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Saint Philip AME Church Atlanta Celtics
SAINT PHILIP AME CHURCH
240 Candler Road SE • Atlanta, GA 30317
BASKETBALL
Program Handbook
Player Development Program
"MORE THAN A GAME"
Saint Philip AME Church • 240 Candler Road SE • Atlanta, GA 30317 Karl McCray, General Manager • (678) 553-8446 Summer 2026 • June β€” July

Welcome to Player Development!

Thank you for choosing the Atlanta Celtics More Than a Game (MTAG) Basketball Player Development Program. We strive to provide a safe, structured, and fun environment where athletes can build self-confidence, master the skill of their sport, deepen their respect for themselves and others, and make new friends. All our age-appropriate activities are designed to develop inner strength that will result in self-satisfaction in knowing that the athletes are doing their best to be the best version of what they can become.

MTAG staff members are here to support both athletes and parents. We believe in open communication among athletes, parents, and MTAG staff. Please share with us your questions, areas of interest, hopes, fears, and concerns.

About This Handbook

The following policies and procedures are minimum guidelines set to provide for a positive, healthy, safe, energetic, and fun environment for the athletes entrusted in the Player Development Program. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your athletes' career. We cannot wait to watch your "STAR" LEARN, GROW, & THRIVE in basketball!

Program Details

MTAG Basketball Player Development Program

SeasonSummer 2026 β€” June and July
ClosedJune 29 β€” July 3, 2026
LocationSaint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
General ManagerKarl McCray
Office(678) 553-8446
Cell(770) 652-9661
Emailinfo@atlantaceltics.org • klm45@comcast.net
HoursMonday β€” Friday, 9:00 a.m. β€” 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Program7:00 β€” 9:00 a.m.
Post-Program4:00 β€” 6:00 p.m.

Payment Options & Deadlines

Payment Methods:

Fees: All fees must be paid in full before athletes may attend.

Cancellation Policy

A written email request must be submitted at least 1 week prior to the scheduled start date to cancel. A refund will be issued, less the $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit. The account must be in good standing. MTAG reserves the right to apply refund/credit to any outstanding balances.

Sign In / Out Procedures

Sign-in and sign-out is required daily for all athletes. MTAG may require a picture ID as well as check authorization for release. All athletes must be signed in and out daily by an authorized adult 18+ years of age.

Please ensure your authorized sign-in/sign-out information is updated prior to program start. If a child is not picked up by closing time, MTAG staff will contact parents/guardians, then the emergency contact. A late fee of $1 per minute, per athlete, will be charged.

Early Checkout

If you need to pick up your athlete before 4:00 pm, please give MTAG staff a written note during morning drop-off with your athlete's name and checkout time.

Parent/Guardian Pickup Authorization

If a parent or guardian is notβ€”or is no longerβ€”authorized to pick up the athlete, the primary contact must provide MTAG with current legal documentation. MTAG will follow the legal documents provided. If disputes cannot be resolved, MTAG reserves the right to temporarily remove the athlete until proper documentation is received.

Program Expectations

Player Development Goals

Character Development

Team Spirit

Genuine consideration for others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal glory for the welfare of all.

Poise

Just being yourself. Being at ease in any situation and never fighting yourself.

Confidence

Respect without fear leads to confidence. Faith over fear comes from being prepared.

Competitive Greatness

Being at your best when your best is necessary.

Staff & Daily Information

Our Staff β€” 1:12 Ratio

Recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting staff are essential to the success and integrity of MTAG. Staff are selected based on warmth and ability to relate positively to athletes. One adult is present for every twelve athletes attending.

Staff Training

MTAG staff receive training in: CPR/First Aid, Risk Management, Youth & Teen Safety, plus basketball instruction and team building. Background checks are conducted on all staff and volunteers, including criminal and reference checks. Each staff member is a Mandated Reporter β€” if abuse is reported or suspected, staff work with MTAG leadership to determine appropriate next steps.

What to Bring

Everything must be labeled with your athlete's name. Send a backpack daily containing:

What to Leave at Home

Lost & Found

Lost & Found is kept at the church until week's end. Label all items. Check daily β€” unclaimed items are donated each week. MTAG is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

Health & Safety Policies

First Aid, Accidents & Injuries

Staff are First Aid & CPR certified and trained in emergency procedures. Accidents and injuries are part of sports and may occur. Response steps:

Sick Children

Anyone ill (temperature 100.4Β°F+, contagious symptoms like rashes, sore throat, congestion, vomiting) may not participate. Parent/guardian will be notified. MTAG keeps families informed of illnesses, injuries, and exposure to communicable diseases.

Returning After Illness

Per GA Dept. of Health & CDC: Athletes shall not return until 24+ hours fever-free without medication AND symptoms have improved.

Allergies & Medication

Disclose all allergies (food, environmental, medication) during registration. Severe allergy cases β€” speak directly with the Program Director before your session.

Emergency medication (EpiPen, inhaler) must be in original container, labeled with name and instructions. An Allergy Action Plan must be submitted. Prescription meds require original pharmacy-labeled container. OTC meds require original packaging, athlete's name label, and doctor's note.

Emergency Plans & Hazardous Materials

Emergency plans for fire, tornadoes, lockdown, severe weather, intruders, lost children, and injuries are covered in staff training and reviewed regularly. Hazardous materials are locked up and kept away from athletes (excluding hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes).

Inclement Weather

Outdoor activities continue unless there is thunder or lightning, at which point athletes move indoors until safe. Safety is always the top priority.

Discipline & Behavior Policies

Discipline Steps

  1. Athlete is redirected and encouraged to participate in other ways.
  2. Athlete receives a verbal warning.
  3. Athlete takes a personal time-in: staff and athlete discuss the behavior and create a plan together.
  4. Athlete may lose some or all privileges for special activities.
  5. Athlete meets with the Program Director to develop a behavior action plan. Parents are called.

Parents must pick up athletes early if behavior disrupts the program. Severe or continued issues may result in removal. Two family conferences trigger a final meeting about continued participation. Behavior endangering anyone results in immediate removal.

Bullying Policy

Each athlete attends a first-day orientation covering expectations, behavior policy, and zero-tolerance for bullying. Parents are notified of any reported incident. We deliver age-appropriate activities that develop listening, teamwork, and understanding. Athletes unable to meet these expectations may have enrollment terminated.

Zero-Tolerance: Aggressive Behavior

Purpose: The safety and positive experience of all participants and staff are our top priorities. This policy applies to all athletes, staff, and adults.

Aggressive Behavior Defined

Consequences

1st Offense

Formal warning. Temporary removal from activity. Parent notified. Director meeting may be required.

2nd Offense

Removal for the day (or multiple days). Mandatory meeting with staff, parents, and athlete.

3rd Offense

Permanent dismissal. No refund. May not return for remainder of session or future sessions.

Serious Violations

Severe aggression (physical violence, severe bullying) may result in immediate dismissal without prior warnings.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

MTAG infuses SEL into youth programs β€” helping young people understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Confidentiality

All participant records are kept secure and confidential. Only authorized MTAG personnel have access. Information is shared only with parents/guardians and authorized individuals as permitted by law. Records include registration, medical, behavioral, and incident reports.

Program Flyer

Saint Philip AME Church • Atlanta Celtics • Player Development Program • June β€” July 2026

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

To ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes and staff, parents/guardians must review and acknowledge this entire Handbook. Fill in the fields below, sign using your mouse or finger, then print.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Handbook, including the Discipline Policy and Zero-Tolerance Policy for Aggressive Behavior. I recognize that the safety of all athletes and staff is a top priority, and I agree to support and adhere to the policies outlined in the MTAG Handbook.

I understand that any behavioral concern may result in immediate action, which could include dismissal from the program without a refund of any fees.

* Athlete's Name (Print)
* Age
* Parent / Guardian's Name (Print)
* Parent / Guardian Signature β€” Draw below with mouse or finger
Saved signature
Draw your signature above
* Date

IT'S MORE THAN A GAME

"MUCH MORE"

Registration Form

SAINT PHILIP AME CHURCH β€” ATLANTA CELTICS

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

* Athlete's Name
* Age
* Parent/Guardian Name
* Home Address
* Email Address
* Cell #
Home #
Business #
Sport
* Registration Week of
* Primary Contact
* Emergency Contact
* Emergency Cell #

* Physical Restrictions / Medical Information

Names & Cell # of Those Authorized to Sign Athlete In & Out

Registration Agreement

Parent/Guardian signature below attests your agreement to adhere to all the rules and regulations of the Saint Philip AME Church Atlanta Celtics Player Development Program guidelines as outlined in the Program Handbook.

Parent/Guardian signature agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Saint Philip AME Church, its Officers, Members, Executive Staff, Administrative Staff, Employees, Ministerial Staff, Sponsors, Facility Owners and/or Operators, Atlanta Celtics' Officers, Board of Directors, Coaches, Staff from claims, demands, and judgements arising at any time your athlete/child/children are participating and/or traveling to participate with the Saint Philip, Atlanta Celtics Basketball Player Development Program. I understand that injuries do occur while participating in sports and youth activities. Further, I hereby grant full permission to presenters of the program to use any photograph, videotape, media recording, or any other record of events for any purpose that is not intentionally harmful to my athlete/child/children.

* Parent / Guardian Signature β€” Draw below with mouse or finger
Saved signature
Draw your signature above

Official Use Only

Age Group Assigned β€” Circle One:

? 8U     ? 10U     ? 12U     ? 14U

Coach Assigned:

Coach Signature:

Date: _______________