Athlete-Parent Handbook 2013-14

Athlete / Parent

Handbook ACS ATHENS MENT ART ATHLETIC DEP

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1.

Message from the Director of Athletics............................................................................................... 3

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ACS Athens Philosophy of Athletics......................................................................................................... 4

3.

Athletic Department Information................................................................................................................... 6

4.

Interscholastic Sports Programs – sports, levels, seasons.................................... 7

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Interscholastic Sports Programs Conference Participation............................... 8

A.

ISST organization.................................................................................................................................................... 8

B.

SCIS organization................................................................................................................................................... 8

C.

Local tournaments – exhibition games............................................................................... 9

6.

Athletic and Academic Eligibility................................................................................................................... 10

7.

Athletic Department Rules & Procedures........................................................................................ 11

8.

Pre-season Obligations and time commitment...................................................................... 12

9.

Athlete and Parents Concerns – Athlete / Parent Behavior............................... 14

10.

Housing – general information and policies................................................................................. 15

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Athletic Council / Parents Supporting Athletics - Boosters ............................ 16

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Athletic Awards........................................................................................................................................................................... 17

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ACS Athens Athletic Department “10 Commandments”......................................... 17

Appendix A: ISST parent and student regulations form......................................... 18

Appendix B: Late Bus Transportation Routes........................................................................ 19

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Annie Constantinides Director of Athletics, Summer Camp & Recreational Programs

On behalf of the ACS Athens Athletic Department, I would like to welcome all of you to our Interscholastic Athletics program! Athletics play a very important role in the school life of ACS Athens; I believe that competitive sports activities, particularly in a school setting, are instrumental in the physical and emotional wellbeing of the students and provide them with lifelong lessons and virtues.

On a personal note, a few words have stayed with me through my life’s athletic as well as professional experiences and they manifest themselves through actions: effort, respect, motivation, sportsmanship, pride, and discipline, just to name a few. I believe the essence of these words are the building blocks for one’s success in whatever endeavour is pursued in life.

We, at ACS Athens, emphasize the importance of these words through our Athletics program. Our students are provided with tremendous opportunities by which they grow physically, mentally and emotionally. All our recreational programs are open for students of all ages (Elementary through High School) willing to experience a physical activity and enjoy the sport.

Our competitive sports programs, offered to Middle School and High School students, provide a more disciplined and rigorous forum; our coaching staff works with our student athletes and prepares them for competition, locally as well as internationally. Our

sports teams are selected following a tryout period and the athletes follow a practice schedule that best fits the needs of the sport as well as their age level. These student athletes, while competing, represent not only themselves, but also their peers, their coaches and teachers, their families and their school - ACS Athens!

ACS Athens is a school of rich history! Through the years, the ACS Athens Lancers teams have participated in many tournaments in and out of the country – there have been many competitions which brought forth many team as well as individual success stories! A great legacy has been left for the younger ones to follow and surpass.

The ACS Athens Interscholastic Athletic Program is matched by no other school in our region and this comes about by the collective effort of many: the support of the administration, school staff, parents, coaches and of course the athletes themselves.

I urge everyone to take the time to look through all the information that is being presented; student athletes and parents must know the opportunities available as well as the responsibilities, expectations and procedures of our program.

If you have any questions or would like to meet with us, let us know. I, along with the entire Athletic Staff, will be happy to assist you.

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ACS Athens PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS

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In accordance to the ACS Athens Mission Statement, the Athletic department’s intent is to provide students with athletic opportunities that will challenge them and will further develop each student’s educational maturity.

department will make every attempt to instil in our student athletes the following attitudes:

Athletics play an important role in the life of ACS Athens. The athletic program will always be in conformity with the general objectives of the school and at no time will the educational curriculum be placed in a secondary role.

• The positive acceptance of official’s decisions

The fundamental principle for competitive athletics is to augment the education of the young. Athletics should both promote and supplement the regular curriculum at the school. The athletic department’s concern is the personal development of each athlete. It is however necessary for the student who elects to participate in Athletics to understand that he/she is voluntarily making a choice of self-discipline, self-responsibility and commitment.

Winning is considered important but the coaching and athletic department staff’s primary interest is the student athlete’s personal growth and emotional stability. The ACS Athens Athletic

• The competitive urge to excel • The commitment to be the best that they can be

• The love and respect for the sport • T he high sense of honor, duty and ethical character necessary for competitive sports • T he knowledge that participation is its own reward, special privileges for participants are not expected or condoned.

• T hat participation and selection to the ACS Athens Athletics Programs is a PRIVILEGE, not a right.

• T hat cooperative spirit towards all, team mates and opponents, is needed in a healthy community.

Your only duty is to do the best you can.

David Seabury

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATION Director of Athletics, Summer Camp, and Recreational Activities: Annie Constantinides constantinidesa@acs.gr

Administrative Assistant: Valia Efstathiou efstathiouv@acs.gr

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School Colors: Navy and Gold School Mascot: Lancer

sports levels seasons ACS Athens offers the following sports over the course of the school year.

e third week of Tryouts begin th by the the season ends November and March. second week of s and boys junior Basketball: Girl ity teams. varsity and vars and girls middle Swimming: Boys school teams school and high

Important Telephone Numbers Athletic Director: 210- 6070-401 (direct line) 210-6070-443 (direct line) 210-6393.200, ext. 401 / ext. 443 (through switchboard)

Administrative Assistant: 210-6070-327; 210-6393-200 (ext. 327)

Coaches/P.E offices: 210-6393-200, ext. 321, 322 School Gate (24 hours) 210-6070-240 School Fax: 210-6390-051 School Web site: www.acs.gr

Winter

Fall Tryouts begin the se cond week of September and the season ends by the second week of Nove mber.

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Spring Tryouts begin third week of March and the season ends by the fourth week May.

Soccer: Girls and bo ys junior varsity and varsity teams.

Track and field*: Girls and boys middle school and high school teams

Volleyball: Girls and boys junior varsity and varsity teams.

*usually starts and ends earlier than the above mentioned time frame

Cross Country: Girls and boys middle school and high scho ol teams

Tennis: Girls and boys middle school and high school teams.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS PARTICIPATION ACS Athens participates in various competitions and is a member of two major conferences. a. International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) Organization

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ACS Athens is a full member of the ISST Organization. This organization has a history of over 45 years. ACS Athens is represented in the ISST organization by the following varsity level sports: boys’ and girls’ volleyball, soccer, basketball , cross country and tennis. The ISST tournaments are the culminating events of the respective seasons. These “finals” are held at different locations every year. Every member school is responsible for hosting 1-2 tournaments every year.

Current ISST tournaments members ACS Cobham International School, England (COB) ACS Hillingdon International School, England (HIL) American School of London, England (ASL) TASIS, England (TAS)

American School of the Hague, Netherlands (ASH) British School of Netherlands (BSN) International School of Brussels, Belgium (ISB) St. Johns International School, Belgium (STJ) American School of Paris, France (ASP) British School of Paris, France (BSP) Zurich International School, Switzerland (ZUR) Munich International School, Germany (MIS) International School of Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) Vienna International School, Austria (VIS) American International School of Vienna, Austria (AIS-Vienna) American School of Israel (ASI) Cairo American College, Egypt (CAC) Bonn International School (BIS) British School of Brussels (BSB) International School of the Hague (ISH) Frankfurt International School (FIS) Sir James Henderson School – Milan(SJH) ACS Athens (ATH) b. Sports Council of International School (SCIS) ACS Athens is also a member of the

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

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

c. Local tournaments – exhibition games ACS Athens hosts a number of local tournaments at the junior varsity and varsity levels for a number of sports. Prior to the major tournaments, exhibition games take place on a regular basis mostly at the school campus; however, some of the exhibition games take place at other schools as well. Some of the local tournaments are the following: Boys and girls’ volleyball invitational (varsity and junior varsity level). Boys and girls soccer invitational (varsity and junior varsity level). Boys and girls basketball invitational (varsity and junior varsity level), Boys and girls swimming and local cross country meet.

In addition, ACS Athens hosts international invitational tournaments with the participation of visiting schools from other countries.

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ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY ATHLETIC REGULATIONS Any ACS Athens student in 6th-11th grades who fulfills academic requirements and is under the age of 16 years during the season is eligible for junior varsity competition. The School Activity Participation form must be completed and submitted by each athlete trying out for any team.

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Any ACS Athens student in 9th-12th grade who fulfills academic requirements is eligible for varsity participation. Students in the 7th or 8th grade may participate in a varsity sport under special circumstances and if they are older than 13 years of age. The School Activity Participation form must be completed and submitted by each athlete trying out for any team.

Ineligibility to participate in co-curricular and athletic activities happens when a student is not performing to the best of his or her academic ability. Students wishing to travel outside of Athens or participate in athletic activities must meet ACS Athens eligibility requirements (as per building academic handbooks).

One week before tickets are purchased (for out of Athens events), students’ grades will be checked by the student counselors and the Building Principal. If a student has 3 or more D’s, 2 or more F’s or 1 D & 1 F, he or she may not be allowed to travel. This rule applies even if a student is not currently on probation or on the ineligibility list.

1. A fter four weeks of the first quarter, progress reports are issued and an eligibility check will be made. Students who are found to be in danger of receiving a D+ or below in more than 2 classes may be asked to submit weekly academic progress reports to the counselor.

2. T he report card issued at the end of the first quarter will determine eligibility for winter sports. Students who receive a D+ or below in more than two classes will not be allowed to participate in any winter athletic activities, including practicing with a team.

In addition, ineligible students are expected to leave campus at 3:30 p.m. each day (unless assigned to a study group) in order to devote their afternoons to improving their grades.

3. S tudents who receive a D+ or below in more than two classes at the end of the third quarter will not be allowed to participate in any co-curricular activities, including extended field trips, for the remainder of the school year, and they are expected to leave campus at 3:30 p.m. each day. If already on a team, the student will be asked to withdraw.

4. N otification is sent home to the parents of these students indicating their ineligibility status. Ineligible students who wish to remain on campus after school in order to seek extra academic help must set an appointment with their teacher and have the attendance officer notify their parents of the appointment.

Please note that all new students to ACS Athens will be given the equivalent of a one semester grace period to get accustomed and acclimated to our school community.

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT RULES & PROCEDURES A n ACS Athens student may participate in one athletic activity at a time. However if two seasons overlap by a short amount time or there is a special situation, an athlete (with permission from coaches involved) may participate in two sports. he use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and T illegal drugs is prohibited. VIOLATION: In the event an athlete fails to comply with the policy regarding tobacco, alcohol and drug use, the athlete will be denied the privilege of participating. The student in violation, following review of the incident will be removed from the team.

All equipment and uniforms issued to athletes are property of ACS Athens. They are to be returned in good condition. Uniforms should be worn only during appropriate team events – not during practices. Loss or destruction of any equipment or uniform is the athlete’s financial obligation. The athlete will pay a replacement fee of € 40 for a uniform and € 70 for a school sweat suit. ll ACS Athens athletes representing the A school on trips must follow the travel dress code. The dress code includes a school sports bag, a hooded sweatshirt (for fall/

winter sports) and a polo shirt (spring sports). These items are bought by the athletes. Travel code includes any denim pants (no holes!)

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When participating in an “away” game or when there is a need to go to the airport, participants must ride in school provided transportation. In no case will permission be given to ride otherwise without prior consent of the coach and the Athletic Director.

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Students must attend school to participate in athletic activities. Athletes who are absent from school may not practice or play in an event that day. Two blocks in a day are the minimum time for a student to be considered present. Friday presence is required for weekend participation. Excused absences need to be brought to the coaches and/or the athletic director’s attention.

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Students failing to complete a season will not be eligible for recognition. This includes participation certificate, letter, team and department awards. Students that quit a team, for no legitimate reason, may not be allowed to participate in any other sports during the year.

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thletes representing ACS Athens in A conference tournaments are expected to follow all rules, guidelines and policies stated in the conference rules and guidelines handbook. Forms need to be signed before participation (forms are available in present handbook and athletics website). Athletes on a trip that violate the rules will be sent home immediately following the incident, (at the expense of the family).

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PRE-SEASON OBLIGATIONS

TIME COMMITMENT

1. A yearly physical examination is required for all athletes. The athletes may pick up a form from the school’s nurse’s office or bring in a different one as long as it is an official document signed by a medical doctor. This medical form is needed prior to the first game during the fall season and prior to the first day of try-outs for every other season.

Individual Sports

2. A ll athletes and parents are required to read the Athletic Handbook and return / submit the Athlete Profile form. Submission of the Athlete Profile form indicates that both parties (athlete and parent/guardian) have read the information and will abide by the ACS Athens Department’s Rules and Procedures.

3. A pre-season meeting will take place for all athletes following try-outs of every season; the coach and the Athletic Director will hold this meeting and address major issues.

practices, games & travel

(cross country, swimming, track and field, tennis)

1. P ractice sessions will be conducted after the normal school days (3:555:30); late area buses depart at 5:45.

The practice schedule of the sports is as follows:

Team Sports (Soccer/Volleyball/Basketball)

a. V arsity Level: three times a week (maybe four). Week-end practices and/or games are an option, following of course timely communication with the participants. PRACTICE DAYS may vary depending on facility use b. Junior Varsity Level: Two times a week (sometimes three). Some games may take place on Saturdays.

PRACTICE DAYS may vary depending on facility use.

Varsity athletes may have a designated fourth practice during the school week and Junior varsity level athletes may have a designated third practice during the week (Track and field schedule may vary depending on the scheduling of events and tennis schedule may also vary depending on court availability). These additional practices will be communicated to the athletes and to the Athletic Director, once determined by the coaches.

Late area school buses depart at 17:45 unless there are special arrangements made (late bus transportation is presented in Appendix B); prior notification will be given to students and parents.

Certain times the coaches may decide to have practice on Saturday and/or Sunday; in that case, arrangements are made with the athletes and plans for private transportation need to be made.

Practices planned during exam period and/or vacation are always OPTIONAL.

The Athletic Director schedules all games. All games take place during the practice times except for tournaments when there is a special schedule.

Saturday and Sunday games may take place, following approval by the coaching staff and Athletic Director.

Practices and games are mandatory. Athletes should always inform the coach before missing a practice or a game. Coaches may have their own attendance policy regarding practices and games; athletes must obey all policies.

Many students participating in sports may travel at the end of their season.

Athletes must have a teacher acknowledgement form signed by all the teachers. A travel form also needs to be signed by the parents. Athletes must be in school on the day of the travel unless arrangements are made for an early departure. Needless to say, students are responsible for all work missed. All forms are available online on our website.

The Athletic Director and the Business Office make the entire teams’ travel arrangements. Several price quotes are always requested for every trip and the most appropriate itinerary is chosen. The criteria (other than the price) by which the final decision on the purchase of the tickets is made, are: a) Special arrival and departure times requested by the host school athletic director, b) Time for the athletes to unwind following a long journey, c) Time to take advantage of the culture of the destination, d) C ompliance with school policy for absences.

Once, tickets are issued and purchased (usually 6 days prior to the travel date, although each airline has own timelines), the student athlete is responsible for the payment of the ticket.

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ATHLETE AND PARENT CONCERNS ATHLETE / PARENT BEHAVIOR

HOUSING Policy and General Information

GENERAL HOUSING GUIDELINES

There may be times when concerns will arise regarding the athletic department and a particular program. It is in the best interest of the individual and program involved that we address any concern to the person that can best help.

Steps to follow: 1. Bring your concerns to the coach first. Many times the answers to questions you may have can be answered easily. Without the facts, minor situations could become uncomfortable encounters. The person closest to the issue is the best source of information.

2. In the event a parent is not satisfied with the reply of the coach, he/she should feel free to bring the situation to the attention of the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will do everything possible to resolve the issue(s).

As previously stated in the Athletic handbook, ACS Athens participates in two major international conferences, ISST and SCIS. ACS teams have the privilege of traveling to other countries and cultures. ACS athletes are housed by host families so as to minimize costs and promote camaraderie. This means that we must provide reciprocal housing when our school is the host of tournaments. Failure to do so may jeopardize our participation status in the ISST and SCIS conferences.

Housing a guest participant has proven in the past to be a pleasant experience not only for the guest but for the host family as well. Every attempt will be made to match athletes by age and gender when assigning housing. The Athletic Director will make every effort to ensure a smooth stay for all parties involved. Below you will find some general guidelines regarding the duties of a host family: 1. Please pick up your guest from school at the designated time. Should the guest arrive at the school before the end of the day then he/she will ride the bus with your child.

2. When hosting athletes you stand in place of their parents. Please exercise all supervision and care that you normally would exercise with your own children.

3. Under no condition are visiting athletes to be housed without adult supervision.

4. Please arrange for transportation whenever the school does not arrange that.

5. Please provide ample meals; a breakfast before competition is always necessary and a dinner at whatever time competition ends. Since the competition may not be in our school premises, include a bag lunch so that they are not left too long without food.

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

7. Curfew hours will be set and presented in the tournament program; any violations should be reported to the Athletic Director.

8. You have the right to insist on your “house rules�. Make sure the guest always has your telephone number and address (if the athletic office does not already do that).

In case of academic ineligibility issues, the Principal of the particular building WITH the Athletic Director will address the concerns.

All communication on behalf of the athlete AND / OR parent must be done in cordial manner; any disrespectful behavior from either athlete / parent, either verbally or in written form, will not be tolerated under any circumstances and the athlete may be subject to immediate consequences: 1. Suspension from the team for a period of time 2. Suspension from the team for the season (may be done immediately, depending on the severity of the incident) 3. Will not be allowed to tryout in the following season (if there is a returning athlete and incident has occurred following a given season) * Final decision will be made by the Athletic Director in consultation with the Coach of the Sport

It is required that each athlete (varsity and junior varsity) house visiting athletes; this is the case regardless if the ACS Athens athlete travels during the year. If an athlete cannot house, the family should find another home (non sports family) in order to fulfill their housing obligation. Failure to do so can result in the non-participation of the ACS Athens athlete in the local and/or future travel tournament.

EVERYONE

MUST HOUSE!

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ATHLETIC

COUNCIL

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The Athletic Council consists of Varsity athletes nominated by the coaches; they are leaders of the student athlete population and are instrumental in many organizational aspects of the athletic department, such as tournament assistance, special events assistance, banquet preparation and more.

Coaches nominate their athletes based on the following criteria: the athlete must be responsible, academically “fit”, a leader on and off the playing fields, capable of working with others, has organizational skills and is a role model for peers.

The Athletic Council members assist the department in many ways, such as tournament organization, event management and other matters pertaining to the athletic department.

PARENTS SUPPORTING ATHLETICS “THE BOOSTERS” The ACS Athens Booster Parents organization is a parent support group that is involved with the Athletic Department and student life quite extensively. The ACS Athens “Boosters” organization was founded in 1992 and has been active in athletics ever since.

Parents of all athletes are automatically members of this organization. The objectives are to promote the athletic program and other aspects of student activities, to promote good sportsmanship, to promote team and school spirit and to assist the Athletic Director with many facets of event organization.

Additionally, the Booster Parents are a driving force in fundraising to benefit the athletic program of our school. Food sales during major events, raffle sales, and other special events are the means by which money is raised. All the funds are then allocated towards needs that are prioritized, the Annual Sports Banquet being an example of a high priority event.

Last but not least, the Booster Parents are the backbone of our housing obligations during the major ISST and SCIS tournaments. Without their commitment in the much-needed hospitality our athletes would not be able to compete in international events!

ATHLETIC AWARDS At the end of the year (last week of May or first week of June) the Annual Athletic Awards Sports Banquet takes place to honor all the athletes that participated in the school year’s athletic program.

Every athlete and team member who completes a season receives a participation certificate and is eligible for a varsity or junior varsity pin. The following special awards are also given out at the Sports Banquet.

- Most Valuable Player: Awarded to one athlete based on skill, performance, leadership, attendance and overall composure and service within the team.

- Coach’s award: Award is based on parameters determined by coach: effort, character, spirit, behavior, etc.

- Most Improved Player: Awarded to an athlete for improvement through the season of a sport. ** The Coach of the sport is given the flexibility to alter the award titles as deemed appropriate (ex: outstanding performance, most spirited, most dedicated etc).

- Athlete of the Year: Awarded to a senior boy and girl that has participated in at least two sports; decided on by all members of the ACS Athens Athletic Department coaching staff .

- Scholar Athlete of the Year: Awarded to a junior boy and girl with the highest GPA All athletes will receive a Letter (varsity or junior varsity), a Sport pin after the first year of participation. Every year thereafter a bar pin will be awarded for every additional year.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

“10 Commandments” 1. Never underestimate your opponent.

2. Work on your weaknesses until they become your strong points.

3. Remember that a great effort is usually the result of great attitude.

4. Win with humility, lose with grace.

5. Ignore those who discourage you.

6. Remember that how you conduct yourself off the field is just as important as how you conduct yourself on the field.

7. Talent is God-given – be humble.

Fame is man-given – be thankful.

Conceit is self-given – be careful.

8. Don’t ask to be deprived of tension and discipline- these are the tools that shape success.

9. Do what has to be done, when it has to has to be done, and as well as it can be done.

10. Always give your best.

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APPENDIX A

ISST & SCIS Parent and Student regulations form All students participating in tournaments and other athletic events organized by the ISST / SCIS conferences must sign below; by signing, athletes and parents make a commitment to obey the regulations and agree to follow the stated rules.

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

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Name of student (please print):

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

Departure: 17:45 Signature of student

Violation of these regulations will be reported to the responsible ISST official and to the student’s head teacher.

Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday-Thursday – Friday **

BUS 1

BUS 2

BUS 3

Filothei B

Pendelis

Yghia Hospital

Date

Ag. Varvara

Melissia

Maroussi

Name of parent / guardian (please print)

AB Psychico

Kefalari Sq.

Kifissia Sq.

Katehaki

Politia Sq.

N. Erythrea

Karea

OTE Ekali

N. Kifissia Sq.

Glyfada Sq.

Dionisos

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

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

After School Activities Late Bus Transportation Routes (SPECIFIC STOPS MAY CHANGE DEPENDING ON NEED)

2. Smoking or any other use of tobacco, the drinking of alcohol and the use of drugs are not permitted.

3. Housing arrangements made by the responsible official of the host school may not be changed.

APPENDIX B

Signature of parent or guardian

**On days of metro unavailability, an additional bus will be operating with the following stops: Ethniki Amina, Ambelokipi, Hilton and Sintagma

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e m o Welc To

s n e h t ACS A