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Sports

Athletics at Grace Valley Christian Academy

Grace Academy students from the 5th through the 9th grades may participate in the athletic program. Volleyball and basketball are especially popular.

5th through 8th Grade Teams

GVCA joined the Parochial Athletic League (PAL) in Sacramento. The PAL allows school teams to compete in a number of sports. The PAL generally allows schools to field a "varsity" team, made up of 7th and 8th graders, and a "junior varsity" team, comprising of 5th and 6th graders. In some instances, 6th graders may participate on the varsity team.

GVCA teams participate in the PAL when the sport is offered, and if there are enough interested students and volunteer coaches to field a team. For more information on PAL regulations, please visit the PAL girls website at www.geocities.com/paleague2k. The boys' website can be accessed at www.jhssac.org, then choose "Admissions," then "PAL."

9th Grade Teams

GVCA joined the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) in October 2002 (Sac Joaquin Section). The CIF sets rules and guidelines for high school sports in California. The GVCA 9th graders are high school freshmen and must abide by CIF regulations for athletic competition. For more information on CIF regulations, see the CIF website at www.cifsjs.org.

At this time, GVCA has not joined a specific league for all sports. GVCA freshmen can play in different leagues for different sports, or not join a league at all and play as an independent team. Currently, the freshmen girls participate in the NorCal Freshmen Volleyball League.

Recent Athletic Successes

Grace Academy teams have had great success in VOLLEYBALL, often advancing to play-off rounds and winning several championships. Some of the recent successes include:

Intramurals and Special Events

Intramural teams are formed based on interest in such sports as football and track/field. Special events are held throughout the school year, such as a basketball "shoot out" and a version of football’s "punt, pass and kick" competition.

Athletic Policies

As representatives of God’s kingdom and of Grace Academy, godly sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized along with physical, mental and social discipline. The overriding theme for GVCA athletics is that students and coaches must at all times behave in a manner that is consistent with Biblical principles and Christian behavior. Some major policies regarding GVCA athletics include:

  1. Participation in sports programs at GVCA is a privilege, not a right. A student’s participation in any GVCA sports program can be suspended or revoked at any time by the coaches, athletic director, or principal.
  2. Every student-athlete must exhibit exemplary behavior at all times during practices and competitions, toward their opponents, officials and coaching staff.
  3. Parents need to enforce the positive behavior of their children in the athletic programs. Parents also need to be supportive of the volunteer coaching staff.
  4. GVCA teams will not play or practice on Sundays.

For questions regarding GVCA sports policies, please email GVCA at gvca@gracevalley.org.

Club Volleyball

Grace Valley Volleyball Club (GVVC) is a ministry of Grace Valley Christian Center. The club participates in the Northern California Volleyball Association (NCVA) Junior Girls program. For more information about GVVC, please contact the club director at gracevalleyvb@aol.com.