GHCAA – Elementary Division Introducing GHCAA – Elementary Division

Why do we need an elementary division of GHCAA? 1 – The demand and need for elementary sports is high. 2 – Current “Christian Leagues” don’t meet the demand and expectations that we require. 3 – The infrastructure and sustainability are already in place.

Current Numbers 45 schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Many schools currently participating in other leagues for elementary sports There are no current options for the Archdiocese; Houston is limited with elementary sports leagues in a Christian environment

Why kids want to play The #1 reason children cite for their participation in a sports program? “TO HAVE FUN” “Winning the game” ranks near the bottom of the list*. * #8 out of 10: Wankel and Kriesel, 1985 #10 out of 10: Athletic Footwear Association, 1990

Benefits of youth sports activities: Academic performance improvement Physical fitness Self-esteem enhancement Deterrent to negative behavior

Why children participate in sports? TO HAVE FUN To improve skills To be with friends To be part of a team To experience excitement To receive awards To become physically fit (Wankel and Kreisel, 1985)

Current Framework GHCAA Middle School Framework already exists and can easily be adapted to add an elementary division Central Director School Commissioners Locations to play games

Desired Elementary Division Desired Long-term Layout Soccer: PreK – 5th Grade September – November Basketball: Kinder – 5th Grade January – March Baseball, T-Ball, Softball: Prekinder – 5th Grade March – May Volleyball: 3rd – 5th Grade Season: TBD To start Elementary Division All sports Grades 3 through 5 Others added each year

How can we financially support all the components of this new division of GHCAA? Would be included in the school league registration fee Possible League Registration Fee Schedules Option 1 – Flat $3000 fee per year. ($500 for ICCS Schools). $1000 due in August, December and April Option 2 - $7 fee per enrolled student for each school.

Pro/Cons of 2 options Option 1 - $3000 a school ($500 ICCS) Pros – Flat fee that you can budget for every year Cons – $3000 is a scary number for many schools, without a plan to raise the money Option 2 - $7 an enrolled student Pro – You only pay for the students that you have enrolled in school; your total might be less than the $3000. Cons – Harder to budget as you don’t always know how many students you are going to have enrolled; you might end up paying more than you would with the flat fee.

How would the registration be raised? Schools could charge all participants a registration fee to play the sport. With the league offering more sports with more participants, each school can cover their expenses. Schools may seek individual and/or corporate sponsorships. All schools are responsible for the same expenses they are presently paying for with junior high sports. Youth sports officials will cost less than junior high.

Example of funds raised by individual registrations If a school has 10 students per grade participating at $100 an athlete, they will bring in $1000 per grade level. Expenses: Uniform (T-Shirt and Shorts with number and school name) $25 a set for a total of $250 per 10 player team. This gives a revenue of $750 a team for Official Fees, Equipment and League Registration. IF a school has 3 teams of 10 players in soccer, the school would bring in $2250 to go to fees and other expenses.

GHCAA Elementary Division A self-sustaining division Financial support to provide salary for central administration athletic director for the Archdiocese A vertical alignment with the values and organization of the middle sports league An opportunity to grow the whole child – spiritual, academic and physical

GHCAA Elementary Division Each school will need a volunteer to head their program. Youth sports will be recreational/instructional teams. Teams will be coached by parent volunteers. Games will take place on Saturdays at various campus locations. Each school needs to have someone on campus as Facility Director if they are hosting Saturday games. There will be NO playoff/championship for the Youth League. Youth Sports will be open to the school and church community.