Parent Info

Dear LCA Parent,

Welcome to a new year in LCA Athletics! We are excited to partner with you to help train up our student-athletes in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). We offer an education-based athletic program, which means that everything we do on and off the field, is seen through the lens of our LCA mission. 

Through participation in co-curricular athletics programs, students strive to become better students, athletes, leaders, but most importantly, better followers of Jesus. Our programs provide special opportunities to demonstrate Christian values, character, and commitment. Winning is a great goal, but a terrible purpose. Christ calls us to show the world something different in everything we do for His purpose. 

Participation in the Lexington Christian Academy Athletics Program is a privilege, not a right. All student-athletes and parents who choose to participate, voluntarily choose to embrace hard work, self-discipline and selflessness to pursue team goals. As a parent of a student-athlete you assume responsibility for your actions. You are representing the school, your family, the team and most importantly, God. 

My prayer is that we seek to honor and glorify Him as we continue to grow and strive for excellence in all we do. We are committed to transformational experiences in the lives of our coaches and our student-athletes. We will keep our mission and vision in the forefront of what we do and why we do it. We will use our core values to guide us. This is a high standard, but it is who we are called to be and what we should be joyful about doing. Please help us make LCA “different” so that others may find Christ through their interactions with us.

In Christ,
 

Kirby Willoughby
Director of Athletics

2024-25 LCA Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct (PDF)

Mission: LCA Athletics exists to provide coaches and students with opportunities to glorify Christ with the talents and abilities God has given them.

Vision: To create and sustain a Christ-centered culture that produces transformational athletic and educational experiences for our students.

• CHARACTER - We have to be people with right hearts- in tune with the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Lord requires us act justly, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).  We are called to represent Christ in all we do.
• INTEGRITY -  We are to have knowledge of the rules and function within those boundaries. God defines it biblically and commands us to aim at what is honorable in the sight of God and man (2 Corinthians 8:21).  We are to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.
• DISCIPLINE -  We are called to a life of discipline. Discipline in our faith walk to pursue knowledge of Christ through the Word as well as discipline in sport to maximize the athletic abilities of our young people. We know that in the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). We will commit to the process and do what we want to do the way we should do it. 
  STEWARDSHIP - Our culture is fast becoming one of takers-not givers. The Bible tells us “to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). We will work to develop sacrificial leaders- sacrificing time and talents- two things every person possesses. We will not waste our gifts.
• COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE - Winning with humility and honor and understanding defeat in honor and grace will matter in the journey. The toughness and grit of the heart to work through both is essential and will be taught. Administration, coaches and parents will work together to compete in the arena but also compete for the hearts of our young people. We will work heartily as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).  
   

Biblical Basis for Competition

We believe that it is in keeping with God’s word to compete with the desire to excel. This includes a desire to win contests. “Whatever you do, do it with all of your might, as if done for the Lord…it is Jesus Christ you are serving in everything.” (Colossians 3:23-24) Competing with this desire, however, is only a part of a greater purpose, defined in Romans 8:29, “For from the beginning God decided that those who come to Him should become like His son.” Our greater purpose is moving our student-athletes toward Christ-likeness, and thus shining the light of Jesus to all who witness this process.

This is the true test of our faith walk in athletics – balancing this.

On the court and off, LCA student-athletes, coaches and administrators are expected to exhibit behavior consistent with this process. Though individuals will fall short of this goal at times, we should all hold each other to account. We expect nothing less from our parents.

Competition is in keeping with God’s word. How we handle competition, however, is where we can struggle to walk Christ’s path.

Tryouts/Cuts/Roster Size

Tryouts are sometimes required for team sports at LCA. Roster sizes are balanced between two athletic policy principles: (1) Cutting is discouraged and (2) Student-athletes are to receive meaningful playing time. The balance between interest level and ability to create a meaningful experience for each student-athlete is considered when considering roster sizes.

In some sports at LCA, specifically at the younger levels, these two principles can be at odds. Ultimately, the roster size is at the sole discretion of the coaching staff in consultation with the Athletic Director. The roster sizes may fluctuate between grade levels.

Playing Time

Playing time is the sole decision of the coaching staff and is earned by effort in practice. It is determined by a complex mix of an athlete’s personal strengths and limitations, attitude, work ethic, team’s needs, matchups, and long and short-term goals. Coaches are encouraged at the younger levels to increase participation among all student-athletes on the roster. Parents SHOULD NOT expect a coach to discuss playing time with them.

As a parent…

• Consider the “big picture” before becoming critical. Remember that you are not at practice, and often game-to-game decisions are based on what happens in daily practice.
• Avoid sowing seeds of dissension. Resist the urge to talk to other parents or fans about your dissatisfaction. Everyone loves to have company in their misery, but no good ever comes from it.
• Encourage your athlete to talk to the coach when playing time questions exist. Avoid robbing your child of a wonderful opportunity to mature and develop communication skills of his/her own. This will be a skill they will use in every area of life.
• Support the coach even though you may not agree with every one of his/her decisions.
• View the game with team goals in mind.
• Attempt to relieve pressure not increase it.
• Release your athlete to be coached and be part of a team.
• Be an encourager- encourage athletes to keep their perspective in both victory and defeat.
• Do not try to live through your child.
• Be positive and supportive without adding undue pressure and unrealistic expectations.
• Belief in and support of the coach’s judgment, character, actions, strategy, and overall philosophy will help your child do the same. In    contrast, criticism and constantly questioning a coach’s actions and overall program will likewise lead the student-athlete in that way. The attitudes and ideas communicated in the home will often be carried out in the heart and mind of the athlete.

As a fan...

• Demonstrate winning and losing with integrity.
• Never ridicule or shout criticism toward officials and referees.
• Be mindful of our witness to our children. Our behavior gives our children an implied permission to behave the same way. (Ephesians 4:29-32)
• Be mindful of our witness to unbelievers. Our words should witness to the world that we are His, as a star lights the darkness. (Colossians 4:5-6) (Philippians 2:14-16)
• Think about how we should treat one another in the light of this warning: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.” (Luke 17:1-2)
• Our attitudes and the way we choose to treat people are contagious. Let us take seriously the words of Jesus, and let us take seriously our duty to “watch ourselves”; our attitudes, words, and actions at sporting events either demonstrate the spirit of Christ or they do not.

Conducting ourselves in this manner should be done for one reason above all; we are not our own. Our old self has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), and we now have our minds set on higher things (Colossians 3:2). “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be new and different people with a fresh newness to your thinking. Then, you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy.” (Romans 12:2)

1. Follow the Chain of Command

Many of us want to go straight to the top with a complaint; however, every successful organization follows an established chain of command. This chain of command is a professional and effective way to have input into the program.

A. Level 1 – Student-athlete meet with the coach
The first responsibility is for the athlete to talk to the coach. It is part of growing up and a coach appreciates communication from the athletes regarding team or individual situations. A coach will not “hold it against” a student-athlete for wanting to talk.

B. Level 2- Parents meet with the coach
Other than playing time, the coach should make a reasonable effort to be available to discuss matters of concern with parents of student-athletes.

C. Level 3 – Meeting with the coach and athletic director
This meeting will allow for the parent to now be heard by the athletic director if no resolution occurred at the first two levels.

This meeting will allow for the parent to now be heard by the athletic director if no resolution occurred at the first two levels.

EXCEPTION: If a student-athlete and/or family feels a coach has crossed a line of ethical behavior, moral behavior or even criminality, the family should contact the athletic director immediately.

2. 24 Hour Rule

At Lexington Christian Academy we ask all parents to wait at least 24 hours after a contest before attempting to speak to any coach about matters concerning a student athlete. This includes texts and emails.

Discussing problems with a coach before or after a contest is not appropriate. A coach must never be confronted before or after a practice or game.

3. Verbal Abuse of Officials

At LCA we wear the label “Christian” with excitement and joy because of our Savior’s love for us. We are called to share that joy with others for His purposes. Yelling at officials, players and coaches from the stands during games is not consistent with that philosophy and will not be tolerated.

4. Prohibited Areas

• Spectators should NEVER approach an official before, during, or after a sporting event.
• Do not approach the bench area during a game (including halftime). During a game, the team bench is for coaches, players, and officials only.

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the others and provide greater benefit to the student. As parents, when your son or daughter becomes involved in our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student-athlete. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student-athlete's program. To ensure clear understanding, below is an outline of appropriate and inappropriate communications.

COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR SON/DAUGHTER'S COACH

1. Expectations the coach has for your daughter/son and the team.

2. Locations and times of all practices and contests.

3. Team requirements, i.e. fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning, team/individual camps.

4. Team rules, guidelines, and requirements for earning awards.

COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM STUDENT-ATHLETES

1. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance.

2. Special concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

3. Injury or circumstances that may endanger the athlete when participating.

APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES

1. The treatment of your student-athlete, mentally and physically.

2. Ways to help your student-athlete improve.

3. Concerns about your student-athlete's behavior.

It is very difficult to accept your son/daughter's not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your student-athlete's coach. Other things, such as the following, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES OR OTHER ATHLETIC PERSONNEL

1. Playing time

2. Team strategy

3. Play calling

4. Other student-athletes

Parent/Athletic Director Communications

It is the Athletic Director’s role to monitor and manage the 20+ programs at LCA. As such, they are to communicate frequently with the coaching staffs, athletic staff and student-athletes to ensure they stay on top of what is going on in every program. Below is an outline of appropriate and inappropriate discussions with the A.D. outside of the coaches’ knowledge.

APPROPRIATE
Official misconduct to include, but not limited to:

• Charges of sexual harassment
• Charges of racial or sexual discrimination
• Athletic charges of abuse, either verbal or physical, by coaches and/or student-athletes
• Policy questions

INAPPROPRIATE

• Playing time (this will not be discussed)
• Play calling, team strategy
• Other student-athletes, unless situations such as the ones listed above

2024-25 School Year

We will automatically process the participation fees through the incidental account you have set up through FACTS.

We will process it as one payment UNLESS you notify Katie Taylor at ktaylor@lexingtonchristian.org that you wish to spread it into 3+ payments.

For fall sports we will charge on August 5th. You will receive an email from FACTS stating that a charge has been added to your account and that it will be deducted in 10 business days from the day you receive that email. 

The fees are by season, so if your student-athlete plays more than one sport in the same season, they only pay one fee for that season.

You will pay for the level of team on which your child plays. For example, if your child is in junior high and playing on a high school team, you pay the high school fee. 

Banner sales can help offset some if not all the cost. The contract and banner information can be found here.

These fees are non-refundable unless approved by the athletic director.

High School (9th-12th)     Junior High (6th-8th)     Elementary (K-5th)

First Season - $575                                                   First Season - $375                                             First Season - $200

Second Season - $475                                              Second Season - $200                                       Second Season - $200

Third Season - $375                                                  Third Season - $200                                           Third Season - $200

Banner Sales Program

A completed physical is required to play sports at LCA and should be given to the coach to put on file.

KHSAA Middle School Physical Form

KHSAA High School Physical Form