Membership Packet 2016 Dear Parents and Players, Thank you for choosing to participate with The First Tee of Greater Seattle. Since 2002, we have offered youth golf and life skills programs at local schools and golf courses in King County. Membership is annual and ensures a quality educational experience at one of our partner golf facilities, as well as other perks and playing privileges. Only one season of participation per year is required of active membership, but we invite you to participate as much as possible, based on your own level of availability and interest. Throughout the year we offer three regular class sessions, play days, skills clinics, special events, and leadership opportunities for teenagers. In addition to learning fundamentals of the golf swing and the game, our character education and life skills programs help to prepare youth and teens for success at school, at home, and in their community. Development of golf and life skills is a journey, not a destination, and so is The First Tee experience. So thanks for playing! What are the benefits of Membership? Mentorship Coaches and volunteers provide positive guidance for all players in the program. Open Play All members are encouraged to play golf outside of class, and are granted the following rates at our 5 program locations: $2.00 (Par-3), $5.00 (Regulation Eagle only) Open Range Between seasons and during designated times, participants can practice for free. Special Events Clinics, fitness days, tournaments, and field trips are scheduled throughout the year. WSGA Membership Complimentary WSGA membership includes an active GHIN Handicap through the USGA. The First Tee National Opportunities Apply for academies once you reach age 14 with at least 2 years of membership. Leadership Positions At age 13, participants are welcome to apply as a Junior Coach, at age 15 as an intern, and age 16 as a staff Assistant Coach. Skills for Life On and off the course, participants will develop an array of valuable life skills, including greater confidence, respect, and creativity. For more information, visit: www.thefirstteeseattle.org (FAQ & Our Programs) Greater Seattle Program Locations Chapter Office* (206) 762-2334 P.O. Box 31020, Seattle, WA 98103 www.thefirstteeseattle.org Jefferson Park GC 206-762-4513 4101 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 Jackson Park GC 206-363-4747 1100 NE 135th St, Seattle, WA 98125 Crossroads Par-3 425-452-4873 15801 NE 15th St, Bellevue, WA 98008 Riverbend GC 253-854-3673 2019 W Meeker St, Kent, WA 98032 Willows Run GC 425-883-1200 10402 Willows Rd, Redmond, WA 98052 *With questions about The First Tee program, contact our office directly. Please do not contact the golf course.
2016 Session & Registration Schedule Regular Season Registration Week 9 First Opens Last Week Championship Week Winter Dec 8 Jan 16 Jan 30-3-week clinics Dec 8 Feb 13 Feb 27 - Spring 8-week session Summer 8-week session Fall 8-week session Jan 26 Mar 22-27 May 15-21 May 21/22 May 17 Jun 21-26 Aug 14-19 Aug 20/21 Aug 4 Sep 13-18 Nov 6-11 Nov 12/13 Registration Notes: Registration for all class sessions and events is completed online at www.thefirstteeseattle.org. For class selection, choose your current level unless advised differently by your coach or a staff member. Class sizes are limited, so be sure to register at your earliest convenience to ensure your spot. In order to manage class size through enrollment, some will show as full during the registration process. While some do reach capacity, we will always accommodate returning participants to allow their continued experience. In this case, please submit a waiting list request form and we will follow up accordingly. 2016 Special Events Schedule Visit www.thefirstteeseattle.org for info & signups. Event Date Location Details Special Events Women s PGA Junior Clinic Sat, April 9 Sahalee CC Boys & Girls Welcome PWC Finance & Fairways Event Sat, April 23 Jackson Park Age 13+, Financial Education Newcastle Junior Clinic Sat, May 28 Newcastle Par, Birdie & Eagle PGA Junior League Golf May 1 - July 31 All Par & Birdie Only Women s PGA Championship June 13-19 Sahalee CC LPGA Event Pat Caso Family Scramble Sat, June 18 Jefferson Park Families of 2, 3 & 4 Participate Youth Golf Marathon June 28-29 CRD & JFP All Levels Golf Olympics (formerly the Subway Games) Sat, July 16 Riverbend Skills Challenges for all Levels Golf Night at Safeco Mon, Aug 9 Safeco Field Family Night Emirates Clinic @ TPC & Mt. Si Tue, Aug 23 TPC & Mt. Si Chapter Field Trip Check www.thefirstteeseattle.org for updates and more events to be added (* indicates date pending).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can we make up a missed class? Players should attend only their scheduled class. However, in the case of an absence, a player is allowed two make-up classes per season at a different time during the same calendar week. We ask that you consult the program schedule to find an appropriate make-up class (must be the same level). Make-Up Procedure: to check in, players should mark their name on the back of the class roster and on their regular daily roster to ensure accurate attendance records. Advanced notice to your Coach or Program Director is not required, but players and parents should check in and introduce themselves to the coaches prior to start of the make-up class. Since our curriculum and lessons are progressive and change weekly, classes cannot be made up during a different calendar week. Therefore, make-up classes must be completed during the same week as the absence (Tuesday thru Sunday). Please limit make-up classes to two per season! How do I progress to the next level? Participants new to The First Tee begin at the Target, PLAYer, or Teen level. From there, everyone progresses at their own pace. Eligibility for promotion to the next level is based on three criteria: 1) completion of certification requirements at your current level, 2) meet the minimum age guideline for the next, and 3) coach endorsement. Participants are expected to monitor their own progress, using their Yardage Book and accompanying checklist. At the same time, coaches and staff keep and have access to participant records and are there to help along the way to ensure that participants have adequate opportunities to learn and demonstrate skill development in each golf and life skill category. LIFE SKILLS CATEGORIES Interpersonal Participants learn to introduce themselves properly, carry on a conversation, show respect for rules and other people, ask for and give help, and empathize with others as a basis for resolving conflicts effectively. Self-management Management begins with awareness of one s abilities (internal; physical, psychological, emotional) and their surroundings (external; environment and social support) to understand what it takes to perform at your best on and off the course. Participants learn how to maintain a positive attitude, deal with frustrations, form a support team, and set, track, and modify personal standards. Goal-setting Learn to define, set, and achieve meaningful goals to address internal and external factors that may influence outcomes. Plan for the future, overcome challenges, and set specific goals to achieve and maintain success and overall wellness, and ultimately apply these skills to develop long-term education and career plans. Resilience Participants develop the confidence to make their own decisions and succeed in the face of adversity and peer pressure. Resilience includes the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances, deal with conflicts in a proper way, and opt for healthy choices. Progression Guidelines Where can I find more information? Visit our homepage at www.thefirstteeseattle.org for registration, program schedules, special events, chapter details, and more Frequently Asked Questions.
Being a member of The First Tee Commit to the Code of Conduct. On and off the golf course, always remember to show respect for yourself, for others, and for your surroundings. Try your best. Golf is a challenging game, so understand that it won t always be easy. If you give your best effort, seek your coaches help when you have a question, and learn from your mistakes, you will stay on course and ultimately reach your full potential. Keep an open mind. Whether you are new to golf or have been playing for a long time, there are always new lessons to learn, as there are in life. The First Tee is a unique program and we do things differently, and with the end in mind. Our approach is youthcentered and mastery-driven, allowing players to explore their interests and develop a long-term relationship with golf. Attend often and over the long term. Success on and off the course comes with practice and dedication. The First Tee experience is designed to help youth develop skills related to age and cognitive maturity, with the ultimate goal being a successful transition to adulthood and becoming a true PLAYer for life. Participate in chapter events and opportunities. Outside of your regular weekly class, we offer additional opportunities to learn and have fun with your peers, friends, coaches, and families. Visit the website for more details. Master your core lessons and curriculum. Practice your golf swing often, but also make sure to master the life skills curriculum, rules, and etiquette. Stay engaged in class, keep up with your homework, and complete your Yardage Book. Be sure to ask your coach if you need help! Have fun and enjoy yourself! CODE OF CONDUCT Respect for Myself I will dress neatly and wear golf or athletic shoes. I will always try my best when I play or practice. I will keep a positive attitude and catch myself doing something right regardless of the outcome. I will be physically active, eat well, get enough sleep, and be safe so I can stay healthy. I will be honest with myself, including when I keep score and if I break a rule. I will use proper etiquette and maintain my composure even when others may not be watching. Respect for Others I will follow all instructions and safety rules. I will keep up with the pace of play on the golf course. I will be friendly, courteous and helpful. I will remain still and quiet while others are playing and have fun without being loud and rowdy. I will be a good sport toward others whether I win or lose. I will encourage others to be safe and physically active. Respect for my Surroundings I will keep the golf course and practice areas clean and in as good or better shape than I found them. I will clean and take care of my and others' golf equipment. I will be careful not to damage anything that belongs to others.
EAGLE Summary Eagle builds on the PLAYer, Par, and Birdie levels and emphasizes resilience skills, conflict resolution, leadership, and planning for the future. PLAYers explore the value of building and utilizing one s resources, giving back to the community, and developing healthy habits for life. Level Certification Checklist Category Target Category Target Age 13+ Putting 18 (9h) Attendance 75% Up-and-In 27 (9h) Homework 75% Approach 3/6 (80yds) Life Skill Test 80% Driving 3/6 (160yds) Golf Skill Test 80% 9h Score 108 (18h) # Sessions 3-6 # Rounds 10 (18h)* Core Lessons 22-27 Yardage Book Complete *Includes (1) round in a chapter event (e.g., Week 9 Championship). Core Lesson Outline 1 2 3 #22 Stay Well for Life Wellness involves three categories: 1) your body is physically healthy and fit, 2) your mind is sharp and you have a positive attitude and outlook, and 3) heart: you maintain a healthy social life, you respect yourself and look for ways to contribute to the health of others. #23 Building a Go-to Team In pursuing goals and dealing with challenges, we all need the support of other people, both on and off the course. When selecting a Go-to Team, you should select team members who have some expertise in the area in which you need assistance. #24 Appreciating Diversity It is essential to the well-being of our society that we all learn to respect and value diversity among individuals while on the golf course, in school, and throughout our daily lives. Teams or groups usually benefit from the varying strengths of the team & group members. #25 Dealing with Conflicts When faced with a conflict, defined as a situation in which there are differences of opinion or opposing interests, needs, or demands, use the following technique to find a solution that benefits both sides: 1) Communicate and gain an understanding, 2) Actively listen and be open to the other person s opinion, 3) Review options, and 4) End with a win-win solution. #26 Be a Go-to Person Being a Go-to Person is a life skill strategy we can develop, which enables us to not only help others, but also volunteer our time and talents in our communities. A Go-to Person respects other people, is a good listener, is able to sympathize with others feelings, helps other look for solutions, and seeks to understand the problem or challenge. #27 Planning for the Future If you haven t already, it is time to start planning for your future. If you have, the following activities will enable you to further explore and plan. This process will include three phases: 1) self-exploration, 2) academic and career exploration, and 3) implementation.
CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES 2016 Category Description PLAYer Par Birdie Eagle Ace Age Guideline Required Minimum 7 9 11 13 15 Eligibility is determined by the season following a participant s birthday, and given the completion of the following certifications. Sessions Per Level 2-6 2-6 2-6 2-6 2-6 Core Lesson Mastery Class Attendance 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% Homework/Assignments 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% These are recommended averages per season to achieve optimal exposure to and practice with each core lesson. Written Tests Short Game Golf Knowledge 8/10 12/15 16/20 20/25 Custom Life Skills Knowledge 10/12 15/18 20/24 25/30 Custom Putting Course (10-30 ft) 27 (9h) 23 (9h) 21 (9h) 18 (9h) 15 (9h) Up-and-in Course (2-20 yd) 18 (3h) 12 (3h) 21 (6h) 27 (9h) 23 (9h) Approach Shots 10+ yd 25+ yd 55+ yd 80+ yd 100+ yd Full Swings Driving/ Tee Shots 25+ yd 50+ yd 100+ yd 160+ yd 200+ yd From this distance, players must achieve a score of 50% (ball comes to rest on green/fairway). Minimum # Complete Rounds 2 2 5 10 10* Course Play (9h) Must include at least one tournament and one non-tournament round at each level (scoring guidelines below). Must be stroke play format and outside of regular class session (Week 8 does not qualify). *Ace rounds must include 10 different golf courses. Target Score 63 54 45 108 92 9h - Par-3 Course (recommended 1,500+yd) 18h - Regulation Course (5,000+yd) Other Completion of Yardage Book PLAYer (white) Par (orange) Birdie (blue) Eagle (green) Ace NOTES: Certification guidelines are designed and administered by The First Tee, World Golf Foundation and the governing bodies of golf to provide reasonable goals and structure for each level in the program. There is no certification process for the Target level; the Life Skills Experience (LSE) officially begins at PLAYer. In order to advance to the next level, a player must: 1) be age eligible (no exceptions), and 2) be fully certified (all items complete). Exceptions can be made to allow players to progress to the next level, but their record will need to reflect outstanding performance in one or more other categories. No exceptions are made for the age requirements listed above.