Letters, Awards, and Banquets
Lettering Criteria
Generally, varsity letters are earned by athletes who compete in 50 percent or more of a varsity season. Total minutes, innings, etc., must be considered, as merely appearing in a contest does not constitute credit for an entire game. These rules are guidelines; however, the ultimate call in a player lettering will be determined by the head coach. In sports such as track/field, swimming, cross country, and golf, coaches will determine lettering qualifications and publish prior to the season. (i.e. Cross country may be sub-19:00 for boys to letter varsity.) Team managers, statisticians, etc. are eligible to letter after completing two varsity seasons in the same sport. Coaches are to be fair and consistent in awarding varsity letters, thereby protecting its integrity. Students may earn letters in three areas (Arts, Athletics, and Academics) when participating in varsity-level competitive events. An appropriate patch will accompany the letter in each category. Student-athletes will receive the MPC athletics logo arm patch, whereas arts and academic teams will receive corresponding arts logo and/or school seal arm patches for jackets.
Awards
Each team is allotted awards based on team size to be distributed at the end-of-season banquet. As a general rule, most teams will only require three to four awards. A list of potential awards/winners should be turned in to the athletic office for approval two weeks prior to the last game of the season. Annual awards, perpetual trophies, etc. are to be maintained by varsity head coaches, with all appropriate documentation submitted to the athletic office.
Championship Teams
Teams winning a Region, State, or other significant championship may be granted additional awards by the athletic office to recognize their athletes and commemorate their season.
Scholar-Athletes
The Marietta Daily Journal selects senior scholar-athletes at the end of the school year.
Banquets
Head coaches are responsible for making arrangements for banquets with the athletic department. Coaches and their staff are responsible for assisting in all set up and clean up as needed. An agenda should be written in advance and adhered to in order to ensure well-run and timely events. Banquet dates should be determined prior to the season and submitted to the athletic office for approval. Once approved, they should be communicated at the preseason parents’ meeting. Respective division heads and the head of school should be informed of and invited to team banquets ahead of time. It is understandable that they cannot attend all of these events, but they should be aware of the event and an invitation to attend.
Banquet Format
Banquets are to be conducted as positive experiences for the team members and their families. Coaches are responsible for creating this atmosphere, especially when teams have not been successful or did not achieve preseason expectations. Care should always be given to graduating seniors, and any mention of future teams should be kept to a minimum.