Search
-
SMA Athletics Volunteer Policy FAQ’sPolicy: Families participating in athletics are required to volunteer the gift of time at Athletics-sponsored events in correlation with the level of their children’s participation in sports. During a school year, families must earn one volunteer credit for each season a child plays sports. A maximum of one credit per season, or three volunteer credits per school year, is required per family. Families are assessed $100 per missed credit at the end of each school year.
How many seasons are in a school year?
There are 3 seasons during a school year - fall, winter, and spring.
If a family has multiple children participating in sports, is a credit required for each child for each season played?
No, volunteer credits are assessed per family per season. For example, if a family has three children, all who participate in spring soccer, only one volunteer credit is required for the family for the spring season. If the same family has all three children participating in all three seasons, the family is required to earn three volunteer credits in the full school year.
What is a volunteer credit?
Volunteer credits are earned by volunteering for shifts at Athletics-sponsored events. Credits can also be earned by serving on the Athletic Board or coaching teams.
Why are families required to volunteer at Athletics-sponsored events?
CSAA expects each school to host games at their facilities in correlation with the number of teams playing in the league. For most games hosted at SMA, we need 5-10 adult volunteers in order to oversee a safe and successful event.
Are GIFT families subject to the same volunteer policy?
Yes, GIFT families are expected to follow the same volunteer policy.
Does volunteering at non-Athletic parish or school events count towards the Athletics volunteer requirement?
No, volunteer credits required by the Athletics policy must be achieved at Athletics-sponsored events. Due to the number of volunteers needed to run the Athletics program, all volunteer credits must be earned at Athletics-sponsored events.
Can our family pay a fee rather than volunteer?
We rely on volunteers to host games at SMA and for fundraising events. We need volunteer time more than we need funds. If your family chooses not to volunteer during the school year, the fee will be assessed at the end of the school year.
How much is the assessment?
A fee of $100 is assessed for each credit required, but not fulfilled through volunteer activities. A maximum of $300 will be assessed to families who participate in all three seasons but do not fulfill any volunteer credits.
How are funds from collecting assessment fees used?
The athletics fee was established to cover the cost of hiring teen workers and a facilities supervisor when hosting games at SMA. The collection of fees enables SMA to offer extended gym and facility hours for game scheduling. Should the collection of the athletics fee lead to a surplus of funds and an absence of capital projects, funds will be returned in the form of reduced registration fees in the following school year.
Do volunteer credits need to be earned in the same season played?
No, volunteer credits can be earned at any time during the year. However, there are fewer volunteer opportunities available in the spring season so we encourage families to plan ahead to avoid the assessment at the end of the school year.
During each school year, what Athletics-sponsored events are available for volunteer opportunities?
The following events generally occur each school year:
Fall- Volleyball games (girls)
- Golf scramble
- Fall Festival
- Basketball games
- Trivia
- Volleyball games (boys)
- Fish fry
- Soccer games
Yes. In order to earn the credit as a coach, the head coach and approved assistant coaches must be 1) named in GameDay and 2) approved in accordance with all CSAA guidelines, including current SAFE training certification.
Are there any other opportunities to earn volunteer credits, other than volunteer shifts and coaching?
Volunteer credits can also be earned by holding a seat on the athletics board and serving as chairperson of certain events (e.g., fish fry, golf scramble). In some circumstances, volunteer credits may be awarded for other recurring volunteer efforts as determined and approved by Athletic Directors.
The following activities do NOT qualify for volunteer credits:- Subbing in as coach or assistant coach for a practice or game
- Serving as team mom (football-specific)
- Bottle/towel washing (football specific)
- Providing snacks for the team
- Middle-school-aged children volunteers
- High school workers who are being paid
- High school volunteers working for volunteer credits for their school
- Signing up to volunteer but not showing up due to illness or other circumstances
- Signing up to volunteer but the event is canceled due to weather or other circumstances
Can I send my high school teen or a grandparent from my family to volunteer for a shift?
Yes, a grandparent or teen (who is not being paid to work or earning volunteer credits for their school simultaneously) can earn a volunteer credit for their family.
Can my middle school student volunteer for a shift?
Middle school students cannot volunteer for a shift and receive volunteer credit. In limited instances and with the approval of the volunteer coordinator, certain shifts may be permitted for eighth-grade students for confirmation service hours.
How are volunteer credits tracked and reported?
Volunteer shifts are tracked using Sign Up Genius. For each event with volunteer opportunities, a Sign-Up Genius will be published requesting volunteers for various jobs and times. At each event, an Athletic Board representative will verify that each volunteer signed up to work actually showed up on time and stayed for the entirety of their shift.
Volunteer credits for coaching are awarded based on GameDay records.
If I can’t volunteer for the entire shift, can I still receive a volunteer credit?
No. Please show up on time and stay for the entirety of your shift in order to receive volunteer credit. If you cannot work the full shift, please find another time to volunteer. Showing up late or leaving early impacts all other volunteers and Athletic Board representatives, and also poses a potential threat to a safe and successful event.
How can I ensure I am awarded a volunteer credit when I volunteer?
Show up on time and check in with the Athletics Board representative. Stay for the entirety of your shift. Prior to leaving, check in with the Athletic Board representative.
How is the Athletics fee assessed?
Athletics fee is assessed once per school year, expected in May. The fee is charged through FACTS Accounting and will be charged to the account on file after an email notification.
For GIFT families without FACTS accounts, an Athletic Board representative will reach out to collect assessment fees due.