Athlete Parent Handbook

ACS ATHENS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Athlete / Parent Handbook `

2009-2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction & ACS Athens Philosophy of Athletics

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2. Interscholastic Sports Programs Participation

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A. ISST organization B. SCIS organization C. Local tournaments – exhibition games 3. Interscholastic Sports Programs – sports, levels, seasons

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4. Athletic Department Information

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5. Athletic and Academic Eligibility / Athlete and Parents Concerns

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6. Athletic Department Policies

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7. Pre-season Obligations and time commitment

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8. Housing – general information and policies

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9. Booster Parent Association

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10. Athletic Awards

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11. ACS Athens Athletic Department “10 Commandments”

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Appendix A: ISST and SCIS eligibility guidelines

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Appendix B: ISST parent and student regulations form

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INTRODUCTION This handbook is designed to present the athletic program at ACS Athens. The ACS Athens Athletic department programs include interscholastic competitive sports for students ranging from 6th to 12th grade. Athletics at ACS Athens include various sports in three different levels: middle school, junior varsity, and varsity. Every year numerous students try-out and participate in sports from September until the end of May. This guide is designed to provide information to current and prospective student athletes and parents. The information within pertains to the basic structure of the athletic program, policies, procedures and general advice for student athletes and parents. Please take the time to read through this handbook. We believe that it will be useful to the entire ACS Athens community. Sincerely, Annie Constantinides Athletic Director

ACS ATHENS PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS Athletics play an important role in the life of ACS Athens. The athletic program should always be in conformity with the general objectives of the school. At no time will athletics place the total educational curriculum secondary in emphasis. The fundamental principle for competitive athletics is to augment the education of the young. Athletics should both promote and supplement the regular curricular program at the school. The athletic department’s concern is the personal development of each athlete. Winning is considered important but the coaching and athletic department staff’s primary interest is the student athlete’s personal growth and emotional stability. The ACS Athletic department will make every attempt to instil in our student athletes the following attitudes: The competitive urge to excel. The commitment to be the best that they can be. The positive acceptance of official’s decisions. The love and respect for the game. The high sense of honor, duty and ethical character necessary for competitive sports. The knowledge that participation is its own reward; special privileges for participants are not expected or condoned.

That cooperative spirit towards all, team mates and opponents, is needed in a healthy community. “Your only duty is to do the best you can.” David Seabury

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INTERSCHOLASTIC PROGRAMS SPORT PARTICIPATION ACS Athens participates in various competitions and is a member of two major conferences.

a. International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) Organization ACS Athens is a full member of the ISST Organization. This organization has a history of 40 years. ACS Athens is represented in the ISST organization by the following varsity level sports: boys’ and girls’ volleyball, soccer, basketball and tennis. The ISST tournaments are the culminating events of the respective seasons. These “finals” are held at different locations every year. Every member school is responsible for hosting at least one tournament every year. Current ISST tournaments members American Community Schools of Cobham, England (COB) American Community Schools of Hillingdon, England (HIL) American School of London, England (ASL) TASIS, England (TAS) American School of the Hague, Netherlands (ASH) British School of Netherlands (BSN) International School of Brussels, Belgium (ISB) St. Johns, Belgium (STJ) American School of Paris, France (ASP) British School of Paris, France (BSP) International school of Zurich, Switzerland (ZUR) International School of Geneva, Switzerland (GEN) Munich International School, Germany (MIN) International School of Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS)

Vienna International School, Austria (VIS) American International School of Vienna, Austria (AIS-Vienna) American School of Tel Aviv (AST) Cairo American College, Egypt (CAC) 4

Bonn International School (BIS) British School of Brussels (BSB) International School of the Hague (ISH) Frankfurt International School (FIS) ACS Athens (ATH)

b. Sports Council of International School (SCIS) ACS Athens is a member of the SCIS organization. The Sports Council of International Schools Organization (SCIS) has been formed to allow various schools to meet in specified sports activities on a competitive basis in a defined geographical area. Each school works toward a common aim in co-operating with other schools to achieve an efficient and well-balanced athletic program centered on the 3 seasons outlined in SCIS Rules.

Current SCIS organization members: The American International School - Vienna (AIS-Vienna) The Frankfurt International School (FIS) Munich International School (MIS) Zurich International School (ZIS) The American International School of Budapest (BUD) The Bavarian International School (BIS) The Inter Community School of Zurich (ICS) Vienna International School (VIS) The American School of Warsaw (ASW) International School of Basil, Switzerland ACS Athens (ATH)

Probationary School: International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)

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c. Local tournaments – exhibition games ACS Athens hosts a number of local tournaments at the junior varsity and varsity levels for a number of sports. Prior to the major tournaments, exhibition games take place on a regular basis. Most of the local competitions are at ACS facilities. Some of the local tournaments are the following: Boys and girls’ volleyball invitational (varsity and junior varsity level). Boys and girls soccer invitational (varsity and junior varsity level). Boys and Girls’ “Anti-drug” basketball tournament (varsity level). Boys and girls basketball invitational (varsity and junior varsity level), Boys and girls swimming, Middle School Tennis.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS PROGRAMS – sports, levels, seasons ACS Athens offers the following sports over the course of the school year. Fall Tryouts begin the second week of September and the season ends by the second week of November. Soccer: Girls and boys junior varsity and varsity teams. Volleyball: Girls and boys junior varsity and varsity teams. Cross Country: Girls and boys middle school and high school teams Winter Tryouts begin the third week of November and the season ends by the second week of March. Basketball: Girls and boys junior varsity and varsity teams. Swimming: Boys and girls middle school and high school teams Spring Tryouts begin third week of March and the season ends by the fourth week May. Track and field*: Girls and boys 14 and under (Middle School) , junior varsity and varsity teams. *usually starts and ends earlier than the above mentioned time frame) Tennis: Girls and boys middle school and high school teams.

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATION School Colors: Navy and Gold School Mascot: Lancer Athletic Director: Annie Constantinides Administrative Assistant: Valia Efsthathiou

[email protected] [email protected] 210-6393-200 (ext. 327)

Important Telephone Numbers Athletic Director: 210-6011899 (direct phone / fax line) 210-6393.200, ext. 401 695-8464106 (mobile) Athletic Office/P.E offices: 210-6393-200, ext. 321, 322 School Gate (24 hours) 210-6393.555 School Fax: 210-6390-051 School Web site: www.acs.gr

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ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY 1. The first quarter report card will determine eligibility for winter sports. Students receiving 69% or below in more than two classes will not be allowed to participate in any winter sports. 2. Students receiving 69% or below in more than two classes on the second quarter report card will be under special contract in order to finish the season; failure to abide by the strict guidelines imposed at the time may result in the immediate removal from the team . 3. Students receiving 69% or below in more than two classes at the end of the third quarter will not be allowed to participate in sports for the remaining school year. 4. A student who receives one F and D or three or more Ds at the end of the semester is placed on Academic Probation for the next semester.. If a sport season has begun, special contracts may be in effect. A student who receives one F and D or three or more Ds at the end of the second semester is placed on Academic Probation for the next academic year.. 5. Any ACS Athens student in 6th-11th grades who fulfills academic requirements and is under the age of 16 years during the season is eligible for junior varsity competition. The ACS Athens athletic permission form must be completed and submitted by each athlete trying out for the any team 6. Any ACS Athens student in 9th-12th grade who fulfills academic requirements is eligible for varsity participation. Students in the 7th or 8th grade may participate in a varsity sport under special circumstances and if they are older than 13 years of age. The ACS Athens athletic permission form must be completed and submitted by each athlete trying out for any the team.

ATHLETE AND PARENT CONCERNS There may be times when concerns will arise regarding the athletic department and a particular program. It is in the best interest of the individual and program involved that we address any concern to the person that can best help. Steps to follow: 1. Bring your concerns to the coach first. Many times the answers to questions you may have can be answered easily. Without the facts, minor situations could become uncomfortable encounters. The person closest to the issue is the best source of information. 2. In the event a parent is not satisfied with the reply of the coach, he/she should feel free to bring the situation to the attention of the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will do everything possible to resolve the issue(s). 3. Last, if the parent is still not satisfied following the discussion with the Athletic Director, matters should be directly taken to the High School/Middle School Principal. 8

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES 1. An ACS Athens student may participate in one athletic activity at a time. However if two seasons overlap by a short amount time or there is a special situation, an athlete (with permission from coaches involved) may participate in two sports. 2.

The use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs is prohibited. VIOLATION: In the event an athlete fails to comply with the policy regarding tobacco, alcohol and drug use the athlete will be denied the privilege of participating. The student in violation, following review of the incident will be removed from the team.

3. All equipment and uniforms issued to athletes are property of ACS Athens. They are to be returned in good condition. Uniforms should be worn only during appropriate team events – not during practices. Loss or destruction of any equipment or uniform is the athlete’s financial obligation. The athlete will pay a replacement fee of € 40 for a uniform and € 60 for a school sweat suit. 4. All ACS Athens athletes representing the school on trips must follow the travel dress code. The dress code includes a school sports bag, a hooded sweatshirt (for fall/winter sports) and a polo shirt (spring sports). These items are bought by the athletes. Travel code includes any denim pants (no holes!) 5. When participating in an “away” game or when there is a need to go to the airport, participants must ride in school provided transportation. In no case will permission be given to ride otherwise without prior consent of the coach and the Athletic Director. 6. Students must attend school to participate in athletic activities. Athletes who are absent from school may not practice or play in an event that day. Two blocks in a day are the minimum time for a student to be considered present. Friday presence is required for weekend participation. Excused absences need to be brought to the coaches and/or the athletic director’s attention. 7. Students failing to complete a season will not be eligible for recognition. This includes participation certificate, letter, team and department awards.

8. Athletes representing ACS Athens in conference tournaments are expected to follow all rules,

guidelines and policies stated in the conference rules and guidelines handbook. Forms need to be signed before participation and they will be sent home as needed.

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PRE-SEASON OBLIGATIONS 1. A yearly physical examination is required for all athletes. The athletes may pick up a form from the school’s nurse’s office or bring in a different one as long as it is an official document signed by a medical doctor. This medical form is needed prior to the first game during the fall season and prior to the first day of try-outs for every other season. 2. All athletes and parents are required to read the Athletic Handbook and return the Player Profile form (signed by both parties) 3. A pre-season meeting will take place for all athletes following try-outs of every season; the coach and the Athletic Director will hold this meeting. An informational meeting for all parents may be held in order to review various issues. A letter will also be sent home with the athletes.

TIME COMMITMENT – practices, games and travel Practice sessions will be conducted after the normal school days (3:45-5:30); the practice schedule of the sports is as follows: Team Sports (Soccer/Volleyball/Basketball) a. Varsity Level: three times a week (MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS). Week-end practices and/or games are an option, following of course timely communication with the participants. PRACTICE DAYS may vary depending on facility use and coaches’ decision. b. Junior Varsity Level: Two times a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Some games may take place on Saturdays. PRACTICE DAYS may vary depending on facility use and coaches decision Individual Sports (cross country, swimming, track and field, tennis) Varsity athletes may have a designated fourth practice during the school week and Junior varsity level athletes may have a designated third practice during the week (Track and field schedule may vary depending on the scheduling of events and tennis schedule may also vary depending on court availability). These additional practices will be communicated to the participants by the respective coaches. Late area school buses depart at 17:45 unless there are special arrangements made; prior notification will be given to students and parents. These area buses’ itineraries are formed based on the majority needs and there may be cases when some areas are not serviced. Furthermore, the itineraries may change at any time during the year following assessment of the students’ needs. Certain times the coaches may decide to have practice on Saturday and/or Sunday; in that case, arrangements are made with the athletes and plans for private transportation need to be made. Practices planned during exam period and/or vacation are always OPTIONAL.

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The Athletic Director schedules all games. All games take place during the practice times except for tournaments when there is a special schedule. Saturday and Sunday games may take place, following approval by the coaching staff and Athletic Director. Practices and games are mandatory. Athletes should always inform the coach before missing a practice or a game. Coaches may have their own attendance policy regarding practices and games; athletes must obey all policies. Many students participating in sports may travel at the end of their season. Athletes must have a permission form signed by all the teachers. A travel form also needs to be signed by the parents. Athletes must be in school on the day of the travel unless arrangements are made for an early departure. Needless to say, students are responsible for all work missed. The Athletic Director and the Business Office make the entire teams’ travel arrangements. The most appropriate itinerary is chosen based on various criteria (other than the price); these are: a) Special arrival and departure times requested by the host school athletic director b) Time for the athletes to unwind following a long journey. c) Time to take advantage of the culture of the destination. d) Compliance with school policy for absences.

HOUSING – Policy and General Information As previously stated in the Athletic handbook, ACS Athens participates in two major conferences, ISST and SCIS. ACS teams have the privilege of traveling to other countries and cultures. ACS athletes are housed by host families so as to minimize costs and promote camaraderie. This means that we must provide reciprocal housing when our school is the host of tournaments. Failure to do so may jeopardize our participation status in the ISST and SCIS conferences. It is required that each athlete (varsity and junior varsity) house visiting athletes; this is the case regardless if the ACS athlete travels during the year. If an athlete cannot house, the family should find another home (non sports family) in order to fulfill their housing obligation. Failure to do so can result in the non-participation of the ACS athlete in the local and/or future travel tournament. EVERYONE MUST HOUSE!

GENERAL HOUSING GUIDELINES 11

Housing a guest participant has proven in the past to be a pleasant experience not only for the guest but for the host family as well. Every attempt will be made to match athletes by age, gender and/or age when assigning housing. The Athletic Director will make every effort to ensure a smooth stay for all parties involved. Below you will find some general guidelines regarding the duties of a host family: 1. Please pick up your guest from school at the designated time. Should the guest arrive at the school before the end of the day then he/she will ride the bus with your child (if child uses bus). 2. When hosting athletes you stand in place of their parents. Please exercise all supervision and care that you normally would exercise with your own children. 3. Under no condition are visiting athletes to be housed without adult supervision. 4. Please arrange for transportation whenever the school does not arrange that. 5. Please provide ample meals; a breakfast before competition is always necessary and a dinner at whatever time competition ends. Also, include a bag lunch so that they are not left too long without food during the daily competition. 6.

The use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol are against our school and conference regulations. Any violations should be reported to the Athletic Director.

7. Curfew hours will be set and presented in the tournament program; any violations should be reported to the Athletic Director. 8. You must be aware of any evening plans made by your guest; you have the right to insist on your “house rules”. Make sure the guest always has your telephone number and address (if the athletic office does not already do that).

** If any problems occur while you are housing, please contact the Athletic Director. Keep in mind that all visiting athletes are aware of the conference rules and regulations and have signed the appropriate forms that allow them to travel.

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“PARENTS SUPPORTING ATHLETICS” “PSA” Organization

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The “PSA” organization is a parent support group that is involved with the Athletic Department and student life quite extensively. The ACS Athens Booster Parent Association (its’ name in its original form) was founded in 1992 and has been active in athletics ever since. Parents of all athletes can be involved members of the “PSA” Organization. The objectives of this parent group are to promote the athletic program and other aspects of student activities, to promote good sportsmanship, to promote team and school spirit and to assist the Athletic Director with many facets of event organization. Additionally, this support group is a driving force in fund-raising to benefit the athletic program of our school. Concession stands during major events, raffle sales, all school food sales and other special events are the means by which money is raised. All the funds are then allocated towards needs that are prioritized; the Annual Sports Banquet being an example of a high priority event. Last but not least, the “Parents Supporting Athletics” are the backbone of our housing obligations during the major ISST and SCIS tournaments. Without their assistance and their commitment in the much-needed hospitality our athletes would not be able to compete in international events!

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ATHLETIC AWARDS At the end of the year – usually the first week of June – the Annual Athletic Awards Sports Banquet takes place to honor all the athletes that participated in the school year’s athletic program. Every athlete and team member who completes a season receives a participation certificate and is eligible for a varsity or junior varsity pin. The following special awards are also given out at the Sports Banquet. - Most Valuable Player:

Each team to one player based on skill and performance

- Coach’s award:

Each team based on parameters determined by coach: effort, character, spirit, etc.

- Most Improved Player:

Each team based on improvement in chosen player’s skills in the particular sport.

- Athlete of the Year:

Awarded to a senior boy and girl decided on by all members of the ACS Athletic Department coaching staff.

- Scholar Athlete of the Year:

Awarded to a junior boy and girl with the highest GPA over the first three quarters.

All athletes will receive a sport pin after the first year of participation. Every year thereafter a bar pin will be awarded for every additional year.

1st

American Community School Awards

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT “10 Commandments”

1. Never underestimate your opponent. 2. Work on your weaknesses until they become your strong points. 3. Remember that a great effort is usually the result of great attitude. 4. Win with humility, lose with grace. 5. Ignore those who discourage you. 6. Remember that how you conduct yourself off the field is just as important as how you conduct yourself on the field. 7. Talent is God-given – be humble. Fame is man-given – be thankful. Conceit is self-given – be careful. 8. Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline- these are the tools that shape success. 9. Do what has to be done, when it has to has to be done, and as well as it can be done. 10. Always give your best.

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APPENDIX A ISST eligibility guidelines ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPETITION – VARSITY TEAMS

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All students must be enrolled as full time students at the school they represent.

2. Competitors must be 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 years of age on September 1st of the academic year they are competing.. 3. A student may participate on only one team in one sport during any given weekend or tournament series of games (except in swimming relays as per rules). 4. It is recommended that no student be eligible to represent their school unless a physician’s statement is filed at the school. 5. Each student and their parent or guardian must sign ISST rules. These rules also apply to dual meets between ISST schools. 6. Sports where both varsity and junior varsity teams exist, students must be at least 14 years of age by September 1st to participate in the varsity division.

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APPENDIX B ISST/SCIS/EMAC Parent and Student regulations form All students participating in tournaments and other athletic events organized shall follow these regulations by the International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST). Any student who participates in an ISST event agrees, by signing below, to obey the regulations. 1.

Students shall obey all instructions given them by their host parents and their coaches as if their own parents gave these instructions to them. This applies to all activities irrespective of location undertaken during the period of the tournament or competition.

2. Smoking or any other use of tobacco, the drinking of alcohol and the use of drugs are not permitted. 3. Housing arrangements made by the responsible official of the host school may not be changed. 4. Students must be in the home of the host parent by the curfew hour set by the school. 5. Neither host families nor students may negotiate changes to the ISST regulations for students with respect to curfew, housing arrangements, the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs or any other rules set forth by the host school. 6. These regulations apply to all students: both those from the host school and those visiting throughout the competition’s duration. These regulations also apply to visiting students during the journey to and from the site of the event. Violation of these regulations will be reported to the responsible ISST official and to the student’s head teacher. Name of student

Signature of student

Date

Signature of parent or guardian

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