AISA Lions Student–Parent Handbook

Tryouts are held at the start of each athletic season (Autumn, Winter, Spring), typically during the first 1–2 weeks. Specific dates are announced through the Athletics Department, the school newsletter, and team coaches.

Middle School and Elementary teams generally aim to be inclusive, with development squads (DEAC) available where rosters fill. Junior Varsity and Varsity teams are selected based on skill, commitment, and conduct — cuts may be necessary depending on numbers and program needs.

Contact the head coach before tryouts begin if a conflict (illness, school event, family travel) is unavoidable. Late tryout opportunities are at the coach's discretion and not guaranteed.

In most cases AISA athletes commit to one sport per season to manage practice schedules and academic load. Dual-sport participation requires written approval from both head coaches and the Athletic Director.

Team level is based on grade and skill: MS = Grades 6–8, JV = Under-16 before Sept 1 (typically Grades 9–10), Varsity = Grades 9–12. Coaches and the Athletic Director may move athletes up a level based on competitive readiness.

Athletes must maintain the minimum GPA set by the AISA Athletic Department and remain in good academic standing. Athletes on academic probation may be required to attend study halls or sit out competition until grades are restored.

Each athlete must have on file: a current annual physical exam, a signed parent/guardian consent & release form, an emergency contact form, and proof of athletics fee payment. Paperwork is renewed every academic year.

Yes. Athletes must be currently enrolled full-time at AISA and meeting all standard attendance requirements. Conference rules (GAAC, ISAC, EAC, JEAC) also require full-time enrollment in a member school.

Coaches and the Athletic Director receive academic monitoring reports. If grades fall below the threshold, the athlete may be placed on probation, restricted from travel, or suspended from games until the grade is brought up. Academic recovery support is available.

Yes. New students may try out at any time during the season, subject to roster space and coach approval. Conference eligibility rules around transfers (especially for Varsity) apply — see the conference handbooks for details.

Most teams practice 3–5 times per week after school, typically 1.5–2 hours per session. Frequency varies by level: Varsity practices most, JEAC Elementary practices least.

Yes. Practices are mandatory unless the absence is excused (illness, academic conflict, family emergency). Communicate with your coach in advance whenever possible. Repeated unexcused absences can result in reduced playing time or roster removal.

Academics come first. Notify your coach in advance — these conflicts are excused. Plan ahead so missed practices are minimized over the season.

Athletes are expected to prioritize their team commitment during the season. Discuss any recurring conflicts with the coach before the season starts so expectations are clear on both sides.

Proper athletic attire (sport-specific), water bottle, sport-specific gear (shoes, ball, racket, etc.), and any required medical items (inhaler, etc.). Jewelry should be removed; long hair tied back.

Yes. Varsity teams travel internationally for GAAC tournaments across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. JV competes locally in ISAC. MS teams stay within the UAE for EAC events. Elementary JEAC events are local jamborees.

Travel costs are covered partially by the athletics fee and partially by family contributions, depending on the trip. Specific cost breakdowns are shared in advance of each travel tournament. Financial assistance is available — speak privately with the Athletic Director.

Athletes need a current passport (valid for at least 6 months past the trip date), required visas, signed parent travel consent, and a current emergency contact + medical info form. Document deadlines are firm.

Family members travel separately and stay in their own accommodation. Athletes travel and lodge with the team under coach/chaperone supervision per AISA travel policy. Families are warmly welcomed at games.

Athletes are responsible for communicating with teachers in advance and completing missed work on time. Travel-related absences are excused, but academic accountability is not.

All AISA athletes follow the Lion Way: be responsible, be safe, be respectful, be kind. This applies to teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, hosts, transportation, and uniform. Athletes represent AISA at all times during team activities.

Consequences range from a coach conversation to game suspensions, removal from the team, or disciplinary referral — depending on severity. Anything involving harassment, substance use, or harm to others is treated as a serious violation.

Yes. Online conduct that disparages teammates, opponents, AISA, host schools, officials, or AISA's name reflects on the team and is subject to the same standards as in-person conduct.

Strictly prohibited at all times during the athletic season — at school, at events, on travel, and during all team-related activities. Violations result in immediate suspension from competition and a referral to school administration.

Yes. AISA expects positive, respectful behavior from all spectators — toward officials, opposing players, coaches, and host schools. Disruptive spectator behavior may result in removal from the venue.

Coaches are trained in first response. The athlete will be assessed, treated as needed, and a parent will be contacted. For serious injury, the school nurse or emergency services are involved immediately.

For any injury that involved medical care or kept the athlete out for more than a few days, yes — a written clearance from the treating physician is required before returning to practice or competition.

Suspected concussions = athlete is removed from play immediately. Return-to-play follows a graduated protocol with medical clearance. No exceptions. Athlete safety is the highest priority.

Any licensed physician can complete the AISA athletics physical form. Contact the Athletics Office for the official form. Physicals must be current within the last 12 months.

Game-day uniforms are provided by AISA on a season loan. Athletes are responsible for their own practice gear, athletic shoes, and sport-specific personal equipment (mouthguards, shin guards, etc.).

Athletes are financially responsible for lost or damaged AISA-issued uniforms. Replacement fees are billed at the end of the season if items are not returned in good condition.

Varies by sport: e.g., volleyball/basketball — court shoes & knee pads (volleyball); soccer — cleats, shin guards; swimming — team suit, cap, goggles; track — spikes (event-dependent); badminton — racket. Coaches will share a sport-specific list.

Yes — AISA Lions spirit wear (t-shirts, hoodies, fan gear) is sold periodically through the Athletics Department or via online stores. Watch for announcements at the start of each season.

Yes — there is a per-season athletics fee that covers coaching, league registration, basic uniform loan, transportation to local games, and program operations. Travel-tournament costs are billed separately.

Fees are typically due before the first game of the season. An athlete cannot compete in matches until their fee is paid (or a financial-assistance arrangement is in place).

Yes. AISA offers confidential financial assistance so that no student-athlete is excluded from athletics for cost reasons. Speak privately with the Athletic Director or the school's finance office.

Refund eligibility depends on timing. Cuts before the first game generally qualify for a full refund. Withdrawals after games begin are reviewed case-by-case. Contact the Athletics Office.

Coaches communicate primarily via email and a team app (or AISA portal) to athletes and parents. Last-minute changes (weather, venue) go out via the team channel — please check before traveling to a game.

Speak to the head coach first, ideally not immediately after a game. If the issue isn't resolved, contact the Athletic Director. AISA follows the "24-hour rule" — wait a day before raising a heated concern.

Through the Athletics Office at AISA — phone, email, or in person. Office hours are during the school day. The Athletic Director also attends home games.

Schedules, scores, and announcements are posted on the AISA Athletics site, the team app, and through email updates. Major conference events also publish to the official GAAC, ISAC, EAC, and JEAC channels.

Each team typically recognizes a Most Valuable Player, Most Improved, and a Lion Way Award for character. GAAC, ISAC, and EAC also recognize all-conference athletes and championship medalists.

Yes. Varsity athletes who meet participation and conduct standards earn an AISA Varsity Letter, awarded annually at the Athletic Awards Banquet.

AISA recognizes athletes who combine athletic participation with strong academic performance through the Scholar-Athlete program — often aligned with GAAC's regional academic recognition.