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, runs, etc.
- Requiring the carrying of items such as rocks, helmets, shields, swords, books, paddles, etc.
- Preventing/restricting class attendance or sleep
- Requiring personal servitude
- Forcing members to eat/drink
- Work parties for rookies only
- Staging any form of lineup
- Preventing/restricting normal personal hygiene
- Causing indecent exposure
- Physical harassment such as pushing, cursing, shouting, etc.
- Requiring uncomfortable, ridiculous, or embarrassing dress (i.e., suits/dresses to class)
- Treating a person in a degrading manner
- Conducting any type of Hell Week activities or calling any pre-initiation activity Hell-Week
- Requiring the practice of periods of silence.
Some activities are easily categorized as hazing. Others may not be so easily classified. If you are not sure, consider the following questions:
- Is this activity a CBC educational experience?
- Does this activity promote or conform to the values of the Athletic Department of CBC?
- Will this activity increase the respect for CBC? Do new and initiated members participate together equally in this activity? Would you be willing to allow parents or college officials to witness the activity?
- Would you be able to defend the activity in a Court of Law?
- Does the activity have value in and of itself?
A good rule to follow when deciding whether an activity is hazing is this: If you have to ask if what you're doing is hazing, it probably is.
The Athletics Department strives to instill leadership and confidence in its members. As a coach/leader you have the responsibility to ensure that your team complies with this policy.
Hazing is a crime on many campuses - we want to be leaders at CBC not follower of unhealthy rituals.
Just because someone consents to hazing doesn't mean it's no longer a crime. Let us choose the "high road" at all times, respecting the individual worth and value of all of God's children.
Team Building: There are many uplifting ways to engage "team building activities". Initiations and hazing are not acceptable.