Every effort will be made to billet players from the same team in locations close to each other, however this will depend on the availability of billeting families.

This maybe the first time that many of the players have been billeted; however the concept of billeting is not new to Australian families. It is an ideal opportunity for others to learn about our diverse way of life and to share in a variety of lifestyle experiences. For billeting families, it means opening up our homes to future sporting stars and an opportunity to share experiences with fine young players that epitomise the "Sporting Australian", enthusiastic, skilful, hard-working and disciplined. For the players, it is a chance to share different cultural and social experiences. For everyone, it is a time to make new friends, renew old friendships, share ideas, laugh and live in a different family situation.

The following guidelines are designed to ensure that billeting is a rewarding experience for everyone.

Guidelines for Host Families

Make sure there is someone available to meet the billets on arrival.

• Make the billets feel at home with good family hospitality.
• Provide your billets with breakfast and an evening meal and let them know in advance whether lunch will also be packed or whether they need to make their own arrangements on playing days.
• Make sure they get to the ground each playing day, in plenty of time, as determined by the team coaches.
• Make sure they have their uniforms and playing gear ready for each days play and make sure their clothes are clean. However, you are not necessarily required to do their washing for them.
• Billets are not permitted to organise unofficial parties or outings without the permission of team officials. If your billets do go out, give them a definite deadline to be home and know there whereabouts.
• Do not lend your billets money. The team managers or the billets themselves are responsible for their spending money during the tournament.
• If at all possible, try and do a bit of sightseeing with the billets.
• Tip: Treat your billets as you would treat your own children.

• Be polite and courteous at all times. Remember "please" and "thank you".
• Be considerate and offer to assist your hosts, eg make your own bed, wash or dry the dishes, keep your room tidy, rinse out your own gear at the end of each day.
• Follow the normal house rules of the host family. Check and obey the house rules. Don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure about anything.
• Always keep your hosts informed of your movements and if delayed unexpectedly, contact your hosts immediately.
• Do not borrow money from your hosts. I f you have any financial problems, contact your team manager.
• Ask before using the telephone and offer to pay for calls.
• Remember that unauthorised "after hours" social functions are strictly forbidden. You are only allowed to attend functions organised by your host family or your team officials.
• It is suggested that you give your hosts a small thank you gift before you depart.
• If you have any real problems, talk to your team manager. Under no circumstances must you change your billeting arrangements without permission of the tournament organisers.
• Remember: you are a guest in someone else's home.

• Introduce yourself to the host family.
• Remember that when your child is a member of a sporting team, the team officials are responsible for their welfare and conduct for 24 hours a day. Any changes to team arrangements must be checked with the tournament organisers before arrangements can be amended.
• Please do not interfere with any billeting arrangements. If you have any queries or problems, please contact your team manager.
• Check with the billet family before making any arrangements to take your child out as they may have made other plans. Make sure team officials are informed of any arrangements.

If everyone abides by these arrangements, the billeting will be a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved.

(Extracts from the Australian School Sports Council billeting information booklet)