1.0 The American School in Taichung Athletics Philosophy

The American School in Taichung, in its dedication to fostering excellence for a higher level in education, understands that participation in athletic activities is one step to excellence in all aspects of one’s life.

Athletics at AST are considered an integral part of the school’s program of education.? We believe that a properly managed sports program helps meet a student’s needs for self-expression, mental alertness and physical growth.

We believe that participation in athletics is a vital part of a student’s educational experience.? Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the team, the student body, the community and to oneself.? Such experience contributes to the knowledge, skill and motivation of the student, helping each one to become a better person and citizen.

By supporting policies that govern athletic competition for the school and the conduct and training for school athletes, parents, team members and coaches can help maintain an athletic program with positive opportunities and experiences, which foster the personal growth of all.

2.0 AST Athletic Department Policies

1.Players must remember they represent the American School in Taichung community and family in all competition.

2.Student-athletes shall demonstrate fair play at all times, respect for opponents, officials and spectators.

3.Each participant must have a completed health form on file in the nurse’s office before he/she will be allowed to participate in athletics at AST.

4.A student who maintains a minimum grade point average of 73% and is not failing any subject (59%) will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.? See Parent/ Student handbook for more details on eligibility.

5.Students must attend school to participate in athletic activities.? Athletes who are absent from school may not practice or participate in any athletic/sports events that day.? To be eligible for participation in a game or travel off campus for school sponsored athletic/sports events, a student must be in school on the day of that game.

6.Any full time AST student in grades 6 to 8 who fulfills academic requirements is eligible to try out for a middle school team.? The athletic form (last page of Parent/ Athlete Guide) must be completed and returned to AST for participation to continue beyond the stated deadline.?

7.Any full time AST student in grades 9 to 12 who fulfills academic requirements is eligible to try out for a junior varsity team.? The athletic form (last page of Parent/ Athlete Guide) must be completed and returned to AST for participation to continue beyond the stated deadline.

8.An athlete must always consult/inform the coach (or the Athletic Director if coach can’t be reach) before missing practice.? Athletes are expected to attend all practices unless alternative arrangements for a conflict are impossible.

9.Coaches will determine strategy based on the effort, ability, and participation demonstrated by players.? Athletes are to respect all of the coach’s decisions.

10.All AST equipment and uniforms issued to athletes are to be returned in good condition.? Equipment issued to athletes shall be worn only during appropriate team events.? Loss or destruction of any equipment or uniform is the athlete’s financial obligation.? The athlete will pay the replacement cost. In the case of a portion of a uniform being lost or destroyed, the athlete will pay the cost necessary to replace the whole uniform.

11.Athletes are responsible for reporting all injuries and physical disorders to their coach immediately.

12.All AST athletes representing the school on trips must follow the travel dress code.? Chaperones finding students not dressed properly may require students to change into appropriate clothes.

13.Athletes missing any class time due to school-sponsored travel are responsible for all work missed.

14.Students failing to complete a season in good standing will not be eligible for recognition.? This includes participation certificates, team and department awards.

15.It is the overwhelming opinion of health educators and coaches that athletes perform best when they follow intelligent training rules.? These include abstaining from the use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs, which are prohibited according to school rules.

16.The use of tobacco and illegal drugs by student athletes will not be tolerated and is prohibited.? In the event an athlete fails to comply with this policy, it will be interpreted by coaches and administration that the individual does not have sufficient desire to participate in the interscholastic athletic program.? The individual in violation, following review of the incident, will be removed from the team. 

3.0 Eligibility for Extra Curricular Activities

An academic curriculum and a school sponsored extra-curricular program should co-exist harmoniously.? This eligibility policy has been established to encourage students to fulfill their academic responsibilities as well as to participate in the enriching experience of extra-curricular activities.

The criteria for determining eligibility are:

A. Academics:

1. A student who maintains a minimum grade point average of 73 % and is not failing any subject (59%) will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.
2. Eligibility will be determined for each grading period listed below.? Students who are placed on academic probation will not be eligible to participate in the after-school sports program for the following making period.? The final marking period of the year will be used as eligibility for the first season of the next school year.

Grading Periods

• Quarter 4 (semester II of previous year)
• Progress Report Quarter 1 (semester I)
• Quarter 1 (semester I)
• Progress Report Quarter 2 (semester I)
• Quarter 2 (semester II)
• Progress Report Quarter 3 (semester II)
• Quarter 3 (semester II)
• Progress Report Quarter 4 (semester II)

3. A student failing to meet minimum eligibility requirements becomes ineligible when marks are issued at the end of each formal grading periods (quarter report cards). He/she is then put on academic probation; probation means that he/she can participate in practice, at Director’s discretion, but not in games, performances, etc.
4. Students failing at progress report time will be placed on warning, meaning that they can still participate but will be monitored academically.
5. A student ineligible for extra-curricular activities will remain ineligible until the current grading period ends.
6. Students ineligible at the beginning (when the activity commences) of an activity/sport season will remain ineligible until this quarter period is over.
7. If a student becomes ineligible during a season they may return to the team after the next marking period as long as they fulfill all eligibility requirements.
8. A student receiving an incomplete in a course will be on probation until work is made up and their grade is determined.? Probation means that a student may participate in practice, but not in games, performances, etc.

B. Behavioral:

• A student who follows good behavioral standards will be able to participate in extracurricular activities.
• A student who is on behavioral probation, as per the discipline statement distributed at the beginning of the school year, will not be eligible to participate in any activities from the day of effect of the behavior probation until the end of the probation period.
• Students ineligible at the beginning of an activity/sport season will remain ineligible until completion of probation period.

The activities covered by the Eligibility Rules are:

Varsity level
Junior Varsity level

Volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Softball
Cross Country
Track & Field

4.0 AST Code of Ethics for Sports Participants

Sport provides an opportunity for the participant to develop their potential as a skilled performer in an EDUCATIONAL setting.

As Education seeks to provide new ways in which each individual may grow emotionally, socially and intellectually, so does the Athletic programme. In addition, the participant has the opportunity to travel, represent their school, and learn the art of being a team member. The player may have to sacrifice some individual privileges as they accept the policies of the programme and become a team member.

• Ethical considerations for the participant:
• A student wishing to participate in an extended extracurricular activity or team must complete a Student Activity Agreement form.
• Any student on Academic Probation is not eligible for athletics.
• Students involved in athletics are expected to be ambassadors of The American School in Taichung. Therefore all school rules apply.
• Students who have continuous difficulties with their academics and general behaviour may be subject to suspension from an athletic team.
• Recognise that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the participants.
• Where applicable, all students will dress appropriately while traveling, competing or representing The American School in Taichung. This includes competitions and practices.
• Maintain personal habits that enhance healthy living i.e. a conscientious athlete will maintain a balanced diet and substances such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs will NOT be part of her lifestyle.
• Respect differing points of view and value one’s integrity.
• Strive for their highest personal degree of excellence.
• Willfully abide by the spirit of the rules, as well as the letter of the rules throughout all games and practices.
• Uphold all standards and regulations expected of participants.
• Treat all players, officials and coaches with respect and courtesy.
• Respect and accept the decision of the coach and or referee. When ethical decisions are questionable, the participant should confer with the coach and come to mutual agreement.
• Respect and accept the decision of the coach in team selections. Understanding that the coach is making decisions for the team and not the individual.
• Maintain your potential grade in all subjects and inform teachers in advance of any class absence. Acknowledge that being absent from School also makes you ineligible to play on the same day.
• Understand that playing in a Sports team is not an excuse for missing School.

As a member of an Eagles Team it is expected that you will maintain the standards expected and participate adhering to ethical considerations.
Any athlete who can not achieve this may face dismissal from the team

Signed____________________(athlete)? ___________________(parent)

Coach__________________

5.0 Eagles Sport

The American School in Taichung

Dear Parents

Congratulations! Your child has been selected to represent A.S.T on an Eagles sports team. Joining a team involves a great commitment from the athlete with regards to training, competing at games and upholding the school’s sporting ethos.
Being part of a school team is a very valuable experience for your child and one in which they will face challenges, character building experiences and the opportunity to develop their physical strengths and skills. They will also enhance their social skills, as they learn to work with members of the team and as they interact with Athletes from other International and Taiwanese schools.

The following information provides you with details about what being a member of this team will involve and how you can help your child to have a successful and safe season. Please feel free to contact us through AST P.E. Dept if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support.

Training Schedule

Middle School

Day: ????? Girls- Monday and Wednesday
Boys- Tuesday and Friday???????
Practice start: 3.45pm
Practice finish: 4.50pm

High School:
Day: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday?
Practice start: 3.45pm
Practice finish: 4.50pm

Team members are required to attend all training sessions unless they are absent or ill. Any team member unable to make a training session should advise a coach directly. Members of the team who are also in other school activities need to inform the appropriate coach. All team members will have the opportunity to play in matches, however participation/school representation time will not always be equal.

Parental Support

It is very important to your son/ daughter and to the team to have parental support. Everyone is encouraged to come along and support the students involved in sport. It really makes a big difference to the students when they have people in the stands “cheering them on”!

Equipment and Kit

Athletes should wear suitable clothing to training sessions. Appropriate good quality footwear is of particular importance to aid in the prevention of injury. If you would like some advice on this issue please do not hesitate to contact a member of the P.E. Department.
All team members will be issued a team uniform for which they are responsible.

Health

Team members are encouraged to maintain a healthy living style through out the season. It is important that they get adequate sleep and have healthy eating habits to provide enough energy for training. Athletes should make an effort to drink plenty of water during the day in preparation for practice. During the first couple of weeks of the season it is likely that your child will experience sore muscles as training can be intensive, but these should go away as they adapt to the training and as they get more fit. It is essential that athletes should inform coaches of any injuries, however minor they seem so that training can be modified and any injuries do not become more serious.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding The American School in Taichung sports teams do not hesitate to contact the Athletics Director or your child’s sports coach.  

We look forward to seeing you at some of the games and would like to thank you in advance for your help and support.

6.0 Managers Information

Dear Parents

Your child has shown interest in being an Eagles Sports Team manager. Managers have the opportunity to develop their sporting knowledge and to interact with other students from A.S.T. and other schools.

The following information provides you with details about what being a member of this team will involve and how you can help your child to have an enjoyable season.

After School Commitments

Your child may be expected to attend training once a week to carry out managerial tasks. They may discuss which day of the week they attend with the coach but this then becomes a regular commitment.
All managers are expected to attend weekend and mid-week games.

Managers are expected to:

• Work alongside the players and the coaches.
• Attend one training sessions to carry out managerial tasks. (i.e maintaining the Team display board,? digital photography, recording match results)
• Attend all matches/fixtures.

Competition/Matches and the Managers responsibilities:

• Prepare score/team sheets and, if appropriate, set up the computer scoring system.

• Welcome the opposing team and show them to the changing rooms.

• Record the score.
• Keep match statistics.
• Take photographs.
• Write a brief match report.

The team’s success is also the manager’s success!

Please complete the forms attached and return them to your coach as soon as possible.
We look forward to seeing you at some of the games and would like to thank you in advance for your help and support. Here’s looking forward to a great season.

Larry Liedtke
Athletics Director