Pan American Maccabi Games 2007
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

Q-When can I apply?
A- Official applications for the team started in December 2006 and will be open until the teams are filled.

Q- How do I apply for the team?

Q- What are the age parameters for these teams?
A- Open teams are generally made up of players 18-34 years old. Younger/older players may apply and be selected. Players born on any date on or after 1991 are eligible to apply for consideration to be accepted for a juniors team. If enough players apply, Maccabi USA Volleyball would send a Juniors girls team to Argentina.

Q- What is the skill level of players selected for the USA teams?
A- The level of open players ranges from DI/professional players to DIII/club players. Juniors players normally all have club experience. All are welcome to apply.

Q- Are there tryouts for the team, and if so, when and where will tryouts be held?
A- Due to the various cost, logistical and time issues involved tryouts may not be feasible. If Maccabi USA Volleyball does not hold tryouts, we will make selections based on information provided including details contained in the applications, volleyball experience, and coach’s recommendations. Players may be asked to provide additional information that may include a video.

Q-What are the exact dates of the Games?
A- The players and coaches depart on December 22, 2007 from Miami or New York City. They will have four (4) days in Buenos Aires before Opening Ceremonies on December 26th. The Closing Ceremony is January 2, 2008 and the players will arrive back in Miami or New York City on January 3, 2008.

Q- How many players will be selected for the USA team?
A- Each team will aim to have 10-12 players, but will go with a minimum of 8.

Q-What is the cost for the players?
A-The required cost which is known as "Chaverim" is $4700 per athlete. It includes airfare (from Miami) lodging and transportation in Argentina, and meals. Players may do fundraising to help offset the cost. Selling Maccabi USA raffle tickets for $100 each is very common. See raffle info at www.maccabiusa.com/raffle.htm

Q-Can players buy trip insurance from MaccabiUSA and what is the cost?
A- Yes. Please consult the official travel agent for Maccabi USA, GilTravel, and ask for Susan Blum at 215-568-6655, Ext 238.

Q- Will there be a training camp?
A- Unclear. Depending on people’s availability we may conduct a training camp prior to departure for the games in the Miami or New York area.

Q-Will the teams have training sessions while at the games?
A-We anticipate scheduling training time each day.

Q-Where will meals be served and will Kosher meals be served?
A- Meals will be served at the Hotel or at the Athletic Facility Kosher style.

Q-What is the makeup of the Maccabi USA delegation medical staff attending the games?
A-Maccabi USA will be bringing a full Managerial staff of 10-12 adults, and a Medical Staff of Doctors, Nurses, and Athletic Trainers to Argentina who will share responsibility for all the athletes attending the games. Each team will be assigned a trainer for each competition event.

Q-Do players need to obtain Medical Insurance?
A-Players are responsible for their own medical insurance while abroad. It is recommended that the player confirm coverage and if necessary purchase additional coverage for the trip.

Q- Will uniforms be provided?
A- The Volleyball Chair will provide each player with uniforms. The team colors are red, white and blue. Players should bring their own volleyball shoes and knee pads if necessary. Maccabi USA will also provide a Team USA apparel package, which includes a warmup and other assorted gear.

Q- What teams are competing in in Argentina?
A- Delegations considering participating as of September 2006 include: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela.

Q- How many games will the team play?
A- It depends on the tournament setup.

Q- What do players do in Argentina when they are not playing or practicing?
A- The 11th Pan American Maccabi Games organizers and the organizers from the US have a schedule of activities for the entire team. These activities will range from tours of Argentina, to cultural events and social functions. These activities allow the athletes to meet other athletes from around the world and share in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Q-Where do the players stay in Buenos Aires?

Q-What will be the Maccabi USA security arrangements?
A- The host country will have its own security arrangements. For more information please e-mail Ami Monson mailto:amonson@maccabiusa.com

Q-Do all of Team USA leave from the same airport?
A- Teams will leave from 2 or 3 different cities, most likely Miami, Houston, and New York. Travel expenses to the departure city are the player’s responsibility.

Q- Can family members watch the games and take part in the delegation activities?
A- Family members going to Argentina are welcome to attend the games, however, everyone attending will have to purchase credentials/ID Badge through the Maccabi USA national office. The credential will include a spectator pass, access to opening and closing ceremonies, security, and limited transportation. MaccabiUSA also organizes a Missions trip for family and supporters that includes airfare, hotel, and credentials. The Mission Brochure will be sent to all appointed team members.

Q- I’m interested in helping the team. What should I do?
A- Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteer help and donations to field its various teams. Donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. To donate to the Maccabi Volleyball Teams, please contact Mike Spector: mspecs2@cs.com 310-477-9766

Q- Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Volleyball Chair Mike Spector: mspecs2@cs.com 310-477-9766

11 th PAN AMERICAN MACCABI GAMES BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA DECEMBER 26, 2007-JANUARY 2, 2008 APPLICATION

Dear Applicant: Shalom and thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the United States Team that will compete at the 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Competitions will be held in Junior, Youth, Open and Masters Divisions.

Team USA will depart on December 22, 2007, and will return to the US on January 3, 2008. The 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games is a celebration of Jewish unity, culture, and heritage through international athletic competition.

MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, the sponsor of the U.S. 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Team, was founded in 1948, only weeks after the dream of a Jewish homeland had finally been realized. Its purpose was two-fold: (1) to help Israel develop as a nation through physical education and sport; and (2) to promote fitness and athletics among Jewish youth in the U.S. and Israel. The organization strives, through sports competitions, to provide American athletes with a Jewish experience - to enrich lives, to heighten their sense of Jewish identity and to strengthen their feelings of Jewish pride. As the official representative of Maccabi World Union in the United States, MUSA organizes the US team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan Am Maccabi Games and oversees all Maccabi activities in the U.S. as well as several projects in Israel.

CHAVERIM In Hebrew, “Chaverim” means “friends”. The Chaverim program for the U.S. 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Team requires a shared commitment from all Team members to fund the U.S. Team and to ensure the success of the Games. Every member of the U.S. Team must contribute an amount in support of the 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games and Maccabi USA. Chaverim funds are a contribution to Maccabi USA and are non-refundable. The money need not be an out-of-pocket expense; it may be raised. Maccabi USA has a variety of programs that may assist you in your fundraising efforts. Together, with the support of our Maccabi Family around the world, we will make this the best 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games ever. The required shared commitment for U.S. Team members are as follows: Juniors, Youth and Open athletes – approximately $4700; Masters athlete – approximately $6500.

Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel Policy Statements for the U.S. 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Team include the following: 1. All USA citizens who are Jewish as defined by the U.S. 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Committee, are eligible for the U.S. 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Team (even if they competed for another country before becoming a USA citizen). Any non-citizen who is Jewish, in possession of an USA Green Card, may participate as a member of Team USA in the 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games, and only if approved by the USA 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Committee. Applicants in possession of a Green Card or in the process of applying for a Green Card will receive a supplementary form to complete. This form will be sent to the applicants after they have submitted their application. Appointment of Green Card applicants is subject to the discretion of the USA 11 th Pan American Maccabi Games Committee. This eligibility rule applies to athletes only (coaches, etc., exempted). The application must be completed on the attached website, and the signature page and registration fee must be returned if you are to be considered for the United States Team (team selection may begin as early as October 2006). Applicants for staff (Coaches, Managers and Medical) please complete the application and the separate sheet titled “Staff Application Addendum.”

Any questions concerning the application or team selections should be directed to Ami Monson, Program Director (215) 5616900 Ext. 116 or amonson@maccabiusa.com. * * * *