2023-2024 After School Sports Handbook
After School Sports Handbook 2023-2024 “Driven by sportmanship, striving for maximum performance”
Sports Mission Statement ANS after school sports is an inclusive program which will not discriminate against anyone desirous of participating regarding race, color, social standing, religion, or sporting ability. The purpose of the program is to encourage teamwork and friendship and inculcate in our students’ morals and values that will serve them well in later life whilst fomenting ANS school spirit and the school community through athletic excellence on an individual and team level. After School Sports supplement and support the academic mission of the school system and help students in their growth and development. Athletics assists in promoting the importance of teamwork, effort, goals, dedication, and commitment, all of which are prerequisites for ANS athletes. After School Sports can be highly competitive and although winning is not the primary measure of success, we demand that our students always give their best, representing ANS with distinction whilst demonstrating sportsmanship, respect for others and dignity in the face of adversity. All athletes do not perform at the same level, but all can demonstrate the abovementioned qualities and show themselves to be true ANS Tigers! “Sports are a vehicle to teach and instill values in young people” Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 3
Dear Parent/Student, Your ANS after school sports administrative team would like to welcome you to the program! We are happy and proud to continually attend to the needs of all young athletes and offer a wide range of sporting activities to our students including Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Chess, Swimming and Track & Field The after-school program runs parallel to the Academic calendar with our athletic ‘season’ running from August to the following May/early June. The purpose of this handbook is to allow interested parties to have information pertaining to all aspects of the after-school sports program in one place. We thank you for your interest in our program and wish the best of luck to all participants. Yours in sports, Welcome David Faulkner Athletics Director 4 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Practice Schedules ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Sign Up Procedure ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Health & Safety ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 The Coaching Team ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Expected Behavior ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Competitive Activities ......................................................................................................................................... 13 Personal Belongings ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Collection of students & Prior to Practice Suggestions ................................................................ 17 Transportation ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Uniforms ........................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Cancellations ............................................................................................................................................................... 20 AASCA Events & Participation ......................................................................................................................... 21 End of Season Awards Ceremonies (Secondary School Only) ................................................. 22 Table of Contents Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 5
As you will notice from the table above, practices in the main part for students K5 to 7th grade run from 2.45 to 3.45pm with some adjustments for certain activities. Varsity team practices for 8th through 12th grades will (in the most part) run from 4:00-5.15pm, and only on days when students in Varsity Athletic Period do not have these classes (full information regarding all matters pertaining to Varsity team participation can be found in the Varsity Sports manual) Secondary students who don’t begin their practice until 4.00pm in After School Sports are free to leave campus and return at the end of the school day, or to attend our Sports Study Hall where they will wait for their practice to begin under the supervision of the Player Development and Compliance Coordinator. With the wide variety of activities on offer, the number of different age groups and practice groups attended to and the space available to us on any given day, we are making full use of the entire school campus. Whilst we appreciate that this schedule may not be 100% to the liking of all, much thought has gone into it, with the goal of attending to the needs of the majority and always in the best interests of the program as a whole. Practice Schedules KÆ0Āѣ¹ffUrѣ¹®Āƹѣ¹ffU0%Ír0ѣήάήίрήΰ BASKETBALL SWIMMING CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION U-8 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 1 GATE 8. RED LINE K5 FRI 2.45-3.15PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2016/17 GRADES 1/2 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE U-10 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 2 GATE 8. RED LINE GRADES 3-5 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2014/15 GRADES 1/2 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE U-12 BOYS MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 2 GATE 6. BLUE LINE GRADES 3-5 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2012/13 GRADES 6-12 MON & THU 2.45-3.45PM U-14 BOYS MON 2.45-3.45PM OC GATE 6. BLUE LINE OR TUE & FRI POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2010/11 WED 1.00- 2.30PM SOUTH GATE WED 1.00-2.30PM U-12/14 GIRLS MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2009-2013 WED 1.00- 2.30 PM TRACK & FIELD U-18 BOYS TUE 4.00-5.15PM CAA 2 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2008 & OLDER WED 1.00- 2.30 PM CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION (TRY OUT APPLIES) FRI 2.45-4.00PM GRADES 1/2 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM TRACK GATE 8. RED LINE GRADES 3-5 TUE & THU 2.45-3.45 TRACK GATE 8. RED LINE SOCCER GRADES 6-12 MIXED MON 2.45-3.45PM (TRY-OUT APPLIES) WED 1.00-2.30PM TRACK CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION THU 2.45-3.45PM U-8 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2016/17 VOLLEYBALL U-10 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2014/15 CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION U-12 BOYS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BABY2015/2016 MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2012/13 MINI 2012/2014 TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE U-14 BOYS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#2 GATE 6. BLUE LINE INFANTIL 2009/2011 MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2010/11 BORN 2008 & OLDER MON, THU & 4.00-5.15PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE U-12/14 GIRLS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE (TRY-OUT APPLIES) WED 1.00-2.30PM BORN 2010-2013 U-18 GIRLS MON 4.00-5.15PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2005-2009 WED 1.00-2.30PM SOUTH GATE GYMNASTICS (TRY-OUT APPLIES) THU 4.00-5.15PM GATE 8 RED LINE U-18 BOYS TUE 4.00-5.15 SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION BORN 2005-2009 WED 1.00-2.30PM SOUTH GATE PATHWAYS WED 12.10-12.50PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE (TRY-OUT APPLIES) FRI 2.45- 4.00PM GATE 8. RED LINE K5-5th GRADE MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE BEGINNERS CHESS K5-5th GRADE TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE LEVELS 1-3 CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION (PENDING COACHES GRADES 1-8 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM MANGO TREE GATE 1. GREEN LINE APPROVAL) GRADES 1-8 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM MNGO TREE GATE 1. GREEN LINE 6 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
KÆ0Āѣ¹ffUrѣ¹®Āƹѣ¹ffU0%Ír0ѣήάήίрήΰ BASKETBALL SWIMMING CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION U-8 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 1 GATE 8. RED LINE K5 FRI 2.45-3.15PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2016/17 GRADES 1/2 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE U-10 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 2 GATE 8. RED LINE GRADES 3-5 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2014/15 GRADES 1/2 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE U-12 BOYS MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 2 GATE 6. BLUE LINE GRADES 3-5 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2012/13 GRADES 6-12 MON & THU 2.45-3.45PM U-14 BOYS MON 2.45-3.45PM OC GATE 6. BLUE LINE OR TUE & FRI POOL GATE 7. RED LINE BORN 2010/11 WED 1.00- 2.30PM SOUTH GATE WED 1.00-2.30PM U-12/14 GIRLS MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2009-2013 WED 1.00- 2.30 PM TRACK & FIELD U-18 BOYS TUE 4.00-5.15PM CAA 2 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2008 & OLDER WED 1.00- 2.30 PM CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION (TRY OUT APPLIES) FRI 2.45-4.00PM GRADES 1/2 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM TRACK GATE 8. RED LINE GRADES 3-5 TUE & THU 2.45-3.45 TRACK GATE 8. RED LINE SOCCER GRADES 6-12 MIXED MON 2.45-3.45PM (TRY-OUT APPLIES) WED 1.00-2.30PM TRACK CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION THU 2.45-3.45PM U-8 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2016/17 VOLLEYBALL U-10 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2014/15 CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION U-12 BOYS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BABY2015/2016 MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2012/13 MINI 2012/2014 TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE U-14 BOYS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#2 GATE 6. BLUE LINE INFANTIL 2009/2011 MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE BORN 2010/11 BORN 2008 & OLDER MON, THU & 4.00-5.15PM CAA 3 GATE 6. BLUE LINE U-12/14 GIRLS TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM SF#1 GATE 6. BLUE LINE (TRY-OUT APPLIES) WED 1.00-2.30PM BORN 2010-2013 U-18 GIRLS MON 4.00-5.15PM SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE BORN 2005-2009 WED 1.00-2.30PM SOUTH GATE GYMNASTICS (TRY-OUT APPLIES) THU 4.00-5.15PM GATE 8 RED LINE U-18 BOYS TUE 4.00-5.15 SF#1 GATE 8. RED LINE CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION BORN 2005-2009 WED 1.00-2.30PM SOUTH GATE PATHWAYS WED 12.10-12.50PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE (TRY-OUT APPLIES) FRI 2.45- 4.00PM GATE 8. RED LINE K5-5th GRADE MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE BEGINNERS CHESS K5-5th GRADE TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM EBC GATE 1. GREEN LINE LEVELS 1-3 CATEGORY DAYS TIME PLACE COLLECTION (PENDING COACHES GRADES 1-8 MIXED MON & WED 2.45-3.45PM MANGO TREE GATE 1. GREEN LINE APPROVAL) GRADES 1-8 MIXED TUE & THU 2.45-3.45PM MNGO TREE GATE 1. GREEN LINE Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 7
Sign Up Procedure All students desirous of participating in after school sports must register in August at the beginning of the new school year by completing the online application form which is available to parents via the School website, and that is sent via email to all families. We ask that you give close attention to the details regarding age, days and times when signing your child up, taking care to make sure they are in the correct group. New for this year we will be holding “tryouts” for varsity aged students (only) and therefore completion of the online sign up does not guarantee acceptance into a Varsity aged program. Anyone desirous of participating in Varsity after school practices must have completed this process. For all students, once having been registered in the first semester, anyone returning to the program for the second semester does not need to sign up again. Registration in August is for the entire school year. For non Varsity aged students, at the beginning of the new year, we hold a 4-6 week ‘preseason’ period when the coaches are able to analyze and get to know the students and make decisions regarding roles for the remainder of the season. For more information on this process please see COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES. Once the pre-season period is over it is recommended that students do not change sports unless agreed by the Athletic Office and only with good reason. We take this position based on the following factor: the pre-season period is deemed sufficient for the coach to have advanced the level of individual participants and the group as a whole. It would be unfair on existing students in any sport for new participants to come into practices and perhaps require extra attention from the coaches to bring them to a comparable level, thus delaying the achievement of both personal and group goals as set forth by the coach. The ONLY exceptions to this rule would be students new to the school, who, in the spirit of inclusivity, will be permitted to join the program upon their arrival at ANS. 8 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Health and Safety Whilst accidents and medical emergencies are extremely rare within the program, the school has qualified personnel available every day to attend to the needs of anyone who requires medical attention, and these persons are centrally located on campus so as to best be able to attend to anyone in an emergency. We also ensure that the entire coaching team are registered first aiders. It should be noted that the school medical or coaching team will not administer medication of any type to students unless this has been provided by parents for a specific need their child could face in an emergency. With this in mind, it is extremely important that the Athletic Department is informed of any medical ailments (long or short term) that your child may have, especially those that could be affected by time spent outdoors, and also of any medications your child is taking at any given time. These details should be shared with us when completing the online sign up. Regular medical check-ups (once per semester) of athletes who are members of the afterschool sports program are recommended and are the responsibility of parents. Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 9
Communication with Coaches Parents should not attempt to address coaches during or immediately after games. As mentioned above, the coaches are working with a plan in mind and interruptions could adversely affect what they are trying to achieve for the group and individual athletes. It is not permitted for parents or bystanders to direct athletes, whether their own child or another participant during games or events. Please keep in mind when desirous of speaking to a coach that they have many postgame/practice responsibilities, including the supervision of young players. Also, the post-game/practice period is often emotionally charged and not conducive to productive discussion. If a parent feels a need to communicate a concern, they should contact the After School Sports & Varsity Coordinator. If they desire to speak with the coach directly, an appointment can be made for a mutually acceptable time. Please also be aware that the official spoken language for the after-school sports program is SPANISH. The Coaching Team The after-school team is composed of dedicated, certified, and experienced coaches who are instructed to motivate and educate our students in a dynamic and creative way. Each coach is a qualified specialist in their sport and in the majority of cases has participated personally in their discipline to a professional and often international level. These exceptional individuals prepare a detailed plan for each practice session and are required at the beginning of the year to submit to the athletic office their season goals and how they will try to achieve these over the course of a semester. We are confident that each coach is the best person for their position, is worthy of the respect of all and is the most capable person when it comes to decisions pertaining to tactics, line-ups, and roles within our teams during events. We cordially ask that all community members treat them with the respect their experience and preparation deserve, not questioning any decisions they may make but rather, supporting the coach at all times. Community members should also be aware that whilst one coach’s viewpoint on the above-mentioned factors may differ to another’s. The head coach of each group has the ultimate say on how their group will function on a day-to-day basis and during events. Regarding communication with coaches please adhere to the following guidelines: 10 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Participation Standards Participation in after school sports is a privilege, not a right. Accordingly, students must meet certain standards in order to earn the privilege of participation in general, and especially in order to represent ANS in activities involving other schools/groups. For Secondary students standards and requirements for participation are more stringent and can be found in the “Varsity Sports Handbook”. For all ages the following is expected of every student-athlete and where appropriate, Parents and Coaches also. Expected Behavior All ANS community members that are desirous of having their child participate in after school sports must adhere to a certain level of behavior and conduct. This includes students, coaches, and parents, who, upon becoming members of the program, enter a verbal contract with the department and agree to follow the guidelines and standards set by the ANS after-school team. They also have understood the consequences of not complying with these standards. Any instances of perceived bad behavior are to be reported to an after-school sports team member – coach or administrator – and they will fill out an incident form held at the athletic office. A decision will then be taken by our “Discipline Committees” to decide what further action (if any) should be taken. 1. Exhibit public behavior that will reflect positively on the team, school, and community 2. Exert effort to maintain a high level of academic achievement 3. Comply with all team and school rules, regulations, and policies 4. Attend all team practices, contests, and other functions on time 5. Respect and comply with decisions made by the coach and athletic department 6. Respect calls and decisions made by game officials 7. Display good sportsmanship when representing the school 8. Report to the coach any issues or developments that may affect eligibility status Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 11
Dispositions and behaviors The Discipline System For Middle School aged students who receive “behavioral dispositions” in their academic classes, the following applies: Student Athletes must exert themselves to maintain a high level of academic achievement and excellent behavioral dispositions (even one ‘1’ in behavioral dispositions is considered unacceptable for an athlete and any athlete who receives a ‘1’ in their behaviors (considered disruptive) will have to serve some type of sanction (community service). Continued ‘1’s could see the athlete lose the privilege of participation in after school sports. The purpose of disciplinary actions is not simply to punish someone, but to give students the opportunity to reflect and change their behavior. Where disciplinary measures are required, decisions regarding the severity of these will be attended to on a case by case basis and by our “Discipline Committees’’ and repeated actions considered as inappropriate, not in line with our ANS Core Values or what is stipulated in other school manuals, may result in permanent removal from the program. 12 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Whilst our Varsity age teams work under differing guidelines and are expected to be competitive (see the varsity Handbook for more information) for all other age groups the following applies: The After School SPorts Program is “formative-competitive”, meaning that we look to develop the skills of all students within the program to a level where they are competent and competitive athletes who can represent ANS in a manner befitting our fine school. We believe across the age groups and different disciplines that our ANS teams should be in and among the best in the country, and in order to achieve this goal will always look to put out the strongest representative teams/groups possible, composed of the most capable stand-up athletes at our disposal. Games are categorized as “friendly” or “competition” - friendly games being preparatory for a cup or event, and competition games being part of a cup or event. The school policy is for the coaches to analyze the players at their disposal (on an individual basis) and put them into the following groups: At the beginning of the calendar year, all the students will have around 5-6 weeks of training, during which time the group will be analyzed. At the end of this period, the coach will submit to the After School Sports Coordinator their ideal team rosters. The coach will identify which of his players are the most competent and which still require more work in order to compete. Barring any obvious changes, these groups will be maintained in the second part of the calendar year/first semester (August to December). The following attributes are the basis for the coaches’ decision (no one attribute is deemed more important than the others): A (deemed competent enough, sufficiently mature and disciplined enough (for their age level) to represent the school at a competitive level) B/C (able to represent the school in a more informal/partial manner or deemed not yet ready for competitive activities) Competitive Activities & Events 1. Attendance at practice 2. Attitude, effort and discipline during practice and games 3. Skill set Pre-Season Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 13
The ANS Teams that will compete in tournaments and events will be composed mainly or entirely of ‘A’ players, students who meet the criteria mentioned above. ‘B’ players could also represent the school in competitions if the coach decides they are ready. Students categorized ‘B’, are in the process of acquiring or refining skills and therefore could suffer against stronger teams. If these students are not selected for tournament games, they may still participate in friendly games whenever the Athletic Office considers it appropriate. ‘C’ players do not have the necessary maturity and/or skills to endure games/scrimmages and will be better served in a more informal setting (such as an internal tournament) before being exposed to the rigors of match/competition situations versus other teams. Parents will be informed of the above where applicable. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation and for trusting our coaches to make the best decisions for the school, the program in general, and for each student under their care. Whilst we may desire to have all students play on official ANS teams, this is not possible for a variety of administrative reasons and the factors mentioned above. Being part of our program does NOT entitle a student to participate in games and events. New for 2023-24, the new school website will have a daily calendar of upcoming events and games as and when these occur. On top of this, the Athletic Office will advise parents of games, events when their child has been selected for these, via email. Whilst we do our best to ensure that these communications are sent with as much anticipation as possible, this is often not possible as we are reliant on outside sources who may not confirm their availability to us until the last moment. To avoid sending multiple communications regarding the same event we wait until we have everything confirmed, the very latest 24 hours before. Sometimes due to these outside sources we are forced to cancel events at the last moment. For information regarding our policies in this instance please see “cancellations”. School Teams Communication 14 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Where there is competition there are generally awards involved. Our ANS policy regarding awards ceremonies for non-Varsity students is to hand out awards directly after an event rather than to have a ceremony that is held at a later date. This follows the accepted model in professional and amateur sports around the world. Our policy in team sports for our ANS events and competitions is to not hand out individual awards. It is strongly felt that any achievements one player may have would be impossible without their team and that it is therefore more just to award the group as a whole. When we participate in events held by outside schools/institutions this may not apply as they may choose to offer individual awards. This is their choice and as participants we are forced to comply with their rules. Awards Ceremonies Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 15
Personal Belongings Afternoons at ANS see a high number of visitors to the school and whilst we do all possible to maintain a safe and secure environment there does always exist the possibility of personal items being lost or stolen. To combat this, we ask for vigilance on the part of all and for students to take extra care of personal belongings. In order to avoid any incidents of loss we ask that all students who participate in after school sports in soccer fields 1 and 2 along with the track, swimming pool and CAA (covered athletic area) make use of the ‘Backpack Room’ situated by the swimming pool between the changing rooms and bathrooms. This ‘room’ is fitted with security cameras and is therefore the best spot to leave personal belongings whilst participating in after school sports. Items left in the Backpack Room will be watched over constantly and we therefore encourage you all to advise your children to take advantage of this provision and leave their articles there whilst they are at practice. For athletes who practice at other sites – Elementary Basketball Court, Mango Tree Cafe – we ask that they hand their belongings to their coach at the beginning of practice where he/she will ensure they are safe. This preventative measure is recommended in order to avoid problems before they occur. 16 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Collection of Students & Prior to Practice Suggestions Primary School students who participate in after school sports are required to meet with their coach at the ‘Mango Tree Cafe’ or in the case of 5th grade, at the ‘Outside Courts’ area, at the end of the school day. Promptly at 2.40pm the coach will lead his students to their practice point in order to begin the session at 2.45pm. ALL PRIMARY STUDENTS are required to comply with this process daily and anyone who is not present at their meeting point will be marked as late in the coach’s attendance form, which for repeat offenders could mean their exclusion from representing the school in competitive activities (see competitive activities). All parents are encouraged to respect the practice schedule and arrange for prompt collection of their children at the time and place designated in the ‘Master Schedule’ sent via email during the sign-up period for the end of practice. Coaches have other responsibilities once practice is over and therefore any lateness on the part of parents is an inconvenience. Given that there are extreme cases which cannot be avoided, at the end of practice the coach is instructed to wait for 10 minutes at the designated collection point (Gate 4, the main school entrance or Gate 8, the entrance to the CAA) with any children whose parents/guardians are late in collecting them. Once this 10 minute period is over the coach will take the child to gate number 4 where they will be left under the supervision of the guard located at this point until a responsible adult arrives to collect them. For what to do regarding the collection of your child in inclement weather please see ‘cancellations’. Middle and high school athletes (athletes from 6th to 12th grade) do not need to meet their coaches before practices and should change into their sports appropriate clothing before making their way to practices. These students should be careful not to leave any personal belongings in the changing areas. The school will not be held responsible for articles left in the changing areas. It is highly recommended that all participants eat a small snack before participating in sports in order to fuel their bodies and avoid episodes of ill health. Sufficient liquids should be consumed during practices and coaches schedule frequent ‘water breaks’ for Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 17
this purpose. Each student should bring their own water bottle or thermos. For Primary students the time to eat their snack is immediately at the end of the school day after meeting with their coach, ideally at 2.35pm. All other students should eat before practice begins and ensure they are present and ready to begin at the designated time. Transportation For off-campus games, selected players are expected to travel and will be required to do so unless their parent /guardian has informed the Athletic Office of their nonparticipation and that the child should stay on campus. All players attending a game off campus are required to depart ANS with their team and return to the school premises as a team. Violation of this rule will prevent players from participating in the match. Exception: Only parents who attend an off-campus game may take their child home directly from the game and only after signing a check-out form held by the coach. If a parent has arranged for someone else to pick up their child from the school or institution where the game is taking place, he or she must inform the Athletic Department beforehand. If the Athletic Department does not receive a notification the coach will be instructed to bring the child back to ANS. Note: No fee will be charged for the use of the school bus to and from games. All ANS disciplinary rules regarding activities outside the school apply. Bus transportation is a privilege not a right; consequently, misbehavior may result in suspension of bus transportation privileges. 18 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
Uniforms Students are free to wear any appropriate clothing for after school practices. For Primary students who come to school in the official ANS PE uniform it is recommended that they use these clothes for after school activities as this negates the need to change which may make them late for practices. It is considered inappropriate for students to participate in after school sports if they are wearing part of or their regular dress school uniform and whilst students without a change of clothes will not be excluded from participating, we encourage all to avoid this practice. For contact sports we suggest that footwear specific to their chosen sport is used. Official ANS uniforms are strictly required for any activity involving another school/group, either “friendly” or “competition”. Anyone not in full competition uniform may not be permitted to represent the school. For sports such as soccer, full uniform includes soccer socks and shin guards along with cleats. Whilst not every student enrolled in after school sports will be selected to represent ANS in games or events like those mentioned above, it is recommended that all have an official uniform in case they are selected. Having a uniform does not however guarantee selection or game time which are based on other factors (see COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES). Uniform changes occur approximately every 2 years and coordinating these changeovers is amongst our biggest challenges as a program. When a uniform change occurs, we require the full support of all so as to make this process as efficient as possible and ensure all our young athletes are fully kitted out for the corresponding new season! If your child requires a uniform you should register your interest with the Ahtletic Office as soon as practices begin (or before). If we receive this information in a timely manner the uniforms are ordered and arrive at the end of the pre-season period, ready for the beginning of competitions and events. ANS sports uniforms carry a cost and need to be paid for apart from regular school charges. If your child should desire to switch from one activity that requires a uniform to another that also requires a uniform, all will need to be paid for – no exceptions! Numbers on shirts will be assigned by the Athletic office. Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 19
Cancellations Due to after school sports practices, events and especially games being dependent on external factors and organizations, there will always be the possibility of cancellations. In the event of a cancellation for a practice, or advertised game/ event, the athletic office will make every effort to notify parents via email as early as possible. For younger participants we will always hold regular practices instead of a canceled game but only when the canceled game was being held on a day that they should have had their regular practice. During the rainy season (May to November) there will always be the possibility that our outdoors practices will be affected by bad weather conditions. The following information refers to our policies for days that inclement weather is a factor: When there is heavy rain, practices for younger students will be canceled. Thunder and Lightning even from a distance will mean practices will be immediately terminated so as to ensure students safety. Coaches are instructed to also cancel practices when there is no thunder or lightning but a rain shower is considered strong enough to inhibit practices. If we have experienced a strong rain storm in hours before soccer practices, even if the rain has stopped, there will still exist the possibility that practices will be canceled as the soccer fields may be considered as deluged and unfit for activities. In the case that practices are canceled at the last minute due to weather conditions or for any reason, you are free to collect your child after confirming with the coach. In cases where we have canceled but you are unable to collect your child until at the stipulated time for the end of practice, they will remain under our supervision until a responsible adult can collect them. If a previously announced game is canceled at the last moment, parents will be notified via email informing them of this up to and even during the supposed game time. 20 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
AASCA Events & Participation ANS participates in tournaments organized by the Association of American Schools in Central America (AASCA) in the sports of basketball, Cross Country, Track and field, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball. Only students in grades 7-12 are eligible to belong to varsity teams (AASCA teams) unless especially invited by the athletic Department. (In Swimming and Track and field highly skillful 6th grade athletes can participate). For more detailed information regarding AASCA events and participation, please see our dedicated AASCA manual, available upon request or shared with families of those selected for these. Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23 | 21
End of Season Awards Ceremonies Late May/early June ANS holds its Athletic Awards Ceremony for student athletes from 6th through 12th grade. Awards are handed out for the most standup athletes and are chosen by the coaches who work with the students daily and are therefore the most qualified to make these nominations. Selections are based on the coaches’ interpretation of the following criteria and used in tandem with our internal department evaluations of each student; Leadership skills (where applicable), Sportsmanship, Attendance record, Sporting skills, Growth as an athlete and a person. Secondary School (Middle School and High School Only) 22 | Athletics - Varsity Handbook 2022-23
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Lomas de Monserrat Managua, Nicaragua Tel: + 505 2252-7310 PO Box 2670 www.ans.edu.ni