Student Athlete Participation Handbook

Student Athlete Participation Handbook

Varsity ✮ Junior Varsity ✮ U14

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there” - John Wooden

Dear Student Athlete, Dubai American Academy students always demonstrate tremendous talent, intellectual ambition and dedication towards our school. I am pleased that you have chosen to be an active participate in the school’s athletic program. The overall expectation of our athletics and activities program is to provide you with a positive life long experience. An important ingredient to this outcome is to ensure lines of communication are developed to prevent any conflicts or issues. You and your parents have the right to know and understand the expectations Dubai American Academy has for their student athletes representing our community. The overall purpose of co-curricular activities is to promote the social, emotional, physical, moral and mental well being of the student participant. All participants will be expected to display the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethics and respect in their conduct. Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege and those who participate represent the Dubai American Academy school community. All participants must ensure that his/her conduct does not compromise the academic, citizenship and sportsmanship standards of this institution. This handbook has been prepared for use by all student athletes involved with the program to clearly define all school policies and procedures as well as policies of the Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC). Please take your time to familiarize yourself with our expectations as you Finally, thank you for agreeing to become a valued member of the Dubai American Academy Athletic Program. I wish you all the greatest success both on and off the field of competition. I hope that your season it is a safe, fun and rewarding experience. Sincerely, Emily Rentsch Athletics Director Email: [email protected]

STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2015-2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PHILOSOPHY 3

2.0 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PURPOSE & RESPONSIBILITIES 3

3.0 CO-CURRICULAR AFFILIATION 3

4.0 AGE GROUP DESCRIPTIONS 4

5.0 ELIGIBILITY AND TRAVEL POLICIES 4

6.0 CODE OF ETHICS FOR PLAYERS 6

7.0 CODE OF ETHICS FOR PARENTS AND FANS 6

8.0 PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION GUIDE 7

9.0 REQUIRED ATHLETIC FORMS AND INFORMATION 8

10.0 MESAC INFORMATION 9

MESAC RULES AND GUIDELINES 10

MESAC PARTICIPATION CONSENT 11

MESAC MEDICAL RELEASE 12

MESAC HOUSING 13


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1.0 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PHILOSOPHY To provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in the areas of arts and athletics.

● To promote sportsmanship, stability, and meaningful social development through a diverse activities program.

● To field teams that are skilled, disciplined, dedicated, and motivated. ● To provide adequate equipment and facilities. ● To provide a diverse co-curricular program for Dubai American Academy students.

2.0 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The purpose of co-curricular activities at Dubai American Academy is to promote the social, emotional, physical, moral and mental well being of the student participant. All participants will be expected to display the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethics and respect in their conduct. Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege and those who participate represent the Dubai American Academy school community. Participant conduct must not compromise the academic, citizenship and sportsmanship standards of this institution. All those who involve themselves with co-curricular activities at Dubai American Academy take on the responsibility to:

● emphasize sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play; ● eliminate those factors which would destroy the values to be gained from participation

in the activities program; ● show courtesy to all teams, officials and spectators; ● respect the integrity and judgment of officials; ● understand and uphold the rules of the activity; ● enforce school policy regarding eligibility and conduct; ● encourage student leadership and skill development; ● recognize and promote the purpose and intent of the activities program; ● establish and maintain a relationship of mutual respect with hosts and visitors; ● maintain perspective.

3.0 CO-CURRICULAR AFFILIATION

Dubai American Academy is a member of the Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC).

Member schools include:

American Community School (ACS-AD) Abu Dhabi, UAE American School of Doha (AS – D) Doha, Qatar American School of Dubai (ASD) Dubai, UAE American Embassy School of Delhi (AES) Delhi, India ABA Oman (ABA) Muscat, Oman


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Dubai American Academy also plays regular matches against local UAE International Schools:

American School of Dubai (ASDubai) Dubai, UAE Universal American School (UAS) Dubai, UAE Dubai International Academy (DIA) Dubai, UAE GEMS World Academy (GWA) Dubai, UAE American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) Abu Dhabi, UAE American International School of Abu Dhabi (AISA) Abu Dhabi, UAE GEMS American Academy (GAA) Abu Dhabi, UAE

4.0 AGE GROUP DESCRIPTIONS All MESAC Activities are conducted at either the Varsity or Junior Varsity level. The terms Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) are used to denote age groups and have no reference to competition or skill level.

Junior Varsity: Limited to those students who are in grade 8 and above and are under sixteen years of age September 1st of the school year of participation.

Varsity: Usually limited to those students who are over 16 years of age and under 20 years of age September 1st of the school year of participation. A student may not participate after graduation from the twelfth grade. Students from Grade 9 and above only are eligible for Varsity teams.

DAA recognizes cases where a Grade 9 or Grade 10 Junior Varsity age student may possess the skills and maturity to compete successfully at the Varsity level. The Activities Director, Activity Coach/Sponsor and Administration will discuss such cases to determine the best placing for the student with consideration given to the fielding of all teams. A Junior Varsity aged student should preferably be a starter or a first substitute on the Varsity team. The Junior Varsity aged student(s) should receive more playing time than non playing time on the Varsity team.

5.0 ELIGIBILITY AND TRAVEL POLICIES

Students are eligible to participate in co-curricular activities under the following guidelines. Students may not receive an “F” in any subject. Students will earn a minimum grade point average of a C or 2.0 in all courses.

Eligibility will be tracked during the season of the activity. The “Eligibility Day” will be set at the beginning of each season. If a student is deemed eligible to participate on this given day they are deemed eligible to participate and travel for the remainder of the season. Report cards from the previous reporting period may also be used to determine eligibility.

When teachers turn in their grades for eligibility, any grades of D or lower will be noted by the teacher if they feel the students’ eligibility should be reviewed. Questions regarding participation may also occur if a student is involved in academic dishonesty, violates the disciplinary code or is excessively absent from school. The school is aware that each student has a specific set of needs – some excel academically, some excel athletically or artistically, some excel at both. The purpose of the School’s eligibility policy is not to deny students the opportunity to participate in an area where they excel due to poor academic performance. Rather, the goal is to review each student’s case and to make a decision based on input provided by the professional and personal counsel of the student’s teacher and parents. The principal will then make the decision for eligibility.


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The following factors will be taken into consideration:

● the student has been working to the best of his/her ability; ● all homework has been completed on a timely basis; ● the student demonstrates a want to improve; ● it is in the best interest of the student; ● illness or uncontrollable absence has negatively affected the student’s grade;

Dubai American Academy does not restrict the number of trips a student may take in any given school year. Consideration should be given and students should be counseled on the amount of school missed, cost considerations and the academic standing of the student. Students in MESAC sports and activities are limited to one MESAC sport or activity per season.

Students who are absent from school on school related activities are responsible for meeting with their teachers before and after the trip. A timeline should be established for completing missed schoolwork. Faculty members are encouraged not to schedule tests, quizzes and due dates for major assignments on the day the student returns to school. Students often have very little time for schoolwork on these trips. The Athletics/Activities Director will supply all travel dates as early as possible to assist faculty in planning.

Parents of the athletes are responsible for the entire cost of the trip (airfare, visas, tournament fees, food and beverage). Full payment must be received at least one week before the scheduled departure. Parents are additionally required to attend a pre travel meeting.

By accepting membership in a co curricular activity whereby the student is representing DAA at either a MESAC and/or locally hosted tournaments, the student and parents also accept responsibility for providing accommodation for visiting athletes.

Students travelling outside of the country on school sponsored trips need not report to school until 11 hours after the plane lands. If students are travelling within the UAE, they should report to school not later than 10 hours after arrival back at school.

It is the responsibility of the Teacher /Administrator in Charge of the trip to advise students at the airport for international trips, or at school for local trips, of the expected arrival time at school the following day. The trip administrator should also inform the HS/MS office of expected arrival times of students.

Absence or tardiness after this designated time will be considered unexcused and may result in a student being unable to participate in activities the following day.

In order for a student to participate in an after school activity they must be in attendance the last 2 classes during the school day. This applies to all DAA High and Middle School students who participate in or attend a High or Middle School MESAC activity, practice or match on a day they are absent from school. The Principal and/or Athletic Director will make the only exceptions to this procedure.


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6.0 CODE OF ETHICS FOR PLAYERS

The school requires athletes to: ● Conduct themselves (on and off the playing field) with honor, dignity and integrity at all times. ● Treat opponents as honored guests and fellow team members with respect. ● Be responsible for their studies/homework and maintain their academic eligibility

requirements. ● Accept seriously the responsibility and privilege of representing the school and be a positive

role model in and out of the classroom. ● Commit themselves to hard and dedicated practice, to the team and to their coach.

The game requires athletes to: ● Dedicate themselves to practice and training, and maintain a high level of fitness. ● Be punctual to all contests and practices; there is no room for excuses on a team. ● Be fair, honest and sportsmanlike at all times; no matter what the cost. ● Accept the decision of the official without question.

Sportsmanship demands that athletes: ● Recognize and applaud honestly and whole heartedly the efforts of their team or opponents

regardless of race, color or creed. ● Give opponents full credit when they win and congratulate them on their success, regardless

of your disappointment. ● Play hard at all times in spite of all hardships; good teams never give up, quit, complain or

argue with their teammates, coaches, officials or fans. ● Support and encourage their team members on the playing field, as a fan, in the hallways of

the school, in the classroom, and in the community.

7.0 CODE OF ETHICS FOR PARENTS AND FANS

The school expects parents and fans to: ● Conduct themselves as mature role models, supporting the team in a positive manner. ● Respect the decisions made by the game officials and tournament personnel. ● Cheer for their team whether they are successful or not and use phrases that are positive. ● Never “boo” the visiting team or cheer when the opposition performs poorly. ● Recognize outstanding performances on either side of the playing court

The athlete expects parents and fans to: ● Support the players, team, and coach regardless of the outcome of the match. ● Cheer in a positive manner at all times during the game. ● Not interfere with the coaching, officiating or practice routine of any team. ● Support the athletes with enthusiasm and composure.

Sportsmanship demands parents and fans to: ● React in a positive manner to a coaching or officiating decision that may seem questionable. ● Display only sportsmanlike behavior.


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● Treat visiting teams with respect. ● Cheer for both teams during the player introduction and at the end of the match.

8.0 PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION GUIDE The following section is designed for parents of athletes participating in the Dubai American Academy Athletic Program. Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children. As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program. Communication you should expect from your child’s coach:

1. Philosophy of the coach. 2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as all the players on the squad. 3. Locations and times of all practices and contests. 4. Team requirements, (i.e. competition fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning). 5. Procedure should your child be injured during participation. 6. Discipline that result in the denial of your child’s participation.

Communication coaches expect from parents:

1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach. 2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance (where possible). 3. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your children become involved in the program at Dubai American Academy, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged. APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES:

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically. 2. Ways to help your child improve. 3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

Coaches make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those that follow, must be left to the discretion of the coach. There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern. ISSUES THAT ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES;

1. Playing time 2. Team strategy


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3. Play calling 4. Other student-athletes.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach, athlete, and the parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern. THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES SHOULD BE USED IF THERE IS A CONCERN:

1. Student-athlete should first discuss concerns directly with coach 2. If parents/guardians still have concerns, they should contact the coach to make an

appointment. DO NOT confront a coach before, during or after a practice or game. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution.

3. If the conversation / meeting did not provide a satisfactory resolution, call and set up an appointment with the Athletic Director to discuss the situation with the coach. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.

Never hesitate to follow the above procedures to make your concerns known.

9.0 REQUIRED ATHLETIC FORMS and INFORMATION Student athletes must submit completed forms to the Athletic Director and ensure that their grades are acceptable before they can competitively compete for any team. Please print the following documents which are included in this handbook (pages 9-13), complete and turn into the Athletic Director before your child takes part in any DAA team.

❏ Host Family Consent (see below) ❏ Participation Consent (see below) ❏ MESAC Medical Release Form (see below) ❏ Housing Form (see below) ❏ Season Registration Google Form (given to athletes by coaches)


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MESAC RULES AND GUIDELINES

Each participant and his/her parent must sign and return this form before traveling or hosting, by so doing they acknowledge that they fully understand and agree to abide by these RULES & GUIDELINES.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Smoking, drinking alcohol, drug abuse, cheating, deceit, flagrant curfew violations and violations of the “off-limits” areas as well as aiding and abetting any of the above will not be permitted during any MESAC event. (4/01) When a student commits an infraction relating to alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, cheating, deceit, disrespect, flagrant curfew, “off limits” areas violations, as well as aiding and abetting any of the above, the following shall apply:

i. The student may no longer participate in that convention. ii The student will be sent home at his/her parents’ expense if it is feasible to do so. iii Upon return to school, the following consequences will apply:

● The student will be excluded from any MESAC season/activity that begins within this 40-day period.

● Consequences related to third sport season infractions may carry over to the following school year in cases of late discovery.

● Revocation of MESAC Awards: Students will be ineligible for any awards pertaining to the activity. ● Principal decides on consequences other than MESAC above. ● Other Individual School’s Consequences: Depending on the severity and specifics of the

infraction, individual MESAC schools may levy other consequences as per their school policy/handbooks, e.g. out-of-school suspension, exclusion from all MESAC events for one year.

iv. For a second offense, the student will automatically be excluded for one calendar year from all MESAC events, including the same convention the following year.

v. If at any time a student is suspended from further competition or involvement in an event, then the only results

affected will be those happening after the infraction, and all pre-infraction results will stand. vi Consequences will be carried over if the student transfers to another MESAC school.

2. Participants must notify coaches of hosts before leaving tournament/convention sites. Exploration of the local environment will not be permitted without the knowledge and consent of the host parent/guardian.

3. Under no circumstances may housing assignments be changed. 4. All visiting students must return to the host families’ house before curfew-as set by the host school. Telephone calls will be made to each student every night to ensure that all students have returned safely and on time. Once a student is in and has answered the curfew call he/she may not leave the house. Note, however, that should an event finish so late those students have less than one hour to make curfew, the curfew will be extended so that they have at least one hour.

5. All laws of the host country must be observed. Guidelines are to be provided by host schools as required. 6. The Tournament/Convention Director will take no disciplinary action without direct communication with the respective coach/sponsor or trip Administrator. 7. The host school will arrange transport to and from the airport as well as the tournament/convention site. 8. Any problems arising during the convention should be reported immediately to the host school for corrective measures. 9. Student medical release forms will be available at the convention site each day of the event.


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10. All students must carry their Tournament/Convention Identification Cards with them.

HOST FAMILIES 1. All host families will be provided with complete Tournament/Convention details (schedules, curfews, policies,

procedures, emergency phone numbers for coaches and important tournament personnel, etc.). 2. Host parents/guardians will not offer housing unless one of the parents/guardians is present for the duration of the

tournament/convention.

3. Hosts are expected to cooperate with Tournament/Convention Director in ensuring student compliance with all MESAC policies relating to participation.

4. Any student who shows reluctance to fully comply with the above rules and regulations shall be reported to the Tournament/Convention Director who will report the matter to the student’s coach and Administrator in Charge with the expectation that action will be taken.

_____________________________ _____________________________ ________________________________ STUDENT NAME (PRINT) STUDENT’S SIGNATURE PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

HOME PHONE: _________________________________________________

OFFICE PHONE: _________________________________________________

CELL PHONE: _________________________________________________

If a violation occurs on a school trip or during a co-curricular activity, the sponsor will inform DAA administration and impose one of the following consequences: 1. Notify the parents and place the student on the next available flight to Dubai at the student’s expense. 2. Remove the student from the host school housing and supervise them in a hotel at the student’s expense. 3. Allow the student to remain on the trip but not take part in the student activities. NOTE: Regardless of the action taken, upon returning to DAA, the student will be removed from the activity and all future participation in co-curricular activity participation will be evaluated. I understand and accept that these guidelines and procedures are the rules governing students during the time of participation, commencing with the first try-out and continuing until the conclusion of the season. Student Name: _______________________________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT) Student Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: ___________________


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PARTICIPATION CONSENT: My son/daughter has my permission to participate in any of the following MESAC sports and/or activities:

SEASON 1: September to November Varsity Volleyball Junior Varsity Volleyball Under 14 Volleyball Varsity Swimming Junior Varsity Swimming Under 14 Swimming Varsity Academic Games Junior Varsity Academic Games

SEASON 2: November to February Varsity Soccer Junior Varsity Soccer Under 14 Soccer Varsity Basketball Junior Varsity Basketball Under 14 Basketball Varsity Cross Country Junior Varsity Cross Country Under 14 Cross Country Varsity Tennis

SEASON 3: February to April Varsity Track and Field Junior Varsity Track and Field Under 14 Track and Field Varsity Badminton Junior Varsity Badminton Varsity Baseball Junior Varsity Baseball Varsity Softball Junior Varsity Softball Varsity Forensics Senior Fine Arts

HOUSING CONSENT: By accepting membership in a co-curricular activity, the student also accepts responsibility for providing accommodation for visiting teams. By being part of a Varsity/Junior Varsity MESAC squad (not necessarily on the travelling MESAC team) I understand that my child will be required to house visiting students as necessary. This may occur at anytime throughout the school year. Students who took part in MESAC activities the previous year in Season 3 may be asked to assist with housing. I understand that if my child takes part in more than one MESAC sport/activity they will be required to host more than once if necessary. The school recognizes that there are occasions when unusual circumstances or family situations exist that may prevent someone from upholding the reciprocal housing agreement. Please contact the Athletic Director in such a case so that continued co-curricular participation will not be adversely affected.

Participation and Housing consent: By signing here I give my consent to participation for my child in MESAC activities and agree to provide housing when required if my child is in Varsity and/or Junior Varsity squads. Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date:______________

General contact details: Name of Company: _____________________________ Office Phone Number: _________________________ Home Phone Number: ___________________________ Mobile Phone Number: ________________________ Parent email: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name: ______________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________ Passport Country (with UAE residency visa): _________________ Passport Number: _________________________


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MESAC MEDICAL RELEASE FORM Personal Data: Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Age: ___________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________________

Mother’s Name: ________________________________ Father’s Name: ______________________________

Mother’s Mobile: _______________________________ Father’s Mobile: _____________________________

Home Phone: ___________________________________ Office Phone: _______________________________

Insurance company ______________________________ Insurance Policy No. _________________________

Medication: List any medication(s) (name and dosage) that your son/daughter will be taking. 1) _________________________________________________________________________________________

2) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Please inform us of any medical problems or allergies that we should be aware of. 1) _________________________________________________________________________________________

2) _________________________________________________________________________________________

Does your child wear contact lenses? YES NO

Authorization for Medical Treatment: We, the undersigned, of Dubai American Academy, Dubai, UAE, do hereby authorize and empower any of the following persons named below to make any and all decisions concerning the medical and/or surgical care of our child _________________________________________________ (child’s name).

The following person(s) are authorized and empowered to-wit:

_______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Coach/Teacher’s Name) (Coach/Teacher’s Name)

All hospitals, clinics or other similar facilities, as well as all doctors, nurses, medics, paramedics or other medical personnel may rely on the decisions and authorizations of any of the above described person concerning whatever medical care or treatment, including surgical procedures, they deem necessary for our child. We agree to pay all costs, charges, and expenses incurred in relationship to providing this medical care and release Dubai American Academy and its representatives from responsibility for all costs on our behalf.

EXECUTED THIS DAY OF ____________________2015. Effective until June 25, 2016.

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Father’s Signature Mother’s Signature

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Print Full Name of Father Print Full Name of Mother


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Dubai American Academy

MESAC Housing Form 2015-2016

DAA Student Name (please print): ____________________________________________ Grade: _________ Name of Parents/Guardians (please print): ___________________________________________________________

Address (please print): ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Home phone: ________________________________ Work phone: _________________________________ Mobile phone: __________________________________________ I am the student’s (Circle one): MOTHER FATHER

Parent Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I am required to house visiting students for at least one of the following tournaments:

MESAC Varsity Volleyball - October 28th November 1st 2015 MESAC Junior Varsity Soccer - February 3rd February 7th 2016

My family would prefer to house:

⬜ Girls Only ⬜ Boys Only ⬜ Either (gender doesn’t matter)

In terms of pets, we have: ⬜ Cat(s) ⬜ Dog(s) ⬜ Other (please specify) ____________________________________________

We are vegetarian:

⬜ Yes ⬜ No

There are cigarette smokers in our home: ⬜ Yes ⬜ No

Additional Information that may be important to know for hosting students from another school: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that not housing may jeopardize my child’s participation in MESAC events. Students taking part in MESAC events at DAA will be required to house for that particular event.

Parent Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________


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Student Athlete Participation Handbook

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