Cross Country 2025-2026

Grace Preparatory School Athlete Code of Conduct

At Grace Preparatory School, athletes are held to strict standards of conduct because the development of strong character, grit, confidence, humility, and other Christ-like virtues are the fruits of pressure and demanding expectations. As the parent or guardian of a Grace Preparatory School student-athlete, I certify that my student-athlete(s) have read, understand, and pledge their commitment to the following standards of conduct.

Spiritual Commitment

• I will strive to honor God in all areas of my life—including my words, actions, and play—reflecting Christ both on and off the field.
• I will glorify God with the talents He has entrusted to me by competing with excellence, humility, and passion.

Academic Responsibility

• I will strive for excellence in the classroom, attending all classes prepared and ready to learn, understanding that the effort and attitude I show in my academics will reflect in my athletic performance.

Respect and Conduct

• I will respect all coaches, officials, teachers, parents, and school administrators.
• I will show respect to my teammates, opponents, and spectators in both words and actions.
• I will use language that is wholesome, appropriate, and edifying.
• I will play with integrity—refraining from taunting, showboating, or celebrating in a boastful or disrespectful manner.
• I will be honest in all situations and will not lie, cheat, or steal.

Sportsmanship and Team Commitment

• I will play by the rules of my sport and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, win or lose.
• I will arrive on time for all practices, games, and meetings, communicating proactively with my coaches about injuries, illness, or expected absences, understanding that only emergencies, church obligations, major family events, or illness are acceptable reasons for missing or being late.
• I will humbly accept and fulfill my role on the team, pursuing it with excellence and striving to contribute in every way possible.
• I understand that my actions, inactions, and decisions have consequences, and I will accept responsibility for both my successes and failures.

Personal Stewardship

• I will care for my body through proper nutrition, rest, and conditioning so I can perform at my best for God's glory.
• I will avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, or any other harmful substances.
• I will respect and care for all facilities, equipment, and property—whether at GPS or another school. I will clean up after myself and treat all spaces as a steward, not an owner.
• I will be responsible for any uniform or equipment issued to me and return it promptly at the end of the season. I understand that I may be charged for items not returned.

I have read and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. I understand that participation in athletics at Grace Preparatory School is a privilege, not a right. I acknowledge that failure to uphold these standards may result in disciplinary action, as determined by the coach, Athletic Director, or school administration.

Parent Consent & Liability Waiver for Sports

I, as the parent or legal guardian of the minor participant, hereby grant permission for my child to participate in athletics and/or clubs organized or sponsored by Grace Preparatory School. I understand that participation in sports or club-related activities—including running, jumping, physical contact, and other related actions—may involve the risk of personal injury or bodily harm. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with these activities and accept full responsibility for any and all injuries or damages that may occur. I acknowledge that the school will exercise reasonable care and adult supervision to support the safety and well-being of my child. I also acknowledge my trust in my child to behave appropriately, follow instructions from supervising adults, and comply with all rules established by Grace Preparatory School, as stated in the School handbook and by myself as parent/guardian. I further release, discharge, and agree not to sue Grace Preparatory School, its officers, directors, employees, agents, or volunteers from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or relating to any injury or loss to my child or myself connected with participation in these activities, regardless of cause. I understand it is my responsibility to inform coaching staff of any relevant medical conditions, and that my child cannot participate until I have accepted these terms.

Grace Prep Athletics Handbook Acknowledgment & Waiver

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies, expectations, and guidelines outlined in the Grace Prep Athletics Handbook.

I understand that participation in Grace Prep athletic programs is a privilege and that all athletes and their families are expected to uphold the standards of conduct, sportsmanship, and commitment outlined in the handbook.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to review the handbook in its entirety and to seek clarification from school staff if I have any questions regarding its contents. I also understand that failure to comply with the policies set forth may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from team activities.

By electronically signing this waiver, I confirm that:

• I have reviewed the Grace Prep Athletics Handbook;

• I understand and agree to abide by the policies and procedures contained within;

• I accept the responsibilities of participation in Grace Prep Athletics as stated.

Grace Preparatory School Statement of Faith

At Grace Preparatory School, we believe that athletic participation is an extension of our calling to honor God in all that we do. As a Christian school, our foundation is built upon the truths of Scripture, and we seek to glorify Jesus Christ not only in the classroom and chapel but also on the field, court, and track. This Statement of Faith affirms our core biblical convictions and serves as a guide for the spiritual and moral framework within which our athletic programs operate. It reflects our commitment to train student-athletes in Christlike character, integrity, and service, recognizing that every talent and victory is ultimately for the glory of God.

1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

2. We believe there is only one God, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, eternally existent in three persons--Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30).

3. We believe in the deity of Christ,

• Which is to say He is God incarnate (John 10:33);

• His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35); 

• His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26); 

• His miracles (John 2:11); 

• His vicarious and atoning death on the cross, the perfect and final substitutionary sacrifice for the sin of mankind (1 Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9); 

• His bodily resurrection (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:4); 

• His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); 

• His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11).

1. We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature, and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God's grace and through faith alone we are saved, not by any works of our own can we merit salvation (John 3:16-19; 5:24; Romans 3:23; 5:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5).

2. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).

3. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26-28).

4. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18).

5. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female.  These two distinct complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

6. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen 2:18-25).  We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (I Cor 6:18; 7:2-5: Heb 13:4).  We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

7. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt 15:18-20; I Cor 6:9-10).

8. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Grace Preparatory School as the local body of Christ, and to provide a Biblical role model to the GPS members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Grace Preparatory School in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matt 5:16, Phil 2:14-16, I Thess 5:22).

9. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21, Rom 10:9-10, I Cor 6:9-11).
   We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31, Luke 6:31).  Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Grace Preparatory School.

As a condition of participation in Grace Preparatory School athletics, all families are required to acknowledge and affirm this Statement of Faith in its entirety. By doing so, you express your understanding that our sports programs are rooted in and governed by these biblical principles. Your affirmation signifies your support for the spiritual mission of our school and your willingness to partner with us in cultivating an environment where Christ is honored through athletic competition, teamwork, and personal growth.