The following are common questions that parents may have about our sports program in general to specific questions about individual sports and rules.
1. CAN MY SON OR DAUGHTER PLAY ON THE SCHOOL TEAM WHILE ALSO PLAYING FOR A CLUB OR TRAVEL TEAM?
In order for Zeeland Christian to offer the opportunity for our students to play football, cross-country, tennis, and lacrosse we have joined in a co-op with Holland Christian. This means that we have to follow the same rules according to their league. HC happens to be a part of the MHSAA, which our other league teams are not a part of. Therefore, we have to follow the rules of the MHSAA. Their rule states that no student athlete may participate on more than one team of the same sport at the same time. There is no way out of this except by giving up our co-op with Holland Christian, which we are not willing to do. For example, if someone is playing basketball for ZCS and wants to play courthouse basketball during the same season, this would be against the rules and the school and player would be penalized. However, it would be legal if that same person wanted to play basketball for ZCS and play on a club soccer team. Also, anyone may be a part of both teams if they are the same sport as long as they are not playing in official games for both.
At Zeeland Christian we welcome kids to play in extra sports outside of school to enhance their skill, however, if they are a part of the Zeeland Christian team at the same time we ask that this team be made first priority over other teams as far as practices and games go. Athletes should not miss practices or games unless approved by the coach.
2. WHY DOESN'T ZEELAND CHRISTIAN HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM?
Since we have a close relationship with Holland Christian and there are no extra costs for joining them, it just makes sense. It would be very expensive to start our own team with uniforms, facilities, coaches, practice equipment to justify our own team at this point, especially being such a small school. The problem comes when a parent wants to send their child to Zeeland Public and learn their program not Holland Christians. Right now there isn't any way of doing that at ZCS unless the football is played through rec. So, then I would encourage them to attend Zeeland Public camps and recreation as much as possible and still play for the Holland Christian system. By learning a different program they might actually have an advantage going into High School on some levels.
3. WHY DON'T WE MAKE CUTS IN 7TH GRADE?
The answer to this question comes right out of our Middle School Philosophy. In 7th grade it is our goal to encourage participation in sports and not limit those who can play. Competitiveness is important but it is not our number one goal. Being on a sports team in 7th grade gives students an opportunity to experience teamwork, community, competition, and most importantly God in a new way. In 8th grade, however, there are cuts, which becomes more of a springboard for high school sports teams. Many of the goals are still the same but the competition element is hightened and students are encouraged to seek out their talents and abilities.
If your question is not answered here, feel free to contact Joel Nagelkirk, Athletic Director.