Even as families are enjoying the final weeks of summer vacation, middle school and high school sports teams are already back in training, getting ready for the fall season. For many teams, that means traveling to tournaments in other parts of the state, sometimes even other parts of the country. Any parent who has every chaperoned one of these team trips knows that trying to keep 20 or so teenagers under control at all times is a lot like herding cats. Because while the reason for the trip may be sports “business,” for the kids, it’s also a chance to be away from home and semi-independent. There’s bound to be some good-natured hi-jinks and just plain old boisterousness. Making sure everyone involved knows the rules helps keep things under control. Here are a few tips for team travel: * Stay put students should stay on hotel property unless they are with a coach or chaperone, or have received permission to go somewhere else. * Use the buddy system - if students have permission to leave the hotel, they should stay in groups of two or more when visiting malls, restaurants, and other public places. Middle school athletes should always be accompanied by a chaperone or coach. * Set and adhere to a curfew - after all, the team members need to be well-rested and at their best for the big game. * No switching rooms - student must sleep in their assigned rooms. Choosing the right hotel for team trips is important. In order for everyone to get a good night’s sleep, you’ll want a hotel that is designed to be quiet, and make sure your team hotel has a pool. A team of teens sitting around with nothing to do is just asking for trouble. A pool gives the kids an outlet for their energy. A few simple rules of conduct and the right hotel are a surefire combination for pleasant team travel.