AISM ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS HANDBOOK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MOZAMBIQUE - Policies and procedures for parents, students and coaches ...

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

      AISM ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS HANDBOOK
 AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MOZAMBIQUE
Policies and procedures for parents, students and coaches

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                         Activities Department Mission Statement
In accordance with the AISM mission statement, the Activities Department strives to pro-
vide our students with athletic and co-curricular activities through purposeful programs
designed to cultivate students’ unique talents in a stimulating environment rooted in the
principles of excellence, ethics and engagement. A student who elects to participate in
athletic and co-curricular activities voluntarily makes a choice to develop self-discipline
and self-responsibility. Essential to the success of the program are good attendance habits
and diligent preparation for all co-curricular activities and sporting events. Attaining this
goal should be a cooperative effort by all involved.

                             Activities Department Philosophy
Lessons learned from participation in athletic and co-curricular activities contribute greatly
to a student’s ability to be successful in school and throughout life. It is our goal to help
students build positive traits and skills which enable them to overcome adversity, lead by
example and recognize the benefits of hard work and sacrifice toward an achieved goal. A
successful athlete or activity participant supports and promotes the AISM philosophy and
core values that define our school culture and serve as the norms that guide our actions
and our behaviour.

                                       Program Format

       Participation in AISM’s athletic and activities program is a privilege, not a right.
AISM’s activities program provides students with quality learning experiences that instill
life-long values related to the benefits gained from participation in organized sports and
cultural, physical and recreational activities. Students learn the importance of striving for
excellence in an environment which emphasizes fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, dili-
gence and leadership.

The activities program is divided into three sessions with three designated online activity
sign-ups: August –December, January- March, April- June. Activities are scheduled from
Monday to Thursday 2:40-3:40 pm; varsity teams practice 2:40-4:15pm (varsity team prac-
tices can also take place on Fridays).

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                                       Expectations
To build a quality activities program requires much time, hard work and good administra-
tion. We set high expectations for both students and staff and we depend on support from
our parent community.
                                     Student Expectations
   Students are expected to remain committed to their respective team or activity for
    the entire session or duration of the season/activity.
   Students must notify the respective staff/instructors involved if a conflict arises where
    they cannot attend their scheduled activity due to other commitments.
   Students who are absent from school may not participate in after-school activities on
    the day of their absence
   Commitment is important to ensure a positive experience for all. For this reason, a
    student who has three unexcused absences will be eliminated from an activity.
   A student who has been removed due to excessive absences may re-enroll only after a
    conference between the parents, student and the Activities Coordinator.
   If the student continues to be absent or late to the activity, he/she will be removed
    for the remainder of the session.
   The deadline for changes is two (2) weeks into each session, after which any changes
    must be approved by the instructor of the activity that the student wants to leave and
    by the instructor of the activity that the student wishes to join. These guidelines are
    designed to instill an attitude of respect, sportsmanship and friendship.

                            Instructor/Program Expectations
   Instructors must be on time for their activity and also expect the same behavior
    from students.
   Instructors must keep all necessary records for attendance and follow-up with
   students who are absent from an activity.
   Instructors must report students to the Activities Department if they have been ab-
    sent three (3) or more times or if there are serious disciplinary matters.
   Instructors must immediately report any serious injury to the school nurse and the
    Activities Department.
   Instructors must maintain control of a class throughout the activity and only release
    students at the end of the allotted time.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                       Athletic Team Guidelines and Policies
                            AISM Buffalo Sports Seasons
Session 1
Boys/Girls Soccer Teams
Boys/Volleyball Teams
Boys/Girls Swim Team
Session 2
Boys/Girls Basketball Teams
Boys/Girls Field Hockey Teams
Boys/Girls Swim Team
Session 3
Boys/Girls Soccer Teams
Boys/Girls Track/Field Team

                   Commitment to Excellence, Ethics and Engagement
All AISM students are welcome and encouraged to participate in our competitive varsity
sports program. Prospective participants are reminded that the varsity sports teams are
competitive and designed to serve those students who meet and continue to meet high
standards of skill, performance, self-discipline, sportsmanship and good conduct.

When a student participates on a varsity sports team he/she is a representative of AISM
and must be willing to commit to our core values of excellence, ethics and engagement by
demonstrating:
   sportsmanship
   appropriate behaviour
   good academic standing
   trust
   respect
   leadership
   team spirit
Commitment also extends to teammates, coaches and the school throughout the playing
season.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                                     Responsibilities
To build a quality sports program requires much time, hard work and good administration.
We set high expectations for both students and staff and we depend on support from our
parent community.
                               Coaching Staff Responsibilities
   Coaches should always arrive prior to the start of practice sessions, games and
    meetings. They should expect and demand the same behavior from athletes.
   Coaches should be diligent in attending to the routine details of the position. This in-
    cludes taking attendance, passing out uniforms, keeping all necessary records and
    maintaining equipment and practice areas.
   Coaches should set an example for the respect of rules and regulations and maintain
    full control of the team during practice and game times.
   Coaches should teach their athletes to exhibit this same attitude toward the officials
    and make it completely clear to them that questioning or disputing decisions of an
    official will never be tolerated.
   Coaches should teach athletes that their attitude toward the opposing athletes must
    be one of respect and good sportsmanship.
   Coaches should use appropriate language that always reflects their role as a teacher.
     Coaches must review attendance policies and discipline policies with their team

                             Team Member Responsibilities
   All athletes who are members of an AISM athletic team are expected to be positive
    role models for the student body of AISM.
   All athletes must be in good academic and behaviour standing.
   Athletes must understand and follow school policies and team rules.
   Athletes must be on time for practices, activities and games.
   Athletes must be committed for the season or the duration of the activity.
   Athletes should be coachable (listening skills, focus, enthusiastic, giving 100%)
   Athletes must treat all involved in the sport with respect.
   Athletes should trust the coaches’ or advisors’ experience, knowledge and ability to
    make tough decisions in the best interest of the student and the team.
   Athletes need to give proper notice of absence.
   Athletes are expected to welcome and host visiting athletes.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                                     Policy on Valuables
All participating athletes are required to lock all items of value, including money, cell
phones, i-pods and other valuable items in their lockers or give valuables to their coach
who will lock valuables away in a carrier case. The school is not responsible for lost or sto-
len items.
                                AISM Uniforms and Equipment
The Activities Department will loan students selected items of uniforms when they are rep-
resenting AISM in games and tournaments. Students are responsible to return their uni-
forms at the end of each season. Students who do not return their uniform will be charged
the replacement fee of the uniform, cresting and shipping charges. An average replace-
ment fee is US$100.

                       Information about International Tournaments
AISM is committed to enriching and expanding the sports program not only by hosting lo-
    cal and international tournaments but also by participating in tournaments sponsored
    by other international schools in the region. When students commit to playing for a
    team they should make every effort to take part in all scheduled events

                                Confirmation of Participation
When students travel with an AISM team they must complete and submit the following re-
quired forms to the Activities Department:
    Confirmation of Participation Form
    AISM Indemnity Form
    AISM Sports Travel Contract

                                        Cost of Travel
When an AISM team participates in tournaments hosted by other international schools,
parents assume the cost of travel, personal visas and other related activities. When visas
or notarized documents are required, either to enter or exit a country, parents are respon-
sible for obtaining and paying for all documents. In the unfortunate case that the school
or parents remove a child from travel, parents will be reimbursed only costs that are re-
fundable.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                                    Hosting Guidelines
AISM varsity squad members are expected to host visiting athletes. Each host family should
adhere to the following guidelines:
 Provide all meals not covered by AISM.

 Transport your guest to and from school personally or by your designated driver, unless

    alternative transportation is previously arranged with the Athletics Director.
 Ensure that your guest arrives at school 30 minutes prior to the start of any activity

   (coaches may need to amend under certain circumstances).
 Provide a comfortable sleeping arrangement.

 Adhere to curfew rules. All secondary students must return home no later than 22:00.

   You should know and approve of your guest’s plans for the day/evening.
   All middle school students must be supervised by host family parents at all times.
   Strictly prohibit use of alcohol or other illegal substances.
    Under no circumstances will housing arrangements be changed during the
    tournament.
   Any violations of these guidelines must be reported to the Athletic Director.

                                  Breach of School Rules
 Student athletes or spectators who demonstrate acts of a gross unsporting nature may re-
ceive an in-school or out-of-school suspension. Furthermore, athletes may be ineligible to
participate in interscholastic competition for a period of time to be determined by the
coach, the athletics director and/or school principal. Repeated violations may result in per-
manent loss of eligibility for all athletic contests.

                                  Sporting Behaviour
Participation in a team sport at AISM is a privilege and all participants must earn the
right to represent AISM by demonstrating ethical conduct and fair play at all times.
Any participant whose conduct is judged to reflect poorly upon himself/herself, the
team, or the school, whether or not such activity takes place during or outside school
hours, shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the coach, the athletic
director and the school administration.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

Inappropriate sporting behaviour includes, but is not necessarily limited to:

    Complaining about officials’ decisions and displaying dissention through deroga-
     tory or abusive remarks.
    Excessive arguing between opposing team players and spectators.
    Taunting an opponent or an opposing team spectator.
    Public indecency, vulgarity or obscenity including foul or profane language and
     obscene gestures.
    Threatening behaviour (verbal or nonverbal) toward any coach, staff member,
     participant or spectator.
    Physical confrontation with an opponent, teammate, official, staff member or
     spectator before, during or after a contest.

                                       Sports Awards
At the end of the school year, athletes who participated on the AISM Buffalo varsity squads
will take part in an awards and recognition night. Some of the awards may include:

    Most Improved Player: This award recognizes athletes whose performance indicates
     the highest degree of improvement during the season.
    Most Sportsmanlike: This award recognizes athletes who display the utmost in
     sportsmanship on and off the playing field. They are an inspiration to their teammates
     and an AISM ambassador of the highest level.
    Rookie-of-the-Year: This award recognizes first-year athletes who make a significant
     contribution to their sport.
    Most Valuable Player: This award recognizes athletes who make the greatest contri-
     bution to their sport through superior performance.
    Athlete-of-the-Year: This award recognizes the year’s most outstanding male and fe-
     male athlete. Athletes eligible for this award must demonstrate unquestionable traits
     of sportsmanship, dependability, desire to excel, respect, cooperation and loyalty. The
     athlete must have participated in a minimum of two U19 sports during the school
     year.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

                                      Use of Facilities:

The Board of Directors recognizes that the primary purpose of school facilities is to meet
student needs in both academic programs and co-curricular activities. It is the policy of the
Board of Directors to permit use of school premises and grounds to the extent that there is
no interference with such programs and activities. The following groups are permitted use
of facilities at predetermined times:

    AISM staff and students’ immediate families;
    American employees of the U.S. Embassy (including annual Peace Corps training) in
     recognition of the US State Department's continuous support to the School;
    Other groups that may be eligible to use school facilities, based on established rules
     and regulations, include: individuals or non-profit organizations whose purpose and
     activities are of an educational, cultural, recreational, or community service nature;
    Registered guests accompanied by AISM families and staff.

A school activity or event at any time may pre-empt facility use by the aforementioned
groups. The School Director, in conjunction with the maintenance supervisor, will specify
time periods for general repair and maintenance at which time facilities will remain closed
to any type of use.

                                          Conduct:
Individuals or groups using school facilities must conduct themselves in an orderly and law-
ful manner and assume financial responsibility for any loss or damages incurred to school
property. Use must be limited to the specific area granted and children must be supervised
at all times. No child under the age of 12, including AISM students, is permitted on the
school campus during weekends or after school hours without the supervision of his/her
parent or designated adult.

Availability of alcoholic beverages in association with a school function must have the prior
approval of the School Director. External organizations or community groups granted use of
school facilities must obtain authorization to consume alcoholic beverages from the School
Director prior to the scheduled event or activity. Alcoholic consumption must be properly
controlled and appropriate behaviour is expected at all times. No child under the age of 21
may be served alcoholic beverages under any conditions.

The School Director in conjunction with the Policy Committee will develop all necessary
rules and regulations governing the use of school facilities, including fee structure and time
schedule. The Board of Directors will approve and/or propose revision of all policy ema-
nating rules and regulations as needed. The School Director or an approved designate shall
be responsible for the implementation of rules and regulations.

AISM ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS HANDBOOK

Detailed regulations for the use of school facilities for parents and external organizations
are available in the Student/Parent Handbook on the school website.

                                  Hard Court Regulations:
    No food or drinks are allowed on the hard court at any given time.
    Players are required to use proper rubber-soled sports shoes.
    Tennis, Volleyball and Basketball are the only sports allowed.
    Roller-skates, skateboards, bicycles or scooters are not allowed.

                                Swimming Pool Regulations:
    All persons using the swimming pool and surrounding area, do so entirely at their risk.
     The school shall not be responsible for any injuries whatsoever.
    Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by or supervised by a responsi-
     ble adult.
    No food and beverages allowed in defined pool area.
    No pets allowed.
    No running or dunking.

                                          Liability:
The Board and the AISM Association assume no liability for any instances of bodily injury or
sickness sustained by an individual or group participants while on school premises and fur-
thermore, assume no liability for damage to, destruction of, or loss of individual property.

                                           Hours:
AISM’s hard court is available to authorized guests from Monday – Friday 17:00 – 20:00
and weekends from 07:00– 20:00.
AISM’s swimming pool is available to authorized guests from Monday – Friday 17:00 –
19:00 and weekends from 07:00– 19:00.

Enquiries/ Reservations/ Bookings can be made with AISM’s Activities Office at
aismsportsactivities@aism-moz.com or by calling Tel: 21.49.1994 ext. 35.