New Zealand ISA U16 Girls Youth Softball Team  International U16 Girls Tour July 2012 International Softball Academy   Depart New Zealand Wednesday 27th June 2012 & Arriving back in New Zealand on Friday 13th July 2012 16 Nights CONTACT for USA  Trip Craig Waterhouse  027 4422935 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            027 4422935      end_of_the_skype_highlighting   Email Craig@JustSoftball.co.nz Management Management and coaching staff Coach: Kevin Gettins             Current Softball New Zealand White Sox Junior Assistant Coach. He has coached numerous provincial representative teams, both men and women, including National League and NFC teams Manager Craig Waterhouse    Craig was Head Coach for the ISA team in Canada in 2009. A former Softballer of the Year, and Softball New Zealand Administrator of the year, Craig has extensive coaching and management experience. He has organised all the ISA eight overseas tours in the last four years Assistant Coach: Charmaine  Gettins   Former New Zealand White Sox player, Char has an extensive background in coaching girls team. Char will also act as a chaperone while on tour. Assistant Manager/ Scorer/ Chaperone  Diane Waterhouse. Diane has extensive management experience with the ISA having now being on six tours, managing four of them Total cost is $5250 The International Softball Academy (ISA) has sought out the most respected and accomplished group of instructors and coaches in the New Zealand to lead the teams. The ISA organizers are themselves experienced coaches and senior softball administrators being current or former Softball New Zealand board members, they share the passion for the sport of softball, and are using their knowledge, experience and international contacts to add to the experiences of the players. They never lose sight of the fact, however, that great softball players are created one at a time. Who says getting better can’t be fun too? At the International Softball Academy tours, you meet other young athletes who share your love of softball. On and off the field, you’ll take home experiences you will remember forever. You’ll get better! Totally immerse you in the sport, giving you the kind of focused, intensive training essential for improvement – no matter what your ability level. Your performance as an overall player will improve, along with your self-confidence!  Supervision, is of the highest standard ensuring safety of the girls     This will be the 8th overseas tour organised by the International Softball Academy from New Zealand. Entertainment and shopping Softball is the reason for the trip, but we want the girls to experience California. We have outlined a program. The activity may change depending on timings and the girls’ choices. We have numerous activities we have taken a boys team to LA in 2009. Six flags rides park, swimming, shopping, Sunset Strip, LA Fashion district, Baseball at the Angels or Dodgers Stadiums.  Add to this all the other opportunities in the town and it will be an incredible experience. The costs of any of these activities are included in the full price. Softball in the States There are numerous National Softball Associations in the States. Softball in the United States and Canada are normally played under the American Softball Association rule ASA. In New Zealand we play under the ISF rules. The major differences to New Zealand are in approved bats and footwear. You can only use ASA approved bats, this normally means some 100mph bats are not allowed. When we travel to Canada in 2009 we have 6 bats removed from the players. Playing Cleats must be rubber sole Players are to supply their own batting helmets and protective gear, including catchers providing their own gear. Players should also have their own bats. Overview Aim of the program: ·       The promotion of the sport of Softball and the development of Softball Players. ·       To promote the development of Youth Softball Players ·       To promote a friendly exchange and understanding among softball players from different countries and regions as a cultural experience. ISA NZ Academy Format – Day 1 Leave Auckland (Wednesday 27th June) Proposed flight 7.15pm  Day 2 Arrive L.A (Wednesday 27th June) 12.30pm travel to accommodation and training. Day 3 Thursday 28th June Training am & pm – warm up game at Fountain Valley Recreation Centre and Sports Park swim at Huntington Beach & BBQ after game. Day 4 Friday 29th June  Training am & pm Day 5 & 6 Saturday 30th & Sunday 1st July 2 Day L.A Girls B Grade U16 Youth Tournament Day 7  Monday 2nd July          am Training rest of day including night DISNEYLAND PASS Day 8  Tuesday 3rd July          am Training DISNEYLAND PASS Day 9  Wednesday 4th July     am Training DISNEYLAND PASS Championship Cup Tournament www.championscup.org Day 10,11, 12, 13 & 14 Thursday, Friday ,Saturday, Sunday and Monday  5th, 6th 7th, 8th & 9th July Championship Cup   Day 15  Tuesday 10th July Day trip to Universal Studios Dinner at Championship Cup Host Hotel. Day 16   11th July Wednesday Return to New Zealand Depart LA on Wednesday arrived back in NZ Friday 11th  July (The program will change, and we will also include a Baseball game if possible) Transport in the States We will have a 14 seater VAN plus a car – transportation to accommodation on 1st day will also be by an Airport Transfer Shuttle. They do not rent trailers in L.A. so we will need three vehicles to transport all the gear. Accommodation is the Comfort Inn in Anaheim.   Uniforms & Gear Players must provide their own; l  black socks,  (two pairs) l  Black shoes for traveling  ISA are providing for the player to keep: 1.     Tournament playing shirts with your name on the back 2.     Warm up shower proof jacket 3.     Black Dress Skirt 4.     Travel Dress Top 5.     Black NZ cap 6.     Red Second peak only cap 7.     Black playing shorts 8.     Black Hoodie Players Rules & Code of Conduct    Medical Conditions Please advise us if you have any medicine that you require, and also of any medical issues. Reminder for parents and players Everyone should be aware of the following in relation to discipline on tour and consequences which could follow if any girl were to bring the team into disrepute. Any major breach of discipline will result in your child being removed from the tour and sent home on the earliest flight available. Before that decision is made we may contact Softball New Zealand to ensure they are happy with the processes we have gone through. Should the consequence be removal from the tour and we have informed you of this at that point you will be given the choice if you wish to fly over and collect your child. You will be responsible for any cost for change of flights. Any other costs involved in disruption to the tour from your child’s ill discipline will incur extra costs to yourselves. Please inform your child of the seriousness of the consequence. I would be surprised if anybody let us down but major breaches of alcohol, drugs, defiance of management are something they need to be aware will not be tolerated. If a player is sent home we would more that likely be recommending to SNZ that she be suspended from softball also. In the unfortunate circumstances of a major injury, illness or death occurring while on tour the decision to continue with the tour will lie with team management. It is important that we all have an understanding that huge amounts of people’s money will have been spent on this trip and this decision must lie with us. In saying that though at any time during the trip you have every right to pull your child from the trip for any reason. Realising that changes of plans often incur extra costs at your expense. We will endeavour at all times to have your daughter well cared for and in a safe environment and make clear the expectations so that the trip is a success & will be an enjoyable experience for all. NOTE: The cost does not cover travel insurance. DUTY ROSTERS  Players will be allocated duties on a daily basis from laundry, breakfast, lunch, dinner through to gear. PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT At all times you are representing the country on and off the diamond, so the way you conduct yourself is very important  l  Bad language will not be tolerated l  When on the Diamond the on diamond coaches are in charge, and deserve your respect, please give then the courtesy of listening to them and not ignoring their instructions l  Uniforms must be kept clean and tidily worn, as they should be. l  Any behaviour that management or coaching staff deem to be unacceptable will be dealt with. l  If we find that it is severe you will be SENT HOME at your OWN or PARENTS expense immediately. Management has the final say on this. l  Bullying will not be tolerated l  Management will determine all rules. l  We have NO tolerance policy on alcohol, smoking, drugs and substances. I would hope at this level no one will cross the line. l  All medication that you are on must be disclosed to the Management of the team. l  No leaving of the park, accommodation or team without the express permission of the team Manager or delegated management person.  By attending the Tour you are accepting that you will adhere to the Management rules and instructions. If you feel you can not do this, please advise us now. Other Information Injury on field First Aid will be carried with us at all times and administered by Diane Waterhouse. From there with serious cases professional advice sought with hospital. NOTE Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost. Expectations in City and fun parks  Staying in groups will be required. The girls will be required to stay in groups of a minimum of 3 at all times Expectations at the accommodation  Follow the instructions set by the team management and the motel management. Absolutely no swimming is allowed without another player, and you can not leave the confines of the accommodation. Meeting times will be arranged as well as expectations of time to be in rooms and quiet. Respect for other people staying at the accommodation. SLEEPING All sleeping requirements are provided. For the first few nights, you may find it difficult to get to sleep, as your body clock will still be adjusted to New Zealand time. If your parents are concerned u may request some mild sleeping pills from your family doctor for the first few nights. PLEASE advise management. LAUNDRY Laundry duties are being allocated to players on a daily basis. BUT you need to ensure your clothes are marked if you wish to have them washed with the general washing. PLUS we are all care BUT no responsibility. We suggest u pack a washing bag that would allow you to put cloths needing washing to go through the wash in the bag. Pack plenty of underwear and some warm cloths. Make sure everything is clean prior to leaving New Zealand , they may last the distance. TRAVEL INSURANCE  - The costs DONOT include travel insurance. Travel insurance for cancellation of ticket for health reasons, see a doctor, physio, or loss of luggage or cash is your decision if you wish to take this insurance cover. If you do wish to take, check out what excesses apply. USA Entry Permits    We will obtain for all persons in the party the USA entry permit number. Travel Informations: Once we begin our flights you will be responsible for your passport at all times. I suggest you have a safe place to put it each time it is in your possession. Look after it with your life otherwise your life over there will suddenly become a lot more complicated. At the airports if you are not sure of what you need to fill in ASK management. Keep your life simple Also act sensibly at all times as customs staff can hold you on suspicion and this will cause us all great delay and ruin the trip. Customs officer can be very officious and will not tolerate any smart comments or rudeness. You must be responsible for your gear at all times and know that only you packed your gear. Do not let others pack your gear and do not offer to carry anything for anyone else unless management has asked you to do so. Do not let your gear out of your possession or sight. In theory you will travel with; Your playing bag – u can pack this with other stuff as well for travel. (THIS IS TO BE CHECKED IN – use this bag to also pack any extra clothing.) Your carry on travel bag you should have a change of clothing in this bag – just in case your other bag goes missing -  (THIS is a carry on bag and should be less than 7 kg) We also suggest you buy a belt bag that can be secured around your waist and under your clothing rather than a wallet as the trip can be ruined if you lose your money etc. NOTE most New Zealand EFTPOS cards will work in the states, and normally carry a $7.50 fee for cash withdrawals at money machines. Reminder: On flights keep your life simple by being aware of, before you go, what items are allowed and not allowed on the planes, i.e. sharp instruments, liquids, spray deodorant are all banned. Boots/Cleat You are only allowed to have rubber blade/sole cleats. You are not allowed metal cleats.       Make sure these are cleaned of all grass etc in NZ. Customs may take them off you, and not return them if they deem you to have dirt or grass on the sporting shoes. Togs, Towel, personal medication. A note with your medication should explain         administration in case of an emergency. Once again be aware of what is considered a   dangerous item that will be taken off you before you board by customs, Medicines Toiletries including deodorant, shaving gear etc, Wallet or belt bag (personal spending), Vodaphone Cell phones  & some newer Telecom phones may work in USA so take your charger. BUT remember the costs of calls are a lot higher. Roster Duties & Food Food Menu - Units do not have cooking facilities. Breakfast is served in the motel breakfast restaurant and is on a self help basis. (American breakfast bread, jam, cereal, butter, coffee, juices, American pancakes etc). Most Lunches will be a selection of meats and salads that the girls will make themselves to their own requirements. We have found in the past this best fits their needs. Taco Bell will also feature. Dinners will be arranged around the pool and beach. Some snacks will also be available. Players on duty will responsible for their dishes and clean up. Laundry  - two players will be do a laundry wash and dry every night, make sure any clothes you wish to have washed are named. You can do your own washing if you wish. Experience in the past is even if we had food available the girls will still seek out takeaways if available, encourage your children to eat the food supplies and save their money for shopping. Lunch when we arrive in LA, and when we depart LA are the players responsibility.