Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Description

Fellowship For Athletes Inc. serves as a resource for the athletic community at large by utilizing a three-part activity model:

Discipleship

We introduce and expose athletes to Christian biblical principles that can be learned and applied to everyday life, enabling each athlete to not only grow physically, but spiritually. We hope to give them an understanding of the path that they are on and help them to realize the impact that the choices they make will have on their families, teammates, friends and society as a whole.

Athletic Training & Education

We provide a high quality and affordable service that assists student athletes in developing their knowledge of their specific sport by exposing them to various programs.  In addition, we provide pertinent educational material needed in establishing this knowledge. 

Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Management

Fellowship for Athletes Inc. will be managed by an experienced staff with over 100 years of combined experience in the non-profit & sports industry.  The organization will have a “top down” approach.  At the top will be a Board of Directors who will steer the major decision making process.  The Board will be made of up non-profit & business professionals.

Day to day operations will be run by President/Athletic Director. The President will have key

individuals that will assist and head up various activities within the organization.

What Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Provides

To Athletes and Parents: FFAI Provides:

• A controlled and discipline environment that cultivates spiritual and personal growth
• A recruiting resource that can assist in obtaining an athletic scholarship
• Educational material for athletes and access to resources and tools
• Intense training provided by our training facility for all of our sporting events.
• Leagues and camps to help develop skills

To Colleges and Coaches: FFAI Provides:

• Insight into the local athletic community
• Access to talented student-athletes who otherwise would go unnoticed

To Businesses/Corporations: FFAI Provides:

• Strategic partnerships & “brand” exposure within the local community and global marketplace.
• Sponsorship benefits
• Advertising through team and event sponsorships

To International Locations: FFAI Provides:

• Ministry and camps to athletes around the world who otherwise may not have the opportunity to play the sport they like.

Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Fundamentals

Fundamental #1

Sports: The tool for communication

Sports are an excellent means of communication. Similar to music, sports has a universal language, in that, terminology may vary, but the foundation of the language is rooted in the rules, regulations, and style of play. FFAI has chosen to use Athletics as its means of communication for the following reasons:

• Athletics transcends gender, age, race, and religion
• Athletics is a credible and relevant tool of communication with all people
• Athletics is an excellent way to build and establish relationships
• Athletics is competitive and entertaining

Fundamental #2

Leadership: The substance behind FFAI activities

Fellowship For Athletes Inc. firmly believes that everything rises and falls on good, sound Christian biblical principles such, as defined by Jesus Christ and outlined in this plan.

Fundamental #3

Business: FFAI’s approach

In today’s marketplace having savvy business practices can be the difference between an average athlete and a world icon. Similarly, so many young athletes set their hearts on being stars that they overlook the multitude of industry professions associated with or outside of Athletics. So many former athletes are successful in other areas of the world because they were able to transition their sports skills into business skills. FFAI’s design is to expose all athletes to these opportunities and assist in positioning them according to their interests and talents.

The Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Philosophy

The Fellowship For Athletes Inc. is committed to building and strengthening the SPIRITIUALCHARACTER, the MIND and the BODY of a “Christian-Student-Athlete” in that order.

Character: Building and strengthening the Spiritual character of A Christian

The true essence of a Christian is his spirit. An Christian’s character and spirit is manifest in words, actions, and choices made in and outside of athletics. FFAI contends that when Christian works on their character in small increments, his/her athletic ability reaches optimal performance while he/she is transforming his/her life.  Building and strengthening an Christians’ character assists them in the following areas:

• Enhanced leadership and life skills
• Implementation of Christian biblical principle-based living
• Self-discipline and the creation of good habits and decision-making
• Enhanced communication skills & ability
• Increase in positive attitude and proper perspective

Mind: Developing the Student

In the 21^stcentury society has created a culture that puts emphasis on self indulgence, psychology, and leadership that is all about the leader.  FFAI’s goal is not to produce stars and remove them from their environments, but to extract and cultivate qualities and abilities in that individual that sets the tone for leadership. Once this is accomplished, the individual can be repositioned in the community from which they came to be a credible role model.  FFAI has chosen to use Jesus Christ as its foundation because of the following truths and goals:

Truth -   A culture rises and falls on leadership

Truth -   Good leaders build, strengthen, and lead by example

Truth -   Many educational institutions fail to produce quality people/leaders

Goal   -   To institute and promote Christian leadership principles

Goal   -   To build relevant and credible examples for the youth at large

Body& Mind: Building and strengthening the body of an Athlete

Many athletes possess God-given talents and abilities such as, jumping, shooting, guarding and overall athleticism. Unfortunately, they do not always fully know how to best utilize them. FFAI believes that through various activities, exercise, mental training and game-situation analysis, the mental aspect of an athlete’s game can be developed and enhanced. Developing the mind of an athlete assists them in the following areas:

• Strengthening an athlete’s overall ability to see the “big picture” in the game and in life
• Strengthen an athlete’s ability to make smart decisions under pressure
• Increase Athletics knowledge and understanding
• Recognizing the opportunities that exist outside of athletics
• Developing the servant/leader

Skill development is essential to the mission of the FFAI. Many athletes underestimate the physical strength needed to succeed at high levels. In addition to the intangible elements, an athlete must have the physical strength to absorb contact while dribbling, shooting, or eluding screens and traps. Athletics is a physical sport, and athletes must properly train and protect their bodies. Athletics also requires good eating habits and a proper nutritional diet. Many athletes underestimate or lack knowledge about nutrition. By focusing on strength and nutrition, FFAI helps athletes to build the body types needed to succeed on and off the court. Building and strengthening the body of an athlete assists them in the following areas:

• Increased upper and lower body strength
• Enhanced offensive and defensive footwork and positioning
• Stronger rebound positioning and technique
• Build and enhance shooting technique and ability
• Build and enhance ball handling technique and ability
• Build and enhance passing technique and ability
• Decrease risk of injury and injury prevention
• Raise nutrition awareness and develop healthy living and eating habits

Fellowship for Athletes Inc. Components

The Fellowship For Athletes Inc. consists of four components:

• Full season of games, league play and practice sessions for kids and adults
• Specialty clinics and camps
• Interactive educational presentations
• Recruiting resources

Full Season of Games/Practice sessions

FFAI Athletics will be a highly intense season that occurs for six months of the year. The season consists of three seasons: apre-season, regular season, andpost-season. Each training session will prepare the athlete for competition inside and outside of the gym. Those sessions include spiritual, mental and physical activities:

Spiritual training activity: FFAI staff members provide specific biblical truths and facilitate discussions that evoke a response in the spirit of each athlete. This process sets the stage for the rest of the FFAI activities.

·Mental training activity: Every drill and / or activity begins with “the mental approach”. Each athlete is required to cognitively attack the drill or activity. This process puts each athlete in the proper frame of mind to complete all tasks and activities efficiently and effectively.

·Physical training activity: As the week progresses each physical activity is increased and requires more intensity and effort. After being motivated spiritually, then mentally attacking each drill and/or activity, athletes are ready to physically complete all drills and activities at a high level.

Specialty clinics and camps

Specialty clinics and camps are Athletics programs for individuals desiring to enhance specific Athletics skills in the off season. We encourage coaches and athletic directors to expose their teams to our camps.

Interactive educational presentation

The Fellowship For Athletes Inc. has a passion for educating athletes. Through our educational presentations athletes will learn and participate in: 

• Training and execution of plays and drills
• Knowledge of  High School and NCAA rules and regulations
• Christian biblical principles and daily devotionals

Recruiting service:

Many athletes need exposure.  FFAI is linked with a national network that provides athletes with the necessary material to appeal to college coaches and scouts. Some athletes may have the opportunity to apply to colleges and need to learn the process. We would like to develop the infrastructure to connect athletes with the abundance of opportunities available.

Overview/Facilities/Eligibility/Fees/Academics

Overview

FFAI current sports make up is comprised mainly of homeschool student-athletes.  However, FFAI is not closed off to public school student-athletes.  FFAI will not allow more than a maximum of 25 players for basketbal at any level. This will allow for individual focus, attention of FFAI coaches and volunteers. 

Facilities:

 FFAI activities will be held at Cedar Rapids YMCA for practices and Cono Christian School for games.  FFAI is partnered/contracted with Cono/CRYMCA to conduct all of its activities.  We will adhere to policies as governed by both organizations in the use in our partnership and use of their respective facilities.

Fees:  ($175)

Each participating FFAI athlete needs to have all fees paid (I.e. $175 to participate in any  FFAI activities).  In event an athlete cannot afford the fees, a review and board approval will be needed to provide a scholarship to that respective athlete.

Eligibility Requirements:

A homeschool/pubic school student is eligible to participate in any FFAI sports program if they are in grades 4-12.  Iowa Law permits homeschool students to participate in sports programs until they are 19 years of age.  However, FFAI rules of eligibility are restricted to when an athletes graduates from high school that athlete is no longer eligible to participate in FFAI activities. Public school students’ eligibility will be determined by final Chair or board approval after a formal interview process of the athlete and family. 

The interview process is as follows:

1.  An initial interview will be conducted of athlete 30-60 minutes.

2. Chair and or Board review and approval

3. Parent(s) interview 30 minutes

4. Review of student eligibility, and current academic standing

5. Final Chair and or board review for approval.

Eligibility Continued…

In event an FFAI athlete decides to play the same sport in a non FFAI program in the same season they will “NOT” be allowed to play for FFAI they will forgo any eligibility for the rest of the season.  They will also have to be reinstated the following year if they meet all the specified requirements and will loose that year of participation and eligibility. 

Academics

A FFAI student athlete must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA while participating in FFAI athletics.  These are required to be turned in quarterly from participating families.  In the event an FFAI athlete does not meet the minimum requirements he/she is not eligible to play until they have satisfactorily met all the academic requirements for participation.  For reinstatement the athletes will undergo review of current academic standing and approval byChair and or board before reinstatement.

Waivers/Physical

A FFAI student athlete must have a participation/waivers form signed and on file in order to be able to participate in any FFAI athletic event.  It is also recommended that FFAI athletes turn in a player application form located at www.fellowshipforathletesinc.com/FFAIapplication.html   that will be kept on file that includes a specific written outline(s) of health concerns.

FFAI Conduct Policy

The ultimate goal for all activities sponsored by FFAI is to bring honor and glory to God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  The following guidelines are to be adhered to by all staff, and board members.  This will encourage those who attend our events and give God the glory through our conduct. FFAIand each of its participants, during FFAI activities, must conduct themselves in a manner that honors God and handle all FFAI affairs with uncompromising honesty and integrity.  As a participant within FFAI you are required to adhere to the highest standard ethically that honors God and your neighbor. 

Your actions must be free from discrimination, slander or harassment of another individual, FFAI does not adhere too or tolerate any public displays of affection for FFAI participants.  Misconduct cannot be excused because it was directed or requested by another. In this regard, you are expected to alert a board or staff member whenever a dishonest, unethical or inappropriate act is discovered or suspected during FFAI activities.

Speak courteously at all times to all adults, volunteers, refs, and anyone you come in contact with during the season as well as during game play.  Titus 2:7-8

Exhibit good sportsmanship for every FFAI athletic event, by showing respect to others and by cheering in a positive manner.

Parent/Player/Coaching Expectations

The purpose of this memo is to briefly outline expectations and the coaching philosophy we intend to follow throughout each FFAI athletics season.  Our main objectives will be to glorify God and our Lord Jesus Christ, have fun, learn, work and compete.

We are looking forward to working with these (boys & girls), teaching them the disciplines according to the Christian faith such as UNITY, reliability, unselfishness, and more.

The coaching philosophy will be for us to function together as “ONE” regardless of who is playing.  

• Players must show up for practice and be on time.  (REALIABILITY) It is impossible to function as ONE if everyone is not learning the same skills ETC. (see note below on practices)
• We will focus on fundamentals and teaching the basics of offense, defense and more.  All learning from the same page (UNITY).

At this level, we will play to be competitive and even win.  However, we will not sacrifice our governing principles for the sake of winning.  Playing time is based on game circumstances so; there is no commitment to equal playing time.  However, we have more flexibility to play more boys & girls with the teams being increased in number this year.  It is  very hard to beat a team of 12-15 players versus 5.  Playing time will be based on ability, effort, attitude and the game situation. (UNSELFISHNESS)

• In both speech and conduct I expect the coaches, managers, and players to conduct themselves in a manner that will bring glory and honor to God.  I also expect players to respect the authority that they have been put under. 
• Parents as spectators the expectation simply is for you to support and encourage your child as well as the team as a whole.  Remember when you are being vocal on a call or situation, remember you are representing Jesus Christ above all else.  As a parent if you question something you have seen on the court please refrain from using any vocal comments because it doesn't benefit the players or coaches during the sporting event.   Any concerns should be addressed with the coaching staff after the contest has ended.
• If issues arise throughout the season and as a parent, you need to discuss it with a coach, feel free to contact that individual coach.  We would ask that if you have issues or concerns to speak with the appropriate coach at the appropriate time, unless the issue or concern needs to be addressed immediately.  The time will be after a practice but, not before or immediately after games.  For these times are reserved for the coaches and their players.

• We encourage parents not to attend practice. Because it can be a distraction to your kids and to the coaches. Showing up 5 or 10 minutes before the end of practice is fine for pick-ups etc.

• For home games, please make sure the players are arriving 1-HOUR prior to the start of the game unless otherwise notified by the coaching staff.

Practices/Game Attendance:

Players must show up for practice and be on time.  (REALIABILITY) It is impossible to function as ONE if everyone is not learning the same skills, plays-ETC.  In the event that a player will not be at a practice or a game, they “MUST CONTACT ONE OF THE COACHES BEFORE/PRIOR TO THAT GAME OR PRACTICE TO BE EXCUSED.” If a coach is NOT contacted, then that practice or game will be unexcused and will result in further disciplinary action at the discretion of the coaches and repeat offenses will lead up to deduction in playing time, and or expulsion from the team.

Dress Code

• Coaches: are expected to be business casual for games with exception of tournaments which run on weekends.  The coaches can wear team apparel with nice jeans or sweat pants. A shirt and tie is acceptable at any time.

Home Games-Players

• All boys   are expected to wear a shirt and tie for all home games (except when there in only one game played at home) this will be left to the discretion of the coaching staff as to what should be worn.  Away games; boys can wear team apparel with sweat pants or jeans.  Clothing with holes or tears will not be allowed!
• Girls for all home games girls can wear dress slacks and or knee length skirts or dresses with appropriate blouses, sweaters etc.  Any low cut attire is not allowed.  For away games; team apparel and or jeans are allowed.  No tear or ripped clothing is acceptable.

These are just guidelines for adherence to professional and reasonable dress that will bring honor and glory to God.  If you have some doubts about what to wear or feel it is questionable wisdom says don’t wear it! 

FFAI