ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
When arriving in San Francisco, how will my delegation know how to find SF ICG staff?
Delegations arriving in the international terminal will be greeted by SFICG staff at the airport after you clear customs. Delegations arriving in the domestic terminals will be greeted by SFICG staff in the baggage claim area. You will then be shuttled to your assigned resident.
Which airport should my delegation fly into for the 42nd International Children’s Games?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the official airport of the 42nd International Children’s Games (SFICG). Transportation will be provided from SFO to the SFICG venues free of charge.
What if my delegation flies into Oakland International Airport (OAK) or Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)?
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 23 miles from the SFICG and Mineta San Jose International Airport is 49 miles from SFICG. In some instances, air fares to these alternative airports can be less costly. SFICG will provide transportation from these alternative arrival locations; however, your delegation will be charged $20.00 per person
What forms of ID does each athlete need for the games?
All participants must have verified identification, including passports, insurance and photo ID cards. [Delegations from the US must have proof of ID]
How will our delegation communicate with SFICG participants and staff who speak another language?
Each delegation will be assigned one or two translators to accompany them for the duration of the SFICG who speak their language. There will also be a number of volunteers who speak other languages as well.
COMPETITION
When is the first day and last day of competition?
The competition portion of the games will start on Friday, July 11 for Soccer, Basketball and Tennis. All other sports will commence on Saturday, July 12. Most sports will conclude on Sunday, however Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball will conclude on Monday with both semifinals and finals being played.
Can cities participate in more than one sport?
Yes, each city has the opportunity to participate in as many events as they desire, provided they stay within delegation size limits of 20.
Can a child participate in more than one sport?
Each child may participate in only one sport. Athletes in Track & Field or Swimming may enter up to 3 events including the relay
Will time be set aside for practices during the weekend?
Thursday, July 10th practice will be available for Soccer, Basketball and Tennis. Friday, July 11 practice will be available for all other sports. Practice times will be available throughout the weekend. More information can be found on practice under the programs tab in March. Coaches will be asked to pre-schedule practice time for Thursday and Friday on a per sport basis via on-line.
Is there a mandatory sport that our delegation must participate?
No there is no mandatory sport in which each delegation must participate
What are the regulations/rules on team uniforms?
Teams are encouraged to bring two sets of uniforms of contrasting colors. Sport specific regulations may exist for your sport which can be found on the Programs tab under Competitions page.
Where do I find information particular to my sport, with rules and tournament formats?
Go to Programs on the SFICG website to find tournament details for each sport.
How does my delegation find out where and when each competition is?
General information on tournament structures and sport locations can be found on the website closer to the games after all delegations have registered. Particular competition times and locations will also be posted on the SFICG website after all have completed registration. This can be found under the programs tab.
Why is the swimming meet in yards?
The pool is set-up in yards but because the United States is the only country that does yards we have updated the website to show you the conversion from yards to meters for each event. USA Swimming short course yards will be applied to the meet. For more detail information, please see USA Swimming techinical rules.
ACCOMMODATION
Where is my delegation going to stay during the event?
If you are an Athletes or Coaches : You will be assigned to stay at the residential halls in the nearby universities either University of San Francisco or San Francisco State University . You will be sharing a room with another member of your delegation.
If you are Head of Delegate /City Representative : You will stay at the residential halls in the apartment style units at either University of San Francisco or San Francisco State University. In some cases, it is possible that you will share a unit but have your own room with your accompanied Head Delegate/City Representative.
Where should we stay if we arrive San Francisco before July 10, 2008 or if we want to extend our stay after the event?
You are able to stay before or after at the residents which are much cheaper than hotels. You will be able to receive breakfast and a lunch/dinner meal if needed. There will also be a transportation cost depending if you are leaving early or staying late or both. These costs will be determined prior to January 2008. If you would like to come early or extend your stay please email info@sficg2008.com as soon as possible to reserve your space.
GENERAL INFORMATION
How do I stay informed on the games during the event?
SFICG website will post updates with scores and rankings. Make regular visits to the website to keep informed. As well, there will be handouts at all venues and in each resident hall.
Will staff/volunteers be easily accessible during the games for questions or concerns that parents and/or athletes might have?
There will be staff members and volunteers present at each event to ensure the quality of the games, satisfaction and security of participants, spectators and visitors. There will also be a 24 hour information desk at both San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco where the delegations will be housed
What sort of festivities will be held at the Festival Village?
Entertainment, exhibits, shopping, and food from around the world will all be found in this extraordinary place.
REGISTRATION
Who qualifies to fill out the “Intent to Participate Form”?
Heads of delegation may fill out the form on-line.
When is the deadline for the registration?
You should complete your registration by April. However, whenever the number of registrants for the sports reaches the limit the system will be closed down.
Can any city participate in the games?
Every interested city may submit the “Intent to Participate Form” which will be reviewed by the ICG and SFICG committee. All accepted cities will be notified.
Is there a mandatory sport that our delegation must participate?
No there is no mandatory sport in which each delegation must participate. Space is limited for each sport so please register after receiving your password.
When should my delegation plan on arriving in San Francisco, CA, USA?
The ICG recommends that delegations arrive on Thursday, July 10 preferably before 5pm Pacific Standard Time if possible. Soccer, Basketball and Tennis will hold their Coaches Technical Meetings on Thursday evening at 8pm.
Which airport should my delegation fly into for the 42nd International Children’s Games?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the official airport of the 42nd International Children’s Games (SFICG). Transportation will be provided from SFO to the SFICG venues free of charge.
TRANSPORTATION
What type(s) of transportation will be provided throughout the weekend?
Dedicated buses will bring delegations to and from SFICG sites free of charge. If delegations wish to rent a car, information will become available on site closer to the games.
VISITORS & FAMILY
Will the family and friends of the athletes be provided room and board by SFICG?
Only athletes, coaches, city representatives and heads of delegation will be provided room and board.
If a participating athlete’s family is attending the 42nd International Children’s Games, can the athlete stay with his/her family in a hotel or other non-SFICG housing?
All participating athletes are required to stay in SFICG-provided housing throughout the 42nd International Children’s Games.
Will staff/volunteers be easily accessible during the games for questions or concerns that parents and/or athletes might have?
There will be staff members and volunteers present at each event to ensure the quality of the games, satisfaction and security of participants, spectators and visitors. There will also be a 24 hour information desk at both San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco where the delegations will be housed
What other events are happening in San Francisco that weekend? And how can we go about getting tickets for those events?
By visiting the Convention and Visitors Bureau website, you can find details as to all the happenings in San Francisco surrounding the Games weekend.
What if family and/or friends accompany my delegation?
Various hotels in San Francisco have reserved rooms for family and friends that attend the 42nd International Children’s Games. SFICG will provide transportation to selected hotels for family and friends at a charge of $20 per person. Taxis, limousines and other forms of public transportation are also readily available at San Francisco International Airport.