2016-2017 MS Athletics Handbook

2016-2017 MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK

The American School of Dubai, an independent not for profit American community school, offers what is the best about American education to provide learning experiences designed to promote the maximum potential of its students.

OUR MISSION The American School of Dubai’s mission is to challenge and inspire each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world.

CORE VALUES Compassion | Excellence | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility STUDENT PROFILE Thinker | Communicator | Contributor | Learner | Leader & Role Model CONTACT P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, UAE +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org

Contents Message from the Athletics Department

4

ASD Athletics quick facts and contact details

5

ASD Athletics Department Philosophy

6

ASD Team Philosophies

7

Overview of the 2016/2017 Athletics Season

Joining a Middle School Team

8 9

The ASD Student-Athlete Tryouts Team Placement at a Level Other Than the Designated Age or Grade Level Player Code of Conduct and Contract Academic Eligibility Policies

11 12

Uniform & Equipment Policy Athletic Uniform Deposit

14

Practice & Competitions Participation

14

Playing Time

14

Dress Code on Game or Travel Day

14

Class Attendance Policy on Game or Travel Days

15

Dropping out of a Sport

15

Participating on an Outside Team

15

13 13 13

Leagues & Tournaments EAC JEAC

15

Travel Local Travel Insurance Epipen Medical Notice

16

Celebrations and Awards Middle School Ambassador’s Sports Awards The ASD Scholar Athlete Award

16

The ASD Parent

Supporting the ASD Falcons

Code of Ethics for Parents & Fans

17

The ASD Coach

18

ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook | 3

QUICK FACTS & CONTACT DETAILS The Athletics Department is responsible for after school sports and competitive interscholastic teams. This includes the Mini Falcons, JF6 MS Junior Falcons, MS Falcons, Junior Varsity and Varsity sports programs including golf, dance, swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, tennis, wrestling, cross country, cheer, softball, baseball, badminton, and track & field.

The Aquatics Department is responsible for running a competitive swim program for elementary, middle and high school students. This also includes coaching the Middle School, JV and Varsity swim teams.

The Physical Education Department is responsible for teaching required physical education courses, in school intramural competitions, and special events such as Sport Days.

The Campus Recreation Department is responsible for recreation based activities, intramurals, and pay per session training programs which include a variety of sport-centered activities.

Dear ASD parents and students, I warmly welcome you to another exciting year of Falcon athletics. Building off of the success of the previous year we look forward to the 2016-2017 school year as an opportunity for our student athletes to work towards athletic and academic excellence.

The Booster Club is responsible for supporting and encouraging ASD athletes and coaches as well as fostering school spirit within the community. Booster volunteers participate in a variety of ways including organizing concessions for ASD hosted tournaments, selling spirit merchandise, helping to organize the seasonal recognition events and raising funds to support scholarships and the athletic program.

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

As we approach the new athletic season we do have some changes to our program. The changes implemented will see greater opportunities for our student body to become involved in the ASD athletic program as well as providing more focus at each stage of their development.

Joe Byles Tel: 04 395 0005 ext. 1810 jbyles@asdubai.org

First, the U-14 label for our teams has been removed as we move forward as a Middle School athletics program.

The September 1st date of birth eligibility cut off has been eliminated and students will be eligible for Middle School athletics in Grades 6-8.

Mark Buschini Tel: 04 395 0005 ext. 1818 mbuschini@asdubai.org

The athletics program continues to expand the number of offerings to our student body as we move forward with two programs, the MS Falcons and the MS Junior Falcons. The MS Falcons is a select program participating in the Emirates Athletic Conference (EAC). The MS Junior Falcons is a select program providing athletic opportunities to a wider range of student athletes, continuing the development started at the JF6 level. The MS Junior Falcons will compete in invitational and local competitions.

Jill Spinks Tel: 04 395 0005 ext. 1820 jspinks@asdubai.org

Lastly, the Emirates Athletic Conference (EAC) will return after a year hiatus. Local exchanges between member schools will take place during the season with a final culminating tournament taking place at the end of the season.

The changes outlined will see increased opportunities and ultimately more students involved in our program. The athletic department looks forward to a successful year and would like to encourage all student-athletes to set high goals at every level of participation. Represent yourself and your school with ‘Falcon Pride’ as we strive to meet our common goal of excellence.

GO FALCONS!

Mark Buschini

ASD Associate Athletics Director 4 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

SCHOOL COLORS Red, White, Grey & Black MASCOT Falcon

We at the American School of Dubai believe that a dynamic program of student athletics is vital to the educational development of the student as a whole, while offering opportunities to serve and strengthen the community. More specifically, interscholastic athletic programs offer students the opportunity to experience the educational benefits of athletic competition while adding to our school spirit and developing lifelong values.

We believe that: • Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility are to be emphasized, and are representative of a quality athletics program.

• Teams representing ASD should exhibit excellence in skill, discipline, teamwork, as well as pride in themselves and in the program.

• Interscholastic athletics is a component of the total education opportunity offered at ASD.

• Coaches and participants should strive at all levels to develop and display the attitudes of sportsmanship, good citizenship, and loyalty to teams and school.

• Participation on a team will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the student profile.

• Winning and losing are secondary over how the game was played and how we represent ourselves, and our school.

• The coaching staff selects all members of a team based on the necessary attitude, knowledge, skills and experience to compete.

• Every student should have an opportunity to become involved in the athletic program; if not as an athlete, then in other capacities such as student coaches, student broadcasting, photography, mascot and supporter.

• Both athletics and academics together help achieve our philosophical objectives.

• Interscholastic athletics are voluntary and not required, and because those participating represent the entire school community; academic eligibility requirements set by the school as well as adherence to the ASD Athletic Code are requirements for participation.

ASD Athletics Philosophy Our philosophy has and always will be to provide the opportunity for all our students to participate in as many sports as possible in order to emphasize the team spirit for the athletic department as a whole.

Our program will have the best possible facilities and equipment, and will be operated in a first class manner. We intend to continue a winning attitude but at the same time keep in mind our primary

goals, which are to teach self-control and good sportsmanship. We also keep in mind the values of learning responsibility, daily needs of our athletes and look to carryover values which will remain for a lifetime. By being involved in ASD athletics, students will benefit from an experience that will make him/her a better person for having participated.

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The Middle School Athletics Program There are several opportunities for MS students to participate as a member of an ASD athletic team. ASD currently offers three distinct programs to Middle School students. JF6, MS Junior Falcons and MS Falcons programs cater to a variety of student-athletes in a number of sports.

6 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

Middle School Athletics Season Overview The following list includes sports for the 2016/2017 academic year: nA t the MS Falcons level, teams participate in the Emirates Athletics Conference (EAC). nM S Junior Falcons participate in invitationals and local competitions n J F6 participate in the Junior Emirates Athletics Conference (JEAC) nS tudents are eligible for MS Falcons and Junior Falcons teams from Grade 6 to 8. nS tudents are eligible for the JF6 Program in Grade 6

Season

JF6

MS Junior Falcons

MS Falcons

1

2

3

Soccer

Track & Field

Basketball

Season: September 25 - November 5 Season: November 27 - January 28

Season: April 17 - May 20

Online Sign-up: August 24 - September 15

Online Sign-up: November 1 - 17

Online Sign-up: March 16 - April 10

Swim, Volleyball

Basketball, Soccer

Season: August 29 - October 29

Season: November 13 - February 4

Online Sign-up: August 18-25

Online Sign-up: November 2-9

Tryouts: August 29 - 31

Tryouts: November 13 - 15

Dance, Swim, Volleyball

Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Wrestling

Track & Field

Season: August 29 - October 29

Season: November 13 - January 25

Season: February 12 - March 23

Online Sign-up: August 18-25

Online Sign-up: November 2-9

Online Sign-up: February 2-8

Tryouts: August 29 - 31

Tryouts: November 13 - 15

Tryouts: February 12 - 14

Joining a Middle School Sports Team Middle School students will receive an informational bulletin, and announcements leading up to their season. The bulletin and announcement has a link attached to sign up online one week prior to the start of the season. Students should report for tryouts on the predetermined date and after two days of skill assessment, coaches start forming squads.

Parents should expect that every candidate is treated fairly and given every consideration. Coaches are sensitive to feelings of disappointment and will handle the task of forming squads as positively as possible. Coaches are available to answer any questions an athlete may have. While we understand that being cut

is disappointing for many athletes and their parents, unfortunately we cannot place everyone. Any athlete cut from a team is welcome to try out again next season or to try another sport. When parents and athletes understand and support the coach’s decision, this difficult process becomes a growing experience for all.

Students must understand that by committing to a team they are a valuable member of that team.The team cannot move forward and progress without a full team in attendance. If conflicts in schedules occur then the opportunity may be given to another student who is able to fully commit to the program.

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JF6 Athletics Overview The JF6 program is offered to students in Grade 6 only. The JF6 teams participate in the Junior Emirates Athletic Conference (JEAC) in the sports of soccer, basketball, and track and field. The JF6 program is an all inclusive program continuing to focus on the development started in the Mini Falcons program and to introduce concepts of healthy and safe competition. Ability levels are identified in order to create heterogeneous teams in preparation for competition and jamborees. The emphasis is still focused on fundamental skill development and character development with an introduction to competition in preparation for the selective school programs beginning at the MS Junior Falcons and MS Falcons level.

n JF6 teams participate in the Junior Emirates Athletic Conference (JEAC) n Students are eligible for JF6 teams in Grade 6. nA thletes who were a team member of a MS Junior Falcons or MS Falcons basketball team are ineligible to play JF6 basketball.

Season

Sport

Practices Per Week

JEAC Jamboree

1

JF6 Soccer

2

November 5 @ UAS

2

JF6 Track & Field

2

January 28 @ GWA

3

JF6 Basketball

2

May 20 @ AISA

Students must understand that committing to a team, they are a valuable member of that team. The team cannot move forward and progress without a full team in attendance. If conflicts in schedules occur then playing opportunities may be given to another student who is able to fully commit to the program.

8 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

MS Junior Falcons Athletics Overview The MS Junior Falcons program is offered to students in grade 6-8 as a select program participating in local games and scrimmages as well as some invitational tournaments. The MS Junior Falcons program is only offered in the sports of swimming, volleyball, basketball and soccer. The focus of the MS Junior Falcons teams is to provide athletic opportunities to a wider range of student-athletes and to continue the development started in our JF6 program.

The MS Junior Falcons is a selective program in nature with the emphasis on continued skill development and character development. Within reason, playing time is more important than winning and losing.

nM S Junior Falcons teams participate in local games and scrimmages as well as some invitational tournaments.

n Students are eligible for MS Junior Falcons teams from Grade 6-8.

Season

Sport

Practices Per Week

Invitational

1

Swim

3-4

TBD

1

Volleyball

2-3

TBD

2

Basketball

2-3

February 3-4

2

Soccer

2-3

February 3-4

Students must understand that committing to a team, they are a valuable member of that team. The team cannot move forward and progress without a full team in attendance. If conflicts in schedules occur then the opportunity may be given to another student who is able to fully commit to the program.

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MS Falcons Athletics Overview The MS Falcons program is offered to students in Grades 6-8 as a select program participating in the Emirates Athletic Conference (EAC). Sports offered consist of swimming, volleyball, dance, basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field. Teams compete throughout the season with other UAE American schools with the season culminating in the EAC Championship Tournament. The focus of the MS Falcons teams is to provide the student-athlete with proper skills and fundamentals to develop them for the next level of participation. It is our intent to provide playing time for all qualified team members.

Season

Sport

Practices Per Week

Major Competitions

EAC Tournament

1

Dance

4-5

MS Home Games

October 15 - Performance at MS Invitational

1

Swim

4-5

October 7 @ UAS October 15 @ Hamdan October 29 @ ASD

October 21 @ GWA

1

Volleyball

2-3

October 15 (boys) @ ASD October 15 (girls) @ GAA

October 22 @ ACS

2

Basketball

2-3

January 7 (boys) @ UAS January 7 (girls) @ GWA

January 20 (girls) @ GWA January 21 (boys) @ GWA

2

Cross Country

3-4

January 6 @ GWA January 13 @ ACS

January 20 @ DAA (Hatta Fort)

2

Soccer

2-3

January 7 @ UAS

January 21 @ ASD

3

Track & Field

3-4

March 2 @ NYU Abu Dhabi March 11 @ ACS

March 18 @ UAS

Students must understand that committing to a team, they are a valuable member of that team. The team cannot move forward and progress without a full team in attendance. If conflicts in schedules occur the opportunity may be given to another student who is able to fully commit to the program.

10 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

The ASD Student-Athlete Being a member of an ASD interscholastic team is a privilege to be earned and maintained throughout the season. Each time participants visit a school, step onto a practice field, or compete in a contest he/she is expected to represent themselves, their family, their team and the ASD community in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner. Every athlete will have not only the athletic capability but the academic worthiness to participate in the sport of their choice.

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TRYOUTS At the beginning of each sport season, a three day tryout process will occur. Each student is required to sign up online one week prior to the start of the tryouts. Students should report for tryouts on the predetermined dates and after two days of skill assessment, coaches start forming squads. Students wanting to tryout for a JV team must attend MS tryouts and wait for an invitation to attend the JV Tryout from the JV coach.

Season

1

2

3

Sports

Dance, Golf (Gr8), Swim, Volleyball

Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis (Gr8), Wrestling

Badminton (Gr8), Baseball (Gr8), Softball (Gr8), Track & Field

Season Dates

August 29 - November 12

November 13 - February 12

February 12 - April 16

Online Sign-up

August 18 - 25

November 2 - 9

February 2 - 8

Tryout Dates

August 29 - 31

November 13 - 15

February 12 - 14

Student-athletes have a right to know the standards upon which participants are selected for a team. All student-athletes must have an opportunity (at least two days) to demonstrate their skill and abilities before cuts are made in any sport. Upon request the coach will meet each individual and attempt to explain reasons why he/ she did not make the team.

Parents should expect that every candidate is treated fairly and given every consideration. Coaches are sensitive to feeling of disappointment and will handle the task of forming squads as positively as possible. Coaches are available to answer any questions an athlete may have. While we understand that being cut is disappointing for many athletes and their parents, unfortunately we cannot place everyone. Any athlete cut from a team is welcome to tryout again next season. When parents and athletes understand and support the coach’s decision, this difficult process becomes a less painful and growing experience for all.

12 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

TEAM PLACEMENT AT A LEVEL OTHER THAN THE DESIGNATED AGE OR GRADE LEVEL Student-athletes will begin try-outs with their own age or grade level. After consultation with coaches, the head coach will recommend any level change to the Athletics Director for approval. If administrative approval is granted, the head coach will discuss the move with the player and parents of the player. If all parties agree that the move is in the overall best interest of the player, team, and program, then the move will be allowed.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONTRACT All students are expected to abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the American School of Dubai, Emirates Athletics Conference and Junior Emirates Athletics Conference. All Middle School players and their parents must read and sign a copy of the Players Code Card, which is issued to team members at the beginning of each season. The Code Card includes the Athletics Code, participation consent, medical release, contract and medical forms. This Players Code Card is to be returned to the Athletics Department and will be kept on file for the duration of the school year.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICIES It is an honor to represent ASD, not a right.

Students participating in co-curricular programs are considered to be in positions of leadership. They represent the school and the community.

Students are not eligible to participate in athletics activities when: n this is a condition of their Academic Improvement Plan n Students may also be ineligible due to suspension or any serious behavior infractions Students will be assessed for eligibility before the beginning of each season. Report card grades will be used to determine eligibility when possible.

Communication of eligibility will be provided by the Athletics Department.

In addition, students must demonstrate punctuality and regular attendance at school. Any student deemed to have excessive tardiness or absences from school or individual classes may also be ineligible to participate in athletics activities. In every case, a student must be in school on the day of an after school event, and in school the day before an away trip in order to participate.

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UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT POLICY Student-athletes are responsible for any uniforms and equipment issued to them by the Athletic Department. Student-athletes are expected to keep all issued items clean and in good condition.

Families are financially responsible for all items issued and will reimburse the Athletic Department for all items not returned within one week after the season. They will not be permitted to try out for another sport unless all items issued are returned and/or paid for.

In addition, any refusal to adhere to this policy will prohibit eligibility for athletic awards. Student-athletes are to wear only athletic department approved equipment.

Athletic Uniform Deposit A single athletic uniform set can cost over AED 1400 to replace; other team uniforms may cost as little as AED 400. Each player is required to pay a AED 500 Athletic Uniform Deposit. This fee is due upon notice of being selected for the team and is refundable to the student-athlete upon return of the players’ individual uniform in good condition. No athletic uniform will be given out to any studentathlete prior to receiving their deposit.

The athletic uniform deposit is to be paid at the ASD Business Office. The deposit will be held until the end of the sport season and student-athlete has returned his / her uniform in good condition. If the uniform is not returned or damages have occurred, this deposit will be applied towards the cost of replacement of the athletic uniform item. Should the cost of the lost or damaged athletic uniform exceed the deposit, the student-athlete will be informed of the replacement cost of the uniform and balance owing (less the initial deposit) will be charged.

PRACTICE & COMPETITIONS PARTICIPATION Practices, competitions, and attending corresponding team events are mandatory for all student-athletes. Absences should be avoided whenever possible. Anyone missing a practice or an event without permission from his/her coach will be unexcused. Two unexcused absences could be grounds for dismissal from the team. Excused school attendance will be considered an excused absence.

Student-athletes are expected to attend 100% of practices and competitions. If a student-athlete’s attendance falls below an 85% attendance record they may be ineligible to participate in games and tournaments regardless if the event is a home competition or away.

In addition, the student-athlete is not allowed to leave the sporting event until all ASD teams have finished playing. It is the responsibility of all players to support their fellow ASD student-athletes.

PLAYING TIME Participating on an athletic team is a privilege, not a right. The coach determines playing time based on the following: respect, attitude, self-discipline, coachability, knowledge of the sport, and athletic talent.

DRESS CODE ON GAME OR TRAVEL DAY Student-athletes should wear appropriate attire on game day so as to represent our school and team properly. (e.g. white dress shirt with red tie or red travel polo, khaki or black dress slacks/skirt, closed-toe dress shoes) Each coach will impose the set guidelines for a dress code at their discretion, with administrative approval.

14 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY ON GAME OR TRAVEL DAYS Blocks Practice 1 2 3 4

Must be present 1/2 day Must be present 1/2 day

Games

Tournaments

Travel Teams

Must be present full day

Must be present the day before competitions

Must be present all periods prior to departure

DROPPING OUT OF A SPORT When a student-athlete decides to participate in a sport, and is selected for a team, the Athletic Department and coaches expect the student-athlete to complete the season. If there are extenuating circumstances during the season which necessitate dropping a sport, the student-athlete must consult the coach and explain the circumstances. Depending on the circumstances, the student-athlete may be granted a release by the Athletic Director to participate in the next season. If a student-athlete decides to quit a sport or is dismissed for disciplinary reasons that individual will be deemed ineligible to participate in the following sports season.

PARTICIPATING ON AN OUTSIDE TEAM Student-athletes of an ASD team must remember that their first commitment is to their school sponsored team. Practice and competitions with the school team come before any outside team, unless given prior approval. Should the student-athlete violate this policy, it could be grounds for dismissal.

LEAGUES & TOURNAMENTS EAC MS Falcons participate in a local league, the Emirates Athletics Conference (EAC). EAC is a local league consisting of four member schools within the UAE. EAC organizes weekly competitive exchanges amongst the member schools and a one-day championship tournament during the latter part of the season.

Members of the EAC include: American School of Dubai (ASD); American Community School - Abu Dhabi (ACS); Dubai American Academy (DAA); Gems World Academy (GWA); Universal American School (UAS) - affiliate member JEAC The JF6 program participate in a local league, the Junior Emirates Athletic Conference (JEAC). JEAC is a local league consisting of 8 member schools within the UAE. JEAC organizes exchanges amongst member schools throughout the season and a one-day Jamboree during the latter part of the season.

Members of the JEAC include: American School of Dubai (ASD); American Community School Abu Dhabi (ACS); American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA); Collegiate American School (CAS); Dubai American Academy (DAA); Gems American Academy (GAA) ; Gems World Academy (GWA); Universal American School (UAS)

ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook | 15

TRAVEL

CELEBRATIONS AND AWARDS

Local Travel The ASD athletics program covers all costs associated with local transportation to and from all EAC, JEAC, invitational and MESAC competitions.

Each season the JF6, MS Junior Falcons and MS Falcons have an end of season celebration to acknowledge all student-athletes for their dedication and commitment to the ASD Athletics program.

Student-athletes will receive a certificate of participation from the athletics department and a team photograph gifted by the Booster Club. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Insurance As stated in the Players Code Card, the parent agrees to pay all costs, charges and expenses incurred in relationship to providing medical care and releases The American School of Dubai and its representatives from responsibility for all medical costs.

Private travel and medical insurance is an individual family responsibility for seeking out coverage prior to the given travel dates.

Epipen Medical Notice Any student requiring an epipen is responsible for carrying and supplying the necessary epipens for games or tournaments.

16 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

Middle School Ambassador’s Sports Awards Presented to a middle school girl and boy who, in the opinion of the coaches, have made a major contribution to the ASD athletics program. Areas considered include sportsmanship, attitude, skills and the ability to get along with peers and coaches. These awards are presented at the Middle School end of year recognition assembly.

The ASD Scholar Athlete Award This award goes to an outstanding scholar/athlete. The recipient will have a final year average of at least Proficient in all strands in all subjects and a high standard of athletics ability, participation in school sports, and sense of sportsmanship. The faculty nominates students and ranks them according to academic ability and achievement. The athletics department nominates three athletes.

The recipient is decided upon in a group meeting.

The ASD Parent At ASD parents are vital in order to make our Athletic Department the best it can be. Parents are called upon to volunteer to support the coaches and sport teams throughout the year.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PARENTS & FANS Parents have a vital role in their child’s life and being a fan is one of them. Parents want the very best for their son/daughter and being a positive and supportive role model is one of them.

Parents should: n Conduct themselves as mature role models, supporting the team in a positive manner. n Respect the decisions made by the game officials and tournament personnel. n Cheer for their team whether they are successful or not and use phrases that are positive and uplifting. n Never boo the visiting team or cheer when the opposition makes a bad play or performs poorly. n Recognize outstanding performances on both sides of the playing court.

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

Sportsmanship demands parents and fans to: n React in a respective manner to a coaching or officiating decision that may seem questionable. n Treat visiting teams with respect. n Cheer for both teams during the player introduction and at the end of the match.

BOOSTER CLUB The ASD Booster Club is a parent volunteer organization that supports the Athletics Department by raising funds, organizing volunteers, staffing concession stands and providing opportunities for community events. All parents of ASD student-athletes are considered a member of the Booster Club. An elected governing board coordinates the efforts of the Booster Club, but all parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer and participate in Booster events.

4 Hours of Power The Booster Club asks all parents of student-athletes to volunteer 4 hours a season in support of the team, students and Athletics Department. The Booster Club organizes a number of ways to support ASD student-athletes and the Athletics Department such as: Team Parents • Representing ASD at events • Falcon’s Nest concession stand • Spirit Store • Decorating athletes’ lockers • Organizing team photos • Planning recognition events • Hosting visiting coaches during EAC and MESAC Information regarding the Booster Club is on the Athletics website, or you can contact the Booster Club at booster@asdubai.org ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook | 17

The ASD Coach Coaches can be the most influential aspect of a young person’s life and with that comes a great deal of responsibility. Because of our commitment to excellence, coaches at ASD become one of the most important components of our athletic program. Coaches are responsible for modeling positive behavior and attitude at all times.

Coaches are both a participant and teacher at the same time.

In order to be considered an effective coach and role model, our coaches must be knowledgeable in their sport, prepared, motivating, and able to make adjustments during competition. In short, coaches have great responsibility and opportunity to mold young lives.

COACHES MUST: n Act professionally at all times. Remember that their first interest is the students, second is the school and last any ego. n Keep open lines of communication with their players, parents and the Athletic Department at all times, concerning all matters. n Act as a liaison between players and their teachers if additional tutoring is needed for academic success. n Know and follow rules and regulations set by the American School of Dubai.

is required to have a welcome letter from the coach. Training videos, encouragement, reminders, and team photos may also be added. n Keep accurate attendance records of practices, games, and corresponding games. This attendance is required by the Athletic Department when submitting the End of Season Report.

ASD CONSIDERS THE FOLLOWING WHEN APPRAISING ITS COACHES n Was the season a positive experience for the athlete? n Did the players learn and improve throughout the season? n Did the individuals and team represent the school in an exemplary fashion?

Success is measured if the above criteria are met. Wins and championships take care of themselves and will occur if and when everything else falls into place.

Coaches are to be respected and not be judged on the basis of record. Both winning and losing are contingent upon available talent, injuries, the schedule and any number of factors.

n Work with the Associate Athletics Director on issues and concerns and follow directions set forth by the Associate Athletics Director. n Complete all paperwork that is required by the Athletic Department to allow our students to participate in JEAC and EAC by the predetermined date.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR COACHES

n Create, post and follow meaningful practice schedules throughout the season to allow for the improvement of our athletes.

n Inspires the student-athletes to love the game and to compete fairly.

n Make sure players are prepared for all upcoming events. n Supervise teams during practice and games. Coaches will teach and model good sportsmanship to student-athletes as well as what it means to be gracious in both victory and defeat through both words and actions. n Maintain and update the team page on Haiku. The team page 18 | ASD Middle School Athletics Handbook

n Treats players as well as opponents with respect. n Models good sportsmanship at all times. n Disciplines team members who display unsportsmanlike behavior. n Understands that the athletic arena is an extension of the classroom. n Respects the official’s judgment and interpretation of the rules. n Understands that student-athletes are students first and athletes second.

P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, UAE | +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org