€¦  · Web viewThe purpose of the UWCSEA East Sports Handbook is to provide athletes, parents, coaches and administration with a point of reference that is transparent and to

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

Guiding Statement

Values

Statement of Policy

Sportsmanship

Safety

Insurance & Sports Registration Form

Pre-Season Coaches Meeting

Eligibility Requirements

Annual Calendar

Student Time Commitment

Cancellation of Games / Practices

Transportation

School Funding of Events

Team / Coach Uniforms

School Attendance

Selection Policy

Participation Policy

Playing for Other Teams / Conflicting Activities

Playing Time

Lines of Communication

Sports Awards

Sports & Activities Directory

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INTRODUCTIONThe purpose of the UWCSEA East Sports Handbook is to provide athletes, parents, coaches and administration with a point of reference that is transparent and to further improve communication across the school community.

This handbook contains most of the practices, policies and regulations that govern sport at UWCSEA East. It is reviewed annually and approved by the Head of Campus.

In order for a student to participate in any selective sport at UWCSEA East Campus, both the student and the parents or guardians must sign the Sports Participation Agreement. Signing the form confirms an agreement that all the policies, procedures and regulations in this Sports Handbook are understood and will be followed.

Participation in sports is an integral part of a student's educational experience, and UWCSEA provides a varied and extensive sports opportunities for all students who wish to participate. UWCSEA East offers up to eight levels of team sports: 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U teams plus comprehensive age group opportunities in gymnastics, swimming, sailing and tennis programmes.

SPORTS GUIDING STATEMENT“United World College South East Asia East Campus Sports Programme aims to discover and develop the potential in each and every student commensurate of age and ability in a wide range of sporting activities.”

Sport is an integral part of school life at UWCSEA. Our goal is to involve, excite and motivate our students in physical activity. We offer a vibrant, exciting programme of competitive and non-competitive sporting activities to encourage maximum participation, individual aspiration, team achievement and personal excellence.

Sport plays a central role in the school's educational goal to educate individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world. We believe sport develops students’ confidence and resilience through physical, technical and mental stimulus, and exposure to teamwork and leadership opportunities.

OVERALL VALUES1. Sport for all

2. Taking interest and talent and developing them into expertise and excellence.

CORE VALUESUWCSEA Profile

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PLAY MORE – LIVE MORE – BE MORE

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITIVE SPORTS PROGRAMME1. To develop a comprehensive sports program as an integral part of the student’s total

school experience.

2. Field teams that compete at the highest levels in ACSIS and SEASAC competitions.

3. Encourage individual excellence and the esteem that follows.

4. Develop competitive teams that perform with integrity and earn distinction.

5. To enhance the student experience beyond the classroom and provide challenging but worthwhile opportunities for students.

6. Develop a sound athletic programme based upon skill development and teaching.

7. Develop a competitive winning attitude.

8. Develop moral and ethical values in our athletes and who are role models for our student body and who demonstrate citizenship.

9. Develop athletes who demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing respect for opponents, showing respect for officials and their decisions, and maintaining self control. 

10.Encourage commitment to team goals over personal goals.

11.Emphasise academic achievement.

12.Encourage multisport participation.

13.Concentrate on the development of skills and participation.

14.To encourage students to become active participants in the sports programme and to participate in a variety of sports and activities within the programme.

15.To recognise that the purpose of physical activity is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of each participant.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR FOR ALL INVOLVED IN THE COMPETITIVE SPORTS PROGRAMME (DAILY CHOICES)

1. Be the best you can be in all training and competitions

2. Strive for individual and team excellence

3. Be professional (be on time for training, perfect attendance, work for your team)

4. Show respect on and off the field

5. Cooperate with your teammates and coaches

6. Follow the Activities department philosophy and guidelines at all times

7. Be a leader

8. Be a good sport! Show sportsmanship at all time

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SPORTS PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES AT EACH LEVEL Our competitive sports programme (selective) is divided into five levels.  Primary Sports, 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U.  Each programme has a specific focus.

Junior / 12U - Fun, inclusion and even playing times The focus at the Primary level is to maximize participation. “Sport for All” is followed in each sport that is offered. The focus is developing basic skills, preparation for competition and a love for sport. Playing time within matches will be equal amongst all student athletes. Developing athletes is as equally as important as a winning season.

14U - Skill development The primary focus at this level is to maximize the learning of skills, knowledge and rules of the game. Maximum participation by athletes is emphasized not only for the overall growth and welfare of the athletes, but the continued development of the overall programme.  Developmental levels should be the foundations for the higher, competitive levels. Developing athletes is equally as important as a winning season.

16U - Training to Be CompetitiveAt this level, we strive to continue to develop the “basic skills”. The aim is to refine the basic skills and to develop their application within the sport.  Maximum participation remains an objective but additional emphasis is placed on being competitive. We are working to apply skills to competitive situations and to develop more detailed tactics related to the individual sport.

U19 – Highly CompetitiveAt this stage of the programme we place more emphasis on being competitive.  During the season maximum participation is still a focus but for championship tournaments we aim to field our most competitive team. Players earn their game time throughout the season through their performance in matches and training. We strive to develop complex tactics of the sport and we emphasize commitment, discipline and dedication to a team. 

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES MISSION STATEMENTS

Selective Sports ProgrammeOur sports programme endeavours to provide for as many sports as can reasonably be supported and are offered by the organisations of which UWCSEA East is a member (ACSIS and SEASAC).  Participating student athletes will develop their skill, knowledge and performance from a structured coaching programme scheduled in excellent facilities.  The Sports & Activities Department and Coaches will aim to ensure that the most up to date and age appropriate coaching methods are provided and will strive for the highest possible performances within the constraints of an academic school setting.  A major role of the programme is that it will stress and develop the fundamental characteristics of commitment, loyalty, selflessness, determination, cooperation, leadership and an appreciation of the role and value of the individual and the group.

Sportsmanship

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UWCSEA East Campus recognises that team and individual competition contribute significantly to the development of character and school spirit. Sportsmanship and fair play are important parts of this experience.

We expect our athletes, coaches, students, staff and parents to represent UWCSEA East Campus in a manner that is respectful of others both on and off the field of competition. It is our desire and goal that we develop and practice the highest standards of courtesy, discipline, good sportsmanship, and the ability to act as good hosts and guests.

Player / Coach / Parents Code of Conduct

SafetyIt is vital to understand that participation in sports involves inherent risks. However, coaches and administrative personnel are obliged to act in a prudent manner in order to prevent foreseeable accidents and injuries. They should respond to unexpected circumstances according to guidelines set out in this handbook.

External coaches will be required to attend an annual meeting in which they are briefed on the College expectations.

Insurance and the Participation Agreement FormThe school recommends that all students have comprehensive accident and medical insurance that will cover normal risks associated with any sport that the student participates in. This insurance should be considered the primary insurance in the event of any injury. For overnight trips an insurance premium will be included in the overall trip cost.

Details of the extent of this insurance coverage are available on request and may be downloaded from the UWCSEA sports web site.

No student should participate in the sports programme without first handing in a completed Sports Registration Form. A new form must be completed each year. This will be given to the student by their coach.

CalendarThe annual sports calendar will be finalised in May preceding the new academic year and published from August in the school calendar, the sports notice boards and the sports web site.

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STUDENT TIME COMMITMENT / PRACTICE DAYSWe have four seasons in the school academic year

Seasons are, on average, nine weeks long. The following are the minimum training requirements:

Training afternoon(s)

Junior, 12U and 14U Tuesday and Thursday

High School teams Monday, Wednesday, Friday

In addition, older teams may choose to train before school and at weekends. In order to cater for the great number of teams run at UWCSEA, there are up to three training sessions scheduled per afternoon: 3.10–4.30pm, 4.30–6pm and 6–7.30pm. Where possible, the younger teams will be scheduled for the first session. Games will be scheduled from 4.30pm to allow for travel time.

ATTENDANCE AT TRAINING AND GAMESStudents are expected to attend all scheduled training and competition sessions, allocated training days should be kept clear of conflicting events during the season. If attendance is not possible due to a crucial commitment outside their control, the athlete must personally excuse themselves with the coach. If the team schedule is altered eg. re-scheduling due to inclement weather, students should make every effort to attend and try to give the coach plenty of warning if they cannot make the new date/time. (Coaches must appreciate that students have very full schedules and that it may not be possible for some students to make a game that is arranged outside the regular training days.)

If a student is not in school by 10am, they cannot participate in a fixture on that day.

If a training session is cancelled the coach must inform all players -1. Preferably at the previous training session or earlier

2. If done on the day of training, you must do so before lunch. All students must contact home before lunch and transport needs to be informed before lunch for the session to be cancelled and students to catch a 3:10pm transport.

3. If done after lunch Junior School students must stay for the duration of the training session.

Note: It is appreciated that some student athletes may have a commitment to an elite training programme outside the school. In this case parents should contact the coach who should involve the Activities Office before or during the try-out period to discuss the specific situation. In an ideal situation it would be beneficial to both parties if a compromise can be agreed that takes into account training schedules and tournament / event preparation at an elite level. This would include training and preparation as an nationally / internationally ranked athlete, and for representative competitions above club level. The same flexibility would not normally be extended to club training outside of school.

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If leeway is granted:1. students must comply with the regular selection policy;

2. students and their parents must maintain regular and close contact with the coach and ensure that they train with the team twice a week as a minimum unless previously agreed with the Coach and Activities Office;

3. students should make every effort to attend all special team sessions / functions;

4. students fulfill all school competition and tournament commitments and expectations.

CANCELLATION OF GAMES / PRACTICES Cancellation of games and or practices due to inclement weather is rare and will normally be made by 1:00pm.

Rescheduled dates, if known, will be updated on the Sports website: www.uwcseaeastsports.com

COLLEGE FUNDING FOR EVENTSUWCSEA East will pay for all affiliation fees, local transport and tournament participation fees for teams participating in ACSIS events.

TEAM UNIFORMSTeam uniforms will be issued to the coach by the Activities Office. A separate uniform is stocked for every team with the majority of 19U “A” teams having two due to their extended tournament schedules. The coach is responsible for issuing uniforms to the team and recording number / name details. (Swim teams will be required to purchase their swimwear and caps and gymnastic teams will be required to purchase their leotards as they constitute personal items).

Coaches should collect all uniforms at the conclusion of the final game.

Uniforms must be returned in a satisfactory condition no later than one week after the final sports contest for the season. Parents of athletes will be responsible for uniforms not returned after the one-week period. Any charges for uniforms lost or not returned will be added to the students account plus an administration fee as it causes an undue burden and complication when uniforms are lost or not returned. In most cases, uniforms cannot be replaced and the sets will be short until new sets of uniforms are ordered. Most sets of uniforms are replaced on a three or four year cycle.

Teams may opt to purchase a personalised uniform plus additional items as they and the coach see fit e.g. t-shirts, caps etc. The design of all personal uniforms must be approved by the Sports and Activities office before being ordered - only College colours and logos will be permitted. If names are put on the back of shirts they must only be family names.

Personalised kit (19U Teams )If the team wants a ‘change’ of kit, training kit or t-shirt or cap with their name on please discuss with the Chair of Activities.  All additional kit for players and coaches needs to be approved before purchase by the Chair of Activities.

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SELECTION POLICYAll student athletes must attend try-outs in order to be considered for a seasonal team. If a student is absent, or is injured at the time of try-outs, the student must contact the coach in order to arrange an alternate time.

Dates of seasonal try-outs and end of season tournaments are included in the annual Sports Calendar. Coaches will normally have one week in which to hold trials. A list of the selected students must be sent to the Activities Office so that they can be recorded in the central database (CIMS). If there is insufficient time to make crucial decisions, coaches can keep extra students in their squad. Final selection decisions need to be made two weeks before an ACSIS Tournament and four weeks before a SEASAC Tournament. A discussion must take place between the coach and students at the start of the season explaining this selection situation if there are to be final cuts made later in the season.

Special requests or situations should be communicated to the coaches during try-outs and before the announcement of team selections e.g. a request for a national squad member to maintain a reduced training schedule.

For 11U, 12U and 14U teams students must be of the proper age (as of 1 June).

For 19U B/C teams, we aim to select students from G11 and G12, however coaches can select up to 3 students who are younger only if they will be considered a “starter” for the duration of the season. If a student athlete is exceptionally strong they will be selected for the 19U A Team to develop their skills.

For 19U A team, students can be of any age and are selected on merit as long as all the safety aspects have been considered.

Rationale – selecting from within specific Grade boundaries (for all teams other than the 19U) ensures that all students have a better opportunity to represent the College and some students do not have a great experience through the year at the expense of others. It also ensures a steady development of players which, in the long term, will ensure that there is a steady stream of experienced and able athletes participating in the senior teams.

Final squad lists will be uploaded onto the school databse as soon as possible after the last try-out session.

Students, who register for school after the try-out dates eg students enrolling in January during Season 2, will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If the coach wishes to add a student to a Senior team after carrying out the necessary trials, they may be accepted up to four weeks before the end of the season (the deadline for the submission of team lists for the SEASAC tournaments).

After teams are selected, parents are requested not to remove their sons or daughters from the team without first speaking with the coach and the Head of Activities. If there are any circumstances in which a student cannot attend a tournament they must inform their coach and the Heads of Activities as soon as possible.

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AGE GROUP NOMENCULAR 19U on 1 June 2015 e.g., a player who is 18 years old on 31 May 2015, but turns 19 on or after 1 June 2015 is eligible to play in the 19U competitions.

16U on 1 June 2015 e.g., a player who is 15 years old on 31 May 2015, but turns 16 on or after 1 June 2015 is eligible to play in the 19U competitions.

14U on 1 June 2015 e.g., a player who is 13 years old on 31 May 2015, but turns 14 on or after 1 June 2015 is eligible to play in the 14U competitions.

12U on 1 June 2014 e.g., a player who is 11 years old on 31 May 2014, but turns 12 on or after 1 June 2013 is eligible to play in the 12&U competitions.

11U on 1 June 2014e.g., a player who is 9 years old on 31 May 2014, but turns 11 on or after 1 June 2013 is eligible to play in the 11&U competitions.

The top team in any age-group will be referred to as the “A” team - if multiple teams are run in an age-group subsequent teams should be referred to as “Green”, “White” and “Black” if needed.

PLAYING TIMECoaches should follow these playing time guidelines where possible:

11U, 12U, 14U 16U & 19U B and C teams - Coaches are expected to play all eligible players in each game during the regular season. Exceptions: 1. Missing team practice(s) 2. Attitude and effort at practice(s) 3. End of season tournament games.

19U “A Team” – Playing time will be at the coaches discretion. Although coaches are encouraged to be as inclusive as possible during the season athletes should appreciate that the coach will play individuals based on merit in crucial games and play-offs.

PARTICIPATION POLICY

Playing for other teams / participating in conflicting activities UWCSEA East expects athletes to play for the school team if there are conflicts resulting from playing for an external team or participating in conflicting activities outside the school. Parents should contact the respective Heads of Activity and the coach directly as soon as they are aware of any conflict occurring - requests for absence will be reviewed on a case by case basis. It is appreciated that the parent has the final say in the matter but it is an expectation that they will give priority for UWCSEA East when agreeing to their child participating in the sports programme.

If a player proves unreliable during the season, the coach and the Heads of Activity will consider their position on a case-by-case basis.

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Dual sport participationDefinition: participating on two UWCSEA East competitive sports teams during the same season. Dual sport participation is permitted under the following conditions:

1. the student and his / her family are in agreement of competing for 2 sport teams

2. the coaches of the affected sports are in agreement that this is a desirable situation

3. the coaches of the affected sports, athlete, and respective Head fo Activity will meet to determine if a schedule for practices and competitions can be mutually agreed upon if needed.

4. the athlete is expected to practice regularly in both sports.

5. the athlete will not be permitted to leave practice early in order to attend a practice in the other sport without the permission of both coaches.

6. the athlete will not be permitted to miss any practices or contests in either sport without the consent of one or both of the coaches.

7. a prioritized list of contest levels will be established before the first contest of either sport.

The athlete will be required to determine his / her "Primary" and "Secondary" sports. This determination will be used only to resolve scheduling conflicts that arise after the start of the season. All final authority regarding conflicts and clarification of dual sport participation shall be vested in the Chair of Activities and the respective Head of Activities.

LINES OF COMMUNICATION Coaches are encouraged to establish a line of communication with the parents during the season. E-mail is very effective for information sharing but telephone is much better if there are personal issues to be resolved. When problems arise, the parent and/or student-athlete should talk to the coach first. Most areas of concern can be solved at this level.

If a resolution does not occur when talking with the coach and the parents or student feels that additional communication is necessary they should contact the respective Head of Activities. If he/she is still unable to solve the problem, then a meeting with the relevant Principal may be scheduled.

SPORTS AWARDSThere will be a Sports Awards celebration for High School teams after each season. This is a student driven and student led initiative. Team members vote on the recipients of the following awards -

Most Valuable Player

Most Improved Player

Team Contribution

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All players who achieve a minimum of 70% attendance will be presented with a certificate.

In the Season 3 celebration the following awards will also be presented:

3-season Athletes; (those students that represent a different sport in each of the three seasons).

DRAGONS HONOUR WALLThere are three ways in which a student athlete may qualify to be recognised on the Honour Wall:

1. Two-Year AthleteRationale This award recognises multi-talented students who have shown outstanding

commitment and performance to High School sport in their final two years of school.

Criteria A student must represent a minimum of 6 x 19UA and SEASAC teams throughout Grades 11 and 12.

2. Four-Year AthleteRationale This award recognises students with more specific skills who have shown

excellent commitment and performance in a single sport throughout their High School career.

Criteria A student must represent the 19UA and SEASAC team for 4 years from Grades 9-12.

3. National Level AthleteRationale This award recognises the dedication and effort that is required to achieve elite

status in a sport.

Criteria A student must have played an exemplary role in the school sports program until they leave or graduate and achieved a specific standard in their chosen sport, for example:

Cross Country - Run an average sub-18 min (boys) or sub-21 min (girls) 5K in both the ACSIS and SEASAC races.

Rugby - Selected for Singapore U18.

Swimming - Make an A or B Final in the Singapore Nationals at U18 level OR achieve U18 qualification times for the UK National Championships.

Tennis - Hold a ranking on the ITF tour.

Touch - Selected for Singapore U18.

The Middle School and Junior School will celebrate stdent achievement at the end of season assembly.

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ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY

Role Name Ext E-Mail

Chair of Activities and Head of Middle School Activities

Nick Dunn 2600 [email protected]

Head of High School Activities

Gavin Dinsdale 2605 [email protected]

Head of Primary School Activities

Ian Deeth 2606 [email protected]

Sports Manager Felicia Peck 2602 [email protected]

Activity Manager Jasmine Giam 2601 [email protected]

Senior Administrative Executive

Mod Ishak 2608 [email protected]

Sports and Activities Assistant

Jilyn Seah [email protected]

Head Swimming Coach

Taylor Smith 2604 [email protected]

Director of Dance Yoshi Jacobson 2603 [email protected]

Gymnastics Programme Administrator

Amy Brooks [email protected]

Head Tennis Coach Niki Tippins [email protected]

Sailing Coordinator Robbie Jefferiss [email protected]

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