There are two ways to do anything in life - with class or without class. Class doesn't make you any less a competitor, nor any less aggressive. You do not lose your edge by having class.

Class actually gives you an edge on our opponent. You have poise that will allow you to concentrate more, and by concentrating more, you'll win more.

What is class? It is something that is hard to define but easy to recognize. It's being a good person, always taking responsibility and showing consideration for the consequences your actions have for others. It's having humility, poise, confidence and, above all, tremendous pride. People with class handle victory and defeat in the same way - graciously, with their heads held high. They do not brag in victory or make excuses in defeat.

If you have class, you don't need much of anything else. If you don't have it, whatever else you have won't make up the difference.

Fame, fortune, trophies, etc. are all fine, but they alone can't give you class. Only you can give yourself that. Only you can give yourself class.

Ten Commandments of Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is key to a successful program. Sportsmanship not only applies to the participants but to the spectators, too.

1. "Golden Rule" - Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

2. Enjoy yourself and promote enjoyment for others.

3. Be responsible for your actions.

4. Have an open mind to others' weaknesses and have a forgiving attitude.

5. Have pride in one's performance and one's school.

6. Be a friend, not an enemy and create a positive environment.

7. Encourage others to do or be their best.

8. Sportsmanship should be contagious.

9. Remember it is a privilege to participate.

10. Practice sportsmanship in all situations at all costs.

Source: University of Texas Website

Foundation of Trust

AIS Athletic Contract

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I understand that participating on an athletic team is my choice.

I understand that it is a privilege to represent AIS as an athlete on and off the playing field, and I agree to do so in the best manner possible. I will practice good sportsmanship at all times.

I realize that participating in competitive sports requires a time commitment which I am willing to assume. I will attend practice regularly and compete to the best of my ability.

I will maintain satisfactory academic standards while on the team. I understand that it is my responsibility to keep up with all aspects of my school work, to advise teachers of my pending absences, and to arrange for any make-up work or tests. I will confer with teachers and my coach if I believe my school work is suffering due to my participation in sports to seek their help in maintaining a balance between sports and academics. I understand the procedures concerning academic eligibility attached to the Athletic Manual.

I understand that the use of illegal drugs have an adverse affect on athletic performance and will not be tolerated and will result in immediate suspension from the team. I understand that I will also be referred to the Principal for further disciplinary action.

I understand that alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco have an adverse affect on athletic performance and that there will be consequences as stated in the Athletes Manual and I will abstain from drinking alcohol and using any form of tobacco.

I understand that an athlete demonstrates a high standard of ethics, a commitment to the team and coach and respects the training rules set out at the beginning of each season.

I have read the AIS Athletes' Manual 2007-2008 and I realize that there will be consequences to incorrect choices that I may make that violate this foundation of trust and understand that this may risk suspension from the team for the rest of the season.

____________________________ ____________________________

Athlete's Signature/Date Parent's Signature/Date

School Mission Statement

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Through a rigorous and dynamic American international curriculum, AIS, a private secular school in Israel, inspires each student to cultivate a respect for diversity, develop a passion for life-long learning, achieve academic potential, assume leadership, contribute actively to society, and resolve conflict through dialogue and understanding.

Within the school sports program, young people learn the values associated with discipline, performing under stress, teamwork, sacrifice, commitment, effort, accountability, citizenship, sportsmanship, confidence, leadership, organizational skills, physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth, striving towards excellence, and many other characteristics that come quickly to the mind of any educator. If interscholastic athletics are to be justified as school activities, then values such as these must be the priorities of every program. Ethics, playing within the spirit of the rules, good sportsmanship (which is good citizenship) must be woven into the fabric of the school athletic program.

This is in keeping with the following extracts from the School Mission Statement:

The purposes of The Walworth Barbour American International School are:

CORE VALUES

We believe:

Ø Our community’s strength resides both in its unity and in its diversity

Ø Each person as a member of the human family has a responsibility to contribute to the common good of society.

Ø A community is strengthened when individuals take responsibility for their own choices and actions.

Ø Each person is of equal worth and has the right to be treated with respect, compassion, and honesty.

Ø Human accomplishment is achieved through rigor, perseverance and commitment to life-long learning.

Ø A safe and nurturing environment is essential for human development.

At A.I.S., Israel, the following philosophy:

Everyone and anyone can be an athlete.

is the most important basic premise.

Students' Expectations & Responsibilities

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Athletic Code and Code of Conduct and Eligibility Standards

The fundamental principle of competitive activities and sports is to enhance the total education of youth. The program should be an integral part of the school curriculum and both promote and supplement the regular program. An athlete is a natural role model for other students and should therefore reflect positive and wholesome attitudes and values, not only on the field, but in every aspect of school life.

Code of Ethics

At all times an athlete will -

· demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play

· show that he/she values physical fitness

· maintain academic commitment throughout the year

· aim for excellence

· be respectful of self and others

· be committed to individual and team excellence.

· Be respectful of team coaches.

· Support and respect team members, officials and opponents.

· Attend all team meetings and practices (unless excused by coach).

· Begin practice within one week of commencement of the season. After one week, participation is at the discretion of the individual coach. An athlete who is dismissed from a team is ineligible to join a different team during the same season. An athlete who wishes to drop a sport and join another sport during the same season may do so within two weeks of the commencement of the season.

· Refrain from using alcohol or tobacco at any time during an athletic season.

General Information

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Athletic Physical Examination

A student wishing to engage in interscholastic competition will complete a form stating that he/she has been examined by a physician in the past 6 months and he/she was found physically able to participate fully in strenuous, school level sports during the school year. (Form in Athletic Office).

Accident Procedures

When an injury is sustained, the athlete must notify the coach immediately.

The coach must inform the athlete to notify the nurse within 24 hours to complete a report, particularly if a visit to a physician is required.

The coach should check with the nurse to complete any information needed for the report.

If the athlete seeks medical attention, the physician will bill the athlete's parents directly.

First Aid Supplies for Medical Kits

Each coach will see that he has a fully supplied First Aid Kit, available from the Nurse or the Director of Athletics.

Safety

Due to the competitive nature of varsity sports, the following safety guidelines will be adhered to:

Soccer

Shin-Guards (required)

Correct footwear (required)

Mouth-guards (recommended)

Correct footwear (required)

Cups (recommended)

Swimming

Bathing Cap

Goggles

Personal training equipment

Volleyball

Correct footwear (required)

Knee pads (required)

Floor Hockey

Correct footwear (required)

Mouth guard (recommended)

Baseball & Softball

Baseball cap (required)

Long pants (required)

* Varsity: cleats (required)

* Little League & Softball: cleats (recommended)

Protective cup

* Varsity Baseball (required) for infielders,

(recommended) for outfielders

* Little League (required) for catcher

Tennis

Correct footwear (required)

Basketball

Correct footwear (required)

Cross Country

Correct footwear (required)

Drugs & All Illegal Substances

In accordance with the school policy, “no student/athlete, regardless of age, shall possess, give, receive, purchase, sell or distribute any illicit drug, or consume, or be under the influence of any illicit drug or alcohol in any of the following instances:

a. on school property

b. on a school bus

c. during the course of any school-sponsored activity such as an athletic contest, field trip, or social functions.

According to school policy, anyone violating this rule will be subjected to an expulsion hearing.

Alcohol & Tobacco

Any violation of the alcohol and tobacco rule (see “Training Rules”) will be subject to the following consequences:

1st offense - suspension from first two games or all games for ten days. In addition, the athlete must make contact with a school counselor. The athlete will not be able to resume play until they have met with the counselor.

2nd offense - off the team.

Once a student has been removed from a team, in order to participate in another AIS team, the student is required to participate in an acceptable counseling program for twenty school days (approved by Athletic Director, Coach and Administration).

Care of Equipment

Athletes will assume responsibility for all issued equipment. At the end of the season this equipment will be assessed for any lost or damaged item, and athletes will be ineligible to participate in the following season until all equipment has been returned and all obligations have been met. Issued equipment will be worn only when participating in competition. No equipment will be taken without the consent of the coach.

Academic Eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in sports or extra-curricular activities, students must maintain an overall grade point average of 70%, have no failing grades (below 60%) and not be on academic probation.

Field Trips

Parents are asked to sign one form at the beginning of the school year to cover all athletic trips. Coaches are required to receive a signed parental/guardian permission slip for every athlete who tries out for a team. The parent permission form details the school policy regarding insurance.

Forms

All forms to be found in the Athletics Office

Accident Report

Athletic Code

Parental Permission

AIS Community Leagues

AIS Community Fun Run Registration Form

I.S.S.T. Rules and Guidelines

I.S.S.T. Information Forms

Practice Sessions

Practices are 2 or 3 x weekly with optional training on Sundays and flexibility on Wednesdays to allow for other club meetings.

Athletes should be effectively conditioned to compete at a demanding pace.

Transportation

Transportation to and from games is arranged through the Athletic Director. Little League transportation is arranged through the team parents. All transportation requests must be scheduled through the Athletic Office. The coach must provide the following information:

Day and date of trip

Destination

Exact time and place of departure

Estimated pick-up time after the contest

Number of students to be transported

Coaches will accompany the team to all away contests.

Teams traveling to I.S.S.T.

A send-off for all traveling teams is arranged by the Student Council before departure.

Traveling teams must be in school on the day after their return. All athletes attending an overseas Athletic program must travel with the team, or with an approved adult.

Try Outs

The basic philosophy that is followed at AIS is that everyone and anyone can be an athlete. With this in mind there are no tryouts and no-one is actually cut from any of the teams, provided that the student adheres to all requirements set by the coach and the Athletic Code. However, the most committed athletes will be chosen to represent AIS in the overseas final tournament.

Weekly Information

Training information and game schedules will be printed in the Weekly Newsletter, as well as well as being posted on the AIS Website.

In order to place announcements in the weeklies, please give a written announcement to Athletic Director by 3:00 p.m. on Mondays.

Web Page

There is an AIS Athletics Web Page that is updated and handled through the Athletic Director and Secretary of the Athletic Office.

Affiliations

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1. I.S.S.T. (International Schools Sports Tournament)

The International Schools Sports Tournament organization provides the opportunity for various International Schools to meet in specific activities on a competitive basis. Each school works towards a common aim of cooperation with other schools to achieve an effective and well balanced program.

Any school may be suspended or expelled from I.S.S.T. for failure to uphold the spirit and intent of the regulations.

AIS is a full member of this organization and a permanent participant in the following sports:

Division ll - Boys Soccer

Division ll - Girls Soccer

Division l – Boys Volleyball

Division ll - Girls Volleyball

Division ll - Boys Basketball

Division ll - Girls Basketball

Division l - Baseball

Division ll - Girls Softball

School Responsibilities

1. Visiting schools must send specific information one month in advance.

2. Host schools must provide accommodation for visiting schools.

3. Tournament expenses are shared among all participating schools.

4. Traveling teams must be adequately supervised. See I.S.S.T. Handbook in Athletics Office.

5. The host school has the right to refuse housing to any visiting students who have failed to comply with the spirit and intent of I.S.S.T. Code of Conduct.

6. Visiting students may not wear clothes that could be seen as offensive.

(e.g. cut-off shirts, baggie pants)

7. Varsity students must make up all school work lost due to tournaments.

8. Uniform Accessories (such as T-shirts) must be of the same color.

I.S.S.T. RULES AND GUIDELINES

These regulations shall be followed by all students participating in tournaments and other athletic events organized by the International Schools Sports Tournament (I.S.S.T.). Any student who participates in an I.S.S.T. event agrees by signing a formal agreement.

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

2. Smoking, any other use of tobacco, the drinking of alcohol and the use of drugs are not permitted during an I.S.S.T. sponsored event.

3. Housing arrangements made by the responsible official of the host school may not be changed. Coaches will be given a copy of housing arrangements.

4. Exploration of the local environment will not be permitted without the knowledge and consent of the host parent/guardian.

5. Students must be in the home of the host parent by the curfew hour set by the school.

6. Suitable transportation arrangements must be made by the host family or host school authorities.

7. All host families are to be provided with a comprehensive schedule of the sports activities together with emergency telephone numbers and addresses of all visiting coaches as well as the host school’s coach(es) and Athletic Director.

8. All laws of the host country must be observed.

9. Neither host families nor students may negotiate changes to the I.S.S.T. regulations for students with respect to curfew, housing arrangements, the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs or any other rules or provisions set forth by the host school.

10.These regulations apply to all students: both those from the host school and those visiting throughout the competition’s duration and, for visiting students, apply also during the journey to and from the site of the event.

Violation of these regulations will be reported to the responsible I.S.S.T. official and to the student’s head teacher.

Teams should be adequately supervised during travel to host tournament sites. A ratio of one chaperone/coach to every 10 students is recommended. Whatever guideline is used there should always be a minimum of 2 adult chaperones/coaches to each group involved in I.S.S.T. play.

At least 1 chaperone/coach should be with the students until they are turned over to host school parents or until the host school has accepted the responsibility by dismissing the chaperone/coach. When the latter is done all students must be fully aware of who is responsible for them and that the instructions of this person are followed.

The host school has the right to refuse housing to those visiting students who have failed to comply with the spirit and intent of I.S.S.T. code of conduct.

In the event that a host school refuses to house a student or students no alternative housing arrangement should be made until the chaperone/coach has been directly communicated with and told why the decision had been made. As a matter of courtesy the host school should discuss with the chaperone/coach what the best alternative arrangements for housing are available for the dismissed student(s) while the decision regarding the students involvement in championship play is being made.

As a matter of professional courtesy the host school head teacher upon deciding not to house an entire team, should make every effort to contact the dismissed team's head teacher to discuss the reasons for failing to house and to discuss the alternative arrangements for the team.

Only the tournament director or the team's coach or head teacher has the right to dismiss a student or team from tournament play.

Dismissing full teams or refusing to house full teams is not consistent with the spirit of I.S.S.T. I.S.S.T. has urged that individual rule breakers be identified and punished. Teams losing players resulting from their dismissal suffer the consequences of lost talent and support, but should not be denied play unless the dismissal number is so great that a team cannot be fielded for play.

There may be instances where individual rule breakers are not easily identified and that team behavior as a whole is offensive and contrary to the letter and/or the spirit of I.S.S.T. In these cases most schools may have no other choice than to refuse housing to entire teams and tournament directors to deny play.

Host school planning activities for arriving teams (e.g. sightseeing trips) should make certain that these plans have been fully discussed with and understood by the visiting school's chaperone/coach and/or head teacher before the team leaves for I.S.S.T. play.

Visiting students are advised not to bring alcohol to their host family as signs of consideration.

All visiting students should be aware of the following points as consideration to host schools:

1. Respect the school's program in progress and do nothing that would interrupt it.

2. Visiting students should not wear clothes that may offend.