JCC Maccabi Games Guide - Stamford JCC Maccabi Games

The everything you need
to know guide to the
2016 Stamford JCC
Maccabi Games & ArtsFest
August 7–12, 2016
Av 3-8, 5776 |
www.jccmaccabistamford.org
What is JCC Maccabi?
Since 1982 the JCC Maccabi GamesTM and ArtsFest® have been offering Jewish teens a unique social, cultural, and
life-shaping experience. The JCC Maccabi GamesTM are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer
in North America, and the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. JCC Maccabi
ArtsFest® was first held in 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a week-long arts experience for creative Jewish teens.
Together with the Games athletes, they strengthen bonds to their Jewish heritage, the community and Israel.
JCC Maccabi Games
Stamford is proud to be hosting the
following team and individual sports:
14U denotes 13 & 14 year-old participants, by 7/31/16
16U denotes 13, 14, 15 & 16 year-old participants, by 7/31/16
Team Sports (tryout required)*
*12 year olds (by 7/31/16) may be accepted for team sports based
on ability level at the absolute discretion of the JCC professional staff.
• Boys Baseball (14U & 16U)
• Boys Basketball (14U & 16U)
• Girls Basketball (16U)
• Boys Hockey (16U)
• Boys Lacrosse (16U)
• Girls Lacrosse (16U)
• Boys Soccer (14U & 16U)
• Girls Soccer (16U)
Individual Sports**
**12 year olds (by 7/31/16) may participate in
individual sports as part of Stamford’s local delegation
• Dance (14U & 16U)
• Table Tennis (14U & 16U)
• Golf (14U & 16U)
• Tennis (14U & 16U)
• Swimming (14U & 16U)
Team Sports Tryout Schedule
Athletes trying out for team sports are required to attend
2 tryouts. Athletes participating in an individual sport will
have to attend tryouts if necessary. All tryouts will be held
at the Stamford JCC unless otherwise indicated. You must
reserve your tryout spot by contacting Mo Concepcion
at 203-487-0971 or [email protected].
Boys Basketball 16U
Sun., Mar. 13: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 20: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Boys Baseball 14U
Tues., Feb. 9: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 21: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball 14U
Sun., Mar. 13: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 20: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse 16U
Thurs., Feb. 25: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 28: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Girls Basketball 16U
Sun., Mar. 6: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 8: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse 16U
Thurs., Feb. 25: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 28: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer 16U
Sun., Jan. 10: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 24: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Boys & Girls Swimming 16U
(only for swimmers
who need to be timed)
Mon., Mar. 28: 7 – 9 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 30: 7 – 9 p.m.
Boys Soccer 14U
Sun., Jan. 10: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 24: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer 16U
Sun., Jan. 31: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 7: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Boys Baseball 16U
Tues., Feb. 9: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 21: 7:45 – 9 p.m.
Dance 16U, Tennis 16U,
Golf 16U, Hockey 16U,
Table Tennis 16U:
Contact Mo Concepcion
at 203-487-0971 or
mconcepcion@
stamfordjcc.org
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
NEW to Stamford in 2016!
Teens participate in master workshops with Artists in
Residence during the day, and then join the athletes for
evening social activities. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest participants
hone their skills in master classes, share their passion with
the community through the ArtsFest Final Showcase, and
make Jewish friends and connections that will last a lifetime.
Teens must be aged 12-17 by 7/31/16 in order
to participate in ArtsFest
Artistic Specialties being offered in 2016:
• Acting/Improv
• Rock Band
• Culinary
• Star Reporter
• Dance Performance
• Visual Arts
• Musical Theater
• Vocal Music
How does an artist register?
All interested artists can apply online. Applicants will
be asked to provide some basic personal information,
answer a few questions based on their chosen specialty,
and may be asked to submit a video sample of their
work. Application instructions can be found by visiting
www.jccmaccabiartsfest.org.
Stamford’s Jr. Maccabi
How do 9-11 year old athletes and artists participate
in Stamford’s JCC Maccabi? They become a part of
Stamford’s Jr. Maccabi team!
Stamford’s Jr. Maccabi participants will take part in several
events throughout the year, culminating in Opening
Ceremonies on August 7, where they will march in the
parade of delegations.
For more information about Jr. Maccabi events and how
to register please visit www.jccmaccabistamford.org.
A full-week of competition, workshops
and socializing with Jewish teens around
the world. Be a part of it all!
$895 members / $995 non-members
2016 Stamford JCC Maccabi Leadership
We need you for the week of JCC Maccabi!
JCC Maccabi Executive Committee
Jeannie Kriftcher
Stamford JCC Maccabi Co-Chair
Michael Gold
Stamford JCC Maccabi Co-Chair
Jeff Goldblum
Stamford JCC President
Eric Koehler
CEO, Stamford JCC
Maxine Freilich
Stamford JCC Centennial Co-Chair
Rich Vogel
Stamford JCC Centennial Co-Chair
Rachel Rothman
Director, JCC Maccabi Games
and ArtsFest
Mo Concepcion
Supervisor, JCC Maccabi Games
and ArtsFest
JCC Maccabi Steering Committee
Robin Frederick
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
Kim Schweber
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest
Risa Raich
Administration
Gayle Rothman
Food and Hospitality
Fred Wexler
Operations
Howard Fogel
Athletics
Jackie Tepper
Athletics
Joy Katz
Jewish Programming
Risa Goldblum
Special Events
Debbie Lee
Special Events
Sheryl Young
Local Delegation
Brian Kriftcher
Local Delegation
Be a Host Family!
Over 400 local Jewish host families are needed to open
their homes to over 1,000 visiting athletes and artists!
Housing Guidelines
• 2 or more visiting athletes and/or artists per household
• 1 seatbelt per participant is required
• 1 bed, air mattress or pull out couch for each participant
• If your child participates as an athlete or artist on
Stamford’s local delegation, your family is required to
host at least 2 visiting athletes and/or artists for the week
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I want to be a host family?
The JCC Maccabi program offers a unique opportunity
to develop a special relationship with the participants
on a personal level that often lasts years beyond the
event. Opening and offering your home to our visitors
is a major mitzvah.
Do I have to be Jewish to be a host family?
Yes. As per national guidelines, all athletes and artists
must be housed in a Jewish home. Home does not have
to be kosher.
What meals must host families provide?
Host families must provide dinner on Sunday after
the athletes and artists arrive in Stamford. Each morning
the host family is responsible for feeding participants
breakfast. One additional dinner will be the responsibility
of the host family on host family night.
Do I need to provide transportation?
The host family is responsible for dropping off the athletes/
artists at the hub each morning (around 7 – 8 a.m.) and
picking up from the hub around 9 p.m. One evening is
dedicated to host family night and pickup that day will be
earlier, around 4 – 5 p.m.
Be a Volunteer!
More than 1,000 volunteers are needed to help plan and
facilitate the 2016 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest in
Stamford. All skills are welcome. Whatever your interests
are, however much time you have, there is a place for you
at the event!
Volunteer Areas Include:
• Athletics
• Registration
• Hospitality
• Safety
• Transportation
• Water & Ice
• Venue Management
• Photographers
• Food
• Airport Greeters
and Bus Captains
• Office assistance,
credential packets,
goody bag stuffing, etc.
• Evening event chaperones
• And many more…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be Jewish to volunteer?
No. The entire community is invited and encouraged
to become part of this amazing event by volunteering.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Yes. All volunteers must be 18 or older for daytime
shifts and 21 or older for evening social events.
How do I register to volunteer?
Please visit www.jccmaccabistamford.org for more
information on registering. The JCC Maccabi security
registration is available at www.jccmaccabistamford.org.
Be a Coach!
Interested in coaching? Coaches over 21 years
old are need to coach Stamford’s teams.
For more information, contact Rachel Rothman,
Director, JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest at
203.487.9494 or [email protected].
Schedule of JCC Maccabi Events for 2015-2016
Wed., Nov. 18, 2015: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
Exclusive Pre-Screening
Tues., Dec. 8, 2015: JCC Maccabi Information Fair
Sat., Mar. 19, 2016: Maccabi Madness Evening Party
Sun., Apr. 17, 2016: JCC Cares Project
Sun., Jun. 5, 2016: Summer Sendoff
Fri., Aug. 5, 2016: JCC Maccabi Shabbat
Sun., Sept. 25, 2016: JCC 100th Birthday Party
JCC Maccabi Values
This unique event is not only about being a part of the
Jewish people; it comes with a mission – to make the
world a better place and to make ourselves better people.
We express these values to help us remember the greater
mission of the Games & ArtsFest, and Judaism.
Midot values embody the spirit (ruach) of being
a JCC Maccabi participant. Athletes and artists have
the opportunity throughout the week to earn a medal
for modeling and embodying the values and spirit of
being a JCC Maccabi participant.
Delegation Head: The person that is in charge
of the local Stamford participants.
Hang Time: Hang Time is a specific location at JCC
Maccabi where participants can stop by to hang out with
other athletes and artists and enjoy down time from sports
and art specialties and participate in a variety of activities
ranging from Dance Dance revolution, sports, board games,
educational games about Israel, and Jewish sports history.
JCC Cares: The JCC Cares program is time when the teens
take a break from their sport or arts specialty and give
back to the host community by participating in a social
action, “mitzvah” project.
Maccabi Central:
Maccabi Central is the administrative
office during the week of the Games.
Opening Ceremonies:
Opening Ceremonies is the event
that signifies the beginning of the Games and includes
the parade of athletes and artists. Stamford’s Opening
Ceremonies will take place on August 7th, 2016 at
Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT.
Pins: Trading pins is an essential component of JCC Maccabi.
Each delegation designs its own pin and athletes/
artists trade with each other throughout the week.
Rachmanus Rule: During the JCC Maccabi Games® &
ArtsFest®, athletes, artists, coaches, artists in residence,
delegation heads, chaperones and spectators are bound
by the “Rachmanus Rule” of fair play.
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JCC Maccabi Glossary
Artist in Residence: The professional artist hired
to work with the teens throughout the ArtsFest week.
Arts Specialty: An area of the arts that a teen can
choose to focus on through master classes at ArtsFest.
Artists can only choose one specialty for the week.
Credentials: Credentials are visible identification
badges for athletes, artists, coaches, volunteers, spectators,
and staff to help the host’s security team determine
who should be admitted into Games and ArtsFest venues,
and keep venues secure. During the week of JCC Maccabi,
no one will be allowed admittance to any event venue
without his/her credential.
Participants are expected to support teens of all
backgrounds and levels of experience. “Blowing out”
a much weaker team for the sake of scoring points
is contrary to the spirit of the JCC Maccabi Games®
and shows a lack of Rachmanus (mercy/compassion).
Artists are by nature collaborators who support and encourage
one another. Making fun of a delegation, specialty or artist
shows a lack of Rachmanus (mercy/compassion)
Lashon Harah (slander, gossip, trash talk), putting down
other athletes or artists, making fun of a weaker team
or athlete, making fun of an artist or specialty shows a
lack of Rachmanus. JCC Maccabi athletes and artists are
expected to engage, interact with, and support teens that
are not from their delegation, or in their sport or specialty.
How to Register
Whether you are an athlete, artist, coach, chaperone,
spectator, volunteer, staff member…or anyone that wants to
come support JCC Maccabi at any one of the event venues
between August 7-12, 2016, you MUST register on the JCC
Maccabi security registration system to receive credentials.
Please visit www.jccmaccabistamford.org for more
information and access to the registration system.
Please visit www.jccmaccabistamford.org for more information about all the ways to get involved in JCC Maccabi in Stamford.
Any further questions, please contact Rachel Rothman,
Director, JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest at [email protected] or 203-487-9049