Darien Middle School Squash 2017-2018 Orientation Packet Chris Mitrano, middleschool@dariensquash.org Rebecca Ashcraft, middleschool@dariensquash.org http://dariensquash.com October 11, 2017
Overview... 3 FairWest League... 4 Welcome... 5 Season... 7 clinics and tournaments... 7 Equipment... 10 and safety... 10 Facility... 12 and costs... 12 Fundraising... 13 and volunteering... 13 US Squash... 14 Governing Body... 14
Overview We are a group of middle school (grades 6-8) student-athletes interested in learning, practicing and competing in junior level squash. The DMS Squash leadership is composed of parent volunteers interested in organizing and facilitating the efforts of the student-athletes. All coaching and training are provided by outside professional programs. It is the goal of everyone associated with the DMS Squash that the program teaches basic squash skills and allow the athletes to practice these skills during their clinic instruction time. Several friendly, regional and National competitions will allow the athletes to compete with athletes from other programs. DMS Squash aims to challenge its athletes with continual instruction in a fun and active environment with the best interests of the athletes as the first consideration. The safety the athletes is our primary concern. The potential for injury is inherent in all sports. Even with the best coaching, the most advanced protective equipment, and a strict observance of rules, injuries can happen. Although serious injuries are not common in supervised athletic programs, it is impossible to eliminate the risk. Parents and students must be willing to accept the risks associated with sports participation. As in all competitive sports, good sportsmanship is to be adhered to by all players during clinics and matches. Good sportsmanship is a learned behavior and will be reinforced by the coaches and DMS Squash leadership. Parents can play a great part in having their children practice good sportsmanship by being positive role models. Squash is a sport that takes place within an enclosed court. All behavior is in plain sight of coaches, fans, and other players. Darien Squash Website: http://dariensquash.com Darien Squash Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dariensquash Darien Squash Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariensquash
FairWest League The DMS Squash Team is part of he FairWest Squash League which includes ~10 schools and ~400 players in the Fairfield-Westchester area. The FairWest league looks to grow their numbers, and provide a place for players of all levels whether those who are top-ranked Gold/JCT competitors or just beginners including private and public school students, to play and get better at squash. It is an outlet for squash players, who may not have the best team programs at their schools, to play more often and with other kids of their same level, or better. FairWest Website - http://www.fairwestsquash.com FairWest Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fwpssa FairWest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fairwestsquash
Welcome Welcome Parents, Returning and New Players Coaches Natalie Grainger, CPCT Squash Director - Natalie Grainger is a dominant fixture in the squash world. During her 15-year professional career, Grainger won dozen of tournaments, rising in 2003 to be the #1 squash player in the world. Grainger is also a leader and ambassador for the sport having served for eight years as the President of the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA). She is the US Women's National Coach and sits on the Board of Squash Haven, an inner-city youth enrichment program at Yale University in New Haven. Lume Landman, CPCT Squash Professional- Lume started playing squash in South Africa at the age of 10. She was ranked in the top three in Juniors from U14 to U19. In 2008, she became the Junior National U16 Champion and went on to become a Junior National U19 finalist in 2010. She has competed around the world, representing South Africa in 2009 at the World Junior Championships in Chennai, India and in 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Johannesburg, where she won 4 National Team Championship titles. In addition to coaching at Chelsea Piers, Lume is currently playing on the PSA World Tour and is ranked in the top 5 in South Africa. Darien Squash Committee Members Chris Mitrano, middleschool@dariensquash.org Rebecca Ashcraft, middleschool@dariensquash.org History This is the 7th year for DMS squash. Many players from the DMS squash team feed into the Darien High School (DHS) varsity and junior varsity teams, and continue on to play at top colleges throughout the country. What we are and what we are not We are not a school sponsored group
We are a group of parent volunteers interested in the continued development of a squash program in Darien As a member of the DMS squash team players will get a glimpse of what its like at the high school level We will help organize clinics and tournaments including 2 FairWest jamborees, 1 FairWest Cup, US Middle School Squash Nationals, as well as other matches with local middle school teams. We will also help organize special team building events (e.g., pizza nights, etc.) The DMS squash team is part of he FairWest Squash League.
Season clinics and tournaments Preseason Friday night Captain's Practices begin on September 8 from 6:00-7:00 pm at CPCT, and continue through November 10. These practices are 'optional' unofficial practices that are organized and run by team members, as opposed to our coach. No Captain's Practice on October 6. Participants may be asked to have a Chelsea Piers Platinum Youth Membership or a Family Platinum Membership or might pay a guest fee each time they attend. Participation is optional but highly encouraged, as it will give players a head start to a quick and full season of squash. In addition to Captain's Practices, pick-up matches against other teams will be scheduled on select Friday nights at Chelsea Piers. Season The season begins on November 13 and runs through February 12. Practice will teach basic squash skills, run drills, game strategy, and squash-specific fitness and match play. Practices are on Monday's 7:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday's 6:00-7:00 pm, and Friday's 6:00-7:00 pm. We will practice at Chelsea Piers at One Blachley Road, Stamford. The team will have at least 4 courts, 1 dedicated Chelsea Piers Squash Professional, and weekly instruction from Chelsea Piers Squash Director Natalie Grainger. No Practice: November 17, 22, 24 December 21, 25, 29 January 1, 3, 19
February 9 Tournaments There will be an opportunity to compete against other teams in the area through the FairWest Jamborees and FairWest Cup. There will also be other matches, including Nationals. We must stress that DMS squash in an introductory program. Squash is a highly technical game and everyone will join the team at varying levels of proficiency. We will attempt to put players of similar caliber together so that every player can benefit from the clinics. The clinics are a first step to learning squash. As players improve we would recommend that you practice often, and consider taking a private lesson with a squash professional. During middle school the players who have spent the most time on the court will often win the matches, but don t be discouraged, remember that even top players lose their first few matches. If your goal is to learn a new sport, grow and excel, this will be a great place to start. We are happy to talk with you individually on specific ways for you to attempt to achieve your goals. Matches Middle School Match with Greenwich Friday, December 15, 2017, 6:00-7:00 pm Chelsea Piers Connecticut One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT Middle School Match with Westport Friday, January 5, 2018, 6:00-7:00 pm Chelsea Piers Connecticut One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT Jamborees and Tournaments Middle School Jamboree #1 Saturday, December 9, 2017, 1:00-7:00 pm Chelsea Piers Connecticut One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT $35 per player
Middle School Jamboree #2 Saturday, January 6, 2018, 1:00-7:00 pm Chelsea Piers Connecticut One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT $35 per player US Middle School Squash Nationals January 19-21, 2018 Yale University 70 Tower Parkway, New Haven, CT $100 per player Each player needs to have a US Squash Membership (~$100) A parent needs to have a US Squash Membership (Free) Each player needs to have passed the referee exam (~$45) FairWest Middle School Cup Saturday, February 3, 2018, 1:00-7:00 pm Chelsea Piers Connecticut One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT $35 per player Captains When the season starts we will ask players to go to our website to vote for team captains.
Equipment and safety Safety is our primary concern Do not swing at a ball if your racket or ball is going to hit an opponent become familiar with the rules- call a LET All players must submit a waiver Like all competitive sports, good sportsmanship is expected to be adhered to in squash Equipment The Squash Racket Always use a modern racket in good condition Make sure the strings and frame are in good condition otherwise injury could result Always ensure the racket grip is in good condition, a slipping racket could cause severe injury. Ensure the grip is the correct size for your hand Example: Technifibre Carboflex 125 S Squash Racquet Protective Eyewear Protective eyewear is required. Examples: Dunlop Junior Eyewear, Dunlop I-Armor Squash / Racquetball Goggles Squash Shoes It is required to wear indoor non-marking court shoes which are in good condition. Running shoes are unsuitable as the sole is usually thicker than court shoes, making it far easier to roll your ankle and causing severe injury. Example: Asics Gel Indoor Court / Squash Shoes Clothing The uniform is the Darien Squash shirt and white skirt or shorts (purchased separately)
Consider wearing a wristband if a lot of sweat gets onto your racket hand. Consider wearing a headband or bandana to prevent sweat from running down into your eyes. Order Online at http://www.bruceparksports.com/darien-middle-school-squash/
Facility and costs Facility Chelsea Piers has 11 singles squash courts and 1 hardball doubles court. Chelsea Piers also boasts ample viewing areas for spectators, a comfortable bar and social lounge equipped with flat screen TVs, well-appointed changing rooms, ping pong table, and pool table. Adjacent is a state-of-the-art, 65,000-square-foot fitness center, CP-AC Fitness. Facility Features: 12 International Courts 11 Single Courts 1 Doubles Court Locker Rooms Main Level Viewing Areas Member / Guest Bar and Lounge Costs The total cost of the season is shared evenly among players. Uniforms and tournament fees are not included in the shared cost and are paid for out of pocket. The Cost last year was $795 and we are working to keep it in that cost range. The program is run by Darien Squash and is not a school-sponsored group. All players of all skill levels in grades 6-8 are invited to join the team.
Fundraising and volunteering Fundraising DMS squash is entirely funded by parents and donations made by individuals. This year players from the DMS squash team will be selling baked goods in front of Palmer's Darien and the Darien Sport Shop during the month of October. This is a wonderful opportunity for the local communitysaturday and squash fans to recognize and help support the DMS squash team. We also hope that players will have an opportunity to bond as a team off court. All of the money raised by the fundraiser will be used to offset the costs of coaching, clinics, court time, and travel for all DMS team members. All players are asked to provide an item for the bake sale, and volunteer to work a shift at a table Please sign-up online at http://dariensquash.com/ Middle School Volunteer PALMER S DARIEN 264 Heights Road Sunday, October 15, 2017, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Volunteering We are always looking for parent volunteers to assist with the following: Uniforms Match coordinators Nationals coordinators Photographer / PR
US Squash Governing Body US Squash is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which serves as the only national governing body and membership organization for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1904 and headquartered in New York City, it is a member of the US Olympic Committee, the Pan American Squash Federation and the World Squash Federation. https://www.ussquash.com/ Players on the DMS squash team must purchase a membership with US Squash. We recommend purchasing a Live Benefits membership at https://www.ussquash.com/ participate/join Players who will participate in US Middle School Nationals will need to pass the referee exam. The exams may be accessed in the Affiliations/Certifications section of a player s profile when logged in. Taking the exam to achieve certification requires a fee of $45. If players are interested in participating in tournaments outside of the DMS squash program, they can find and register for tournaments at the bronze, silver, gold, and championship level at https://www.ussquash.com/tournaments