ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIESSPRING 2015

The International School of Minnesota prides itself on its sports programs and strives to continue to improve on an annual basis. We believe in an intelligent and scientific approach to athletic training and therefore use proven developmental models as a foundation for our curriculum. Coaches strive to use the four stages of development in each practice: warm-up, small-sided activity, expanded game like activity, and scrimmage or game. This structure allows a student to learn a new skill or theory at the beginning of a practice and slowly apply it with increasing speed and pressure. This process helps cement the skill or theory into muscle memory so that it can be automatically applied in games.

The other critical element of Husky athletics is FUN! We believe that developing a passion for the sport/activity is the first step to success in any field. Passionate children will put forth that extra effort outside of practice and become that special player or participant. We also want to encourage students to be multi-sport athletes. Studies have shown that well-rounded, multi-sport athletes have the highest potential to achieve the goal of lifelong fitness and enjoyment of physical activity while avoiding some of the pitfalls of overuse, over-training, and burnout. We also want to emphasize a certain type of fun as well. Instead of the “quick fun” or “extrinsic fun,” we want to promote “intrinsic fun.” This type of fun occurs when one sets a challenging goal and then meets that goal. By establishing that culture early, we hope to help create motivated individuals who know how to succeed for life.

The International School of Minnesota also believes in a using a scientific approach to coaching. Our coaches rely on the guidelines set by a variety of sources including:

• National Federation of High School Leagues • Minnesota State High School League• Individual Sport Governing Bodies

o United States Soccer Federationo USA Volleyballo USA Basketballo USATFo USA Ultimateo USTA

• Research journals in the fields of Psychology, and Kinesiology

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Athletic Director:Mr. Turner Neal has been the Athletic Director since August, 2011. He was also the boys’ varsity head coach in soccer from 2007-2013 and the girls’ varsity coach in 2014. He amassed a record of 61-19-9 (W-L-D). The boys’ soccer team also won three regular season conference championships during this time. Mr. Neal coaches soccer outside of ISM for Shakopee Soccer Association and has coached for a variety of other teams and clubs including: Northfield Soccer Association, SV Blau Weiß Kerpen 1919 e.V (Germany), Alemmania Aachen (Germany), Northfield Football Club ’96, Eastside Soccer Club, and Hamline University. Mr. Neal also enjoys participating in and coaching a variety of other sports and activities including Ultimate Frisbee, and Mock Trial.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Riley HoffmanERA Athletic Directorrhoffman@eagleridgeacademy.org

Turner Neal ISM Athletic Director tneal@ism-sabis.net 952-918-1833

The mission of The International School of Minnesota athletics is to provide a top quality athletic experience to our diverse student body,

while preparing them for lifelong success by building the skills necessary for an ethical,

moral and healthy character.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIESWE BELIEVE THAT…• Participation in school athletic programs is a privilege and not a right. • Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based athletic

programs. • Success is transferable across different fields• Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are expected and non-negotiable. • Collaborative relationships with parents enhance The School’s opportunity to

positively impact student success. • Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic activities. • Positive role models and an active involvement in a student’s life by parents and

others are critical to student success. • High school athletic programs are designed for student participants, and adults

must serve in a supportive role. • The success of the team is more important than individual honors. • Compliance with school, community and Minnesota State High School League

(MSHSL) rules is essential for all activity participants. • Participation in school-sponsored athletics must be inclusive, not exclusive.

Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.

POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

• Academics and family take priority over athletics• Be aware of the time demands and commitments of the activity• Attendance is taken into consideration when determining playing time• Students may not play until cleared by the Athletic Director• A student will automatically become ineligible for Athletics if they are failing a

course. Grades will be compiled on a weekly basis. The student must then be certified eligible by the AQC. This will happen if the student brings the grade out of the failing range, or by developing and following an academic plan set in conjunction with the Student Management Coordinator (SMC), the US Academic Quality Controller (AQC), and parents, which will allow them to spend the proper amount of time studying to ensure academic success.

• Students may not use, or be in possession of, chemicals including alcohol, tobacco, or any other controlled substance from the first signing of the Student Eligibility Brochure. There are stiff punishments for violations.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIESGOLF LESSONSLessons will include putting, chipping, pitching, sand, full swing (irons), and full swing (woods). The program will also cover general rules, etiquette, and course management to help prepare each student for future competition.

Start and End DatesApproximately April 15, 2015 - May 15, 2015. Schedule is heavily dependent on weather

Practice ScheduleTwo practices per week on Tuesday and Thursday. Practices will occur off-site. Practice times will be determined by the instructors and schools and will be distributed to families closer to the start of the season.

Transportation Transportation will be provided to drop students off at the golf course. Parents and guardians are responsible for a timely pick-up at the end of practice.

Equipment Provided by the FamilyProper footwear and proper athletic clothing that fits all dress codes.

GenderBoys and girls are welcome to participate.

Teams in 2013-2014 2 groups of 5 students

TENNISThe tennis program focuses on the fundamentals of the game including serves, forehand and backhand shots, volleys, and general strategy. The program will also cover general rules, and scoring and is designed to help prepare students for future competitions. As a club sport, the tennis team will only have intra-squad competitions.

Start and End DatesApril 6, 2015 - May 15, 2015

Practice ScheduleTwo practices per week on Tuesday and Thursday. Practices occur at either Holasek Hill Park, or inside at ISM. Practices are 4:30-6:00.

Transportation Transportation will be provided to drop students off at Holasek Hill Park. Parents and guardians are responsible for a timely pick-up at the end of practice.

Equipment Provided by the SchoolTennis racquets may be provided for students. Other practice materials including age appropriate balls.

Equipment Provided by the FamilyProper footwear and athletic clothing for practice. A racquet that is properly fitted to the participant.

Gender Boys and girls are welcome to participate.

Teams in 2013-2014 16 participants with a variety of ages. Both genders were represented.

SPRING

ULTIMATE FRISBEEThe Ultimate Frisbee team plans to join the Minnesota Youth Ultimate (MNYU) league in 2015. The team will practice on not only the fundamentals of the game including throwing, and catching, but will also discuss the varying advanced tactics used in formal competitions.

Start and End DatesMarch 23, 2015 - May 30, 2015

League/OrganizationMinnesota Youth Ultimate, mnyu.org

Practice ScheduleThree practices per week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Practices will be at ISM. Practices are 5:00-6:30.

The team will play in the MNYU program for the first time. There will be a regular season schedule provided closer to the start of the season. Games may also be played against EMAC competition.

Transportation Transportation will be provided to some away games.

Equipment Provided by the SchoolISM will provide discs and other equipment for practice.

Equipment Provided by the FamilyProper footwear and athletic clothing for practice.

Gender Boys and girls are welcome to participate.

Teams in 2013-2014 31 players who represented both genders in grades 9 through 12

SPRING

SPRINGBADMINTONThe badminton program is designed for fun and lots of play time! Instruction for beginners will be available, but most of the time will be spent actively playing the game. Some competitions may be scheduled depending on the availability of other intramural teams.

Start and End DatesMarch 23, 2015 - May 15, 2015

Practice ScheduleThree practices per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Practices occur at ISM. Practices are 4:00-5:30

We will seek to schedule scrimmages against local schools and EMAC competition, although no formal competition schedule will be provided.

Transportation No team transportation.

Equipment Provided by the SchoolRacquets to borrow, as well as practice materials.

Equipment Provided by the FamilyProper footwear and athletic clothing for practice. Students are encouraged to bring their own racquet.

Gender Boys and girls are welcome to participate.

Practice SchedulePractices will be at ISM. The team will practice from 4:00-5:30.

Teams in 2013-2014 15 members representing both genders in grades 7 through 12

BASEBALLThe baseball team is a varsity program that plays in the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference under the Minnesota State High School League rules. The team focuses on both the fundamentals of the game, as well as the more advanced strategies required for competitions

Start and End DatesMarch 16 – Approximately May 15

League/OrganizationEMAC, emaconference.org; MSHSL, mshsl.org

Practice ScheduleFour practices per week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5:30-7:00. Practice times and locations may change as practices may also take place at local baseball diamonds or batting cages.

Transportation Transportation will be provided to and from conference games. Transportation will not be provided for off-site practices or non-conference games

Equipment Provided by the SchoolISM will provide a uniform that includes a hat, top, pants, belt, and socks. ISM will also provide a set of catchers’ gear, batting helmets, and bats.

Equipment Provided by the FamilyProper athletic footwear and practice attire. Families are also responsible for baseball gloves.

Gender Boys and girls are welcome to participate.

Teams in 2013-2014 19 members

SPRINGTRACK & FIELDTrack & Field is designed to increase fitness at every level for the athletes. Events are divided into 4 categories: throws, jumps, long distance, and short distance running. Athletes are encouraged to try out multiple events! Track & Field is both an EMAC and MSHSL sport.

Start and End Dates March 9, 2015 - June 6, 2015

League/Organization EMAC, emaconference.org; MSHSL, mshsl.org

Practice Schedule Five practices per week. Monday through Friday. Practices will be at ISM. The team will practice from 4:00-5:30.

Meets can occur on any weekday, and Saturdays. The team attends between 4-8 meets annually with the number depending heavily on the spring weather.

Transportation Team transportation will be provided to away competitions that occur on an ISM school day.

Equipment Provided by the School A uniform singlet with shorts will be provided as a uniform.

Equipment Provided by the Family Proper footwear and athletic clothing for practice.

Gender Boys and girls are welcome to participate.

Teams in 2013-2014 A boys and girls varsity team as well as a boys and girls middle school team