Athletics Programme 2009-2010

As part of our commitment to the education of the whole child, RIS offers a quality athletics programme. We are members of the International Schools Activities Conference (ISAC), an organisation of 15 schools from within the Gulf Region that regularly compete in a variety of sports. At a local level we are committed to inter-school athletics competition and form part of the Abu Dhabi School Sports Leagues, participating at various age groups in several different sports. RIS recognises the values students’ gain from participation in a well organised, high quality athletics programme, and is dedicated to excellence in this pursuit.

Information about RIS sporting teams can be found on the RIS Website under: Parents/Student Life/Athletics Programme/RIS Sporting Teams. The link will provide an outline of the sporting teams on offer this year plus a general guide to the season duration, practices and tournaments played.

RIS endeavours to offer its students the best in coaching, facilities and equipment.  The values of sportsmanship, fair play, self-discipline and dedication are highly stressed.  The participation of all interested students is encouraged.  However, because of some restrictions on the number of participants on a team by the rules of the game or association regulations, some limitations are made.

The RIS extra curricular activity programme is an extension of this athletic programme and offers important services to the athletic programme.  All parents of RIS athletes, as well as other interested parents, are welcomed and encouraged to become actively involved with the RIS extra curricular and competitive sports programme.

Teams generally practice from 3pm – 4pm or 4pm – 5pm.  Occasional practice sessions may be held outside of these times.  A schedule of practice sessions and games/ tournaments will be announced at the beginning of each season and any changes to the general plan will be announced to students and their families as soon as it is known.

The RIS Athletic Department maintains a philosophy that all players will be given meaningful (though not necessarily equal) playing time in all regular season games.  Our coaches recognise that playing time in competition greatly enhances the total development of athletes.  At higher levels of competition playing time should be earned by athletes through their skills, attitude and effort.  At these higher levels, athletes should begin developing an understanding of individual roles within their respective teams.

The RIS students are responsible for maintaining their academic level while participating in the athletic programme.  The students must organise their time to meet the combined demands of after school practices and games and still meet the demands of the RIS academic programme.

Student athletes are expected to meet academic and behavioural expectations in order to represent a RIS sports team.

Consideration will be given to students having academic difficulties but who are making positive progress and working to the best of their ability.

Students are responsible for making up any work that they may miss while away from school representing their team and RIS at an athletic competition.

Each student and their parents will be required to sign and athletics agreement at the beginning of each season.

Mark Austin

Athletic Director

PE & Athletics