Congratulations and welcome to NSO 2009! As the excitement begins to become reality, here are a few thoughts for preparation for the first time NSO coaches. First of all, get some reliable parent(s) to help with the paper work and preparation. Participating in the NSO raises the bar another notch, and in addition to the extra event preparation, there, of course, is additional paper work.

REGISTRATION REMINDERS
1. Now that you have received your invitation to NSO, read all of the forms carefully and fill them out punctually. Nothing is worse than arriving and finding out that your team is not properly registered.
2. Keep copies of receipts and checks that have been written for all registrations and orders of material goods, in case they are needed for verification.
3. Bring copies of your order and money or checks to pay for ordered items. Make checks out to ASU Foundation. If possible, try to order ahead anything the team wants for souvenirs (offered by SO) and pay for it up front. That way no one will be disappointed. It may be a good idea to keep all of the ordered materials together during the competition and pass them out before departing, so they don’t get lost in the rooms.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
1. Be sure you have medical release forms for all of the team members as well as alternates. Three (3) copies is not a bad idea: one for you, one for NSO, and one for any chaperone who will be responsible for students.
2. Be sure to have cell/home phone numbers of parents/chaperones available in case there is a need to contact anyone. Make copies and give to school, parents, and chaperones.

TRAVEL & LODGING
1. If time and the school allow, make this a trip to remember! Leave early, allow extra time and plan to participate in activities and events in the area and on the way to the NSO. No matter where NSO is being held, there are always unique activities in and around the surrounding area.
2. If you want to create a scrapbook, have a chaperone in charge of taking pictures of the trip and the events. There’s usually a “shutter bug” in the group.
3. Make any rooming arrangements with hotels as soon as you think you will qualify. (Students can stay four to a room). You can always cancel.
4. Keep an eye on flight special deals if you have time, and be ready to order tickets. You must have the students’ names and, for adults, the name as it appears on the driver’s license. No ID is necessary for students under a certain age. Check with the airline.
5. Make any flight arrangements through group sales. (There is usually a 24-hour period to make changes that will not be charged).
6. Students should bring extra money for incidentals. For MS students, having a chaperone be in charge of doling out the money prevents a lot of impulse spending

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