Parent/Player Handbook SPRING 20198
2019 Eagle High Mustang Tennis STAFF Varsity Head Coach Katie Ware 208 406 3910 kwaretennis@gmail.com Junior Varsity Head Coach Sonya Fox 240 285 1608 scfox2222@yahoo.com Varsity Assistant Coach Dan Oliver Volunteer Coach Di Yuan Tzeng Volunteer Coach Percy Chan Volunteer Coach George Kovacs IN SEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE JV Practice: Monday Friday 3:00 4:00 pm Varsity Practice: Monday Friday 4:00 5:30 pm *Season runs from February 22 to May 11 (JV) and May 18 (Varsity) * All players who are not trying out for Varsity: show up to practice on Monday, February 25. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to compete all players must address the following guidelines for Cost, Athletic Eligibility and Attendance. COST: ASB Activity card $40* District Sport Pay to Play fee $110* (If it is a player s 3 rd sport of the year the fee is waived) *To be paid before first competition on March 13. ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY: 1. Athletes must have earned six credits the previous high school semester. 2. An athlete is ineligible on the day of his/her 20th birthday. 3. An athlete must have an IHSAA physical on file at the school. A new physical is required the freshman and junior years. 4. Athletes must follow all IHSAA guidelines, rules and regulations. 5. Any student with an F grade in any subject will not be allowed to participate in any athletic/activity contest. 6. An athlete must maintain a 2.0 GPA. ATTENDANCE: You must attend ten (10) practices before you are eligible for competition. Tryouts count as practice. A student who is absent during any part of the day, suspended in school for more than one period or out of school on the day of a match will not be allowed to play that day unless deemed an extraordinary absence/waived. (A student who is absent from practice the day before a match is not eligible to participate in the match the next day.)
VARSITY TRYOUTS Varsity Tryouts start on Friday, February 22 from 3 5:30pm and continue on Saturday, February 23 from 9am 11am and Monday, February 25 to Saturday, March 2 from 3 5:30 pm. Wrap up of Varsity Tryouts should end on Monday, March 4 from 3 5:30 pm. Nine (9) total positions are available for boys varsity and Nine (9) total positions are available for girls varsity. All returning players must tryout unless they qualified for state competition the previous season. 2018 State Qualifiers Kyle Garner (State Champion Singles), Alec Tzeng (State Champion Doubles), Oliver Kempel (4 th place Mixed Doubles), Michael Loper (Singles), Brooke Beil (Singles), Brynne Rutledge (Doubles), Sydney Saxey (Doubles). Note: This leaves five open positions for boys varsity and six open positions for girls varsity. All players who are not trying out for Varsity: show up to practice on Monday, February 25. VARSITY TRYOUT INFO: 1. Varsity tryouts begin Friday, February 22 from 3:00 5:30pm. If inclement weather occurs tryouts may go longer some days. 2. The purpose of the tryouts is to determine which players will fill the available varsity spots and which players will be the most well rounded players based on team needs for singles/doubles/mixed. 3. Players will be evaluated on technique, previous player experience, attitude on the court, match strategy, ability to win games and potential for growth. 4. Students must be present on all days in order to have complete tryout opportunities contact the head coach for extenuating circumstances. 5. Students trying out need to come ready to play with tennis specific shoes, a racquet and clothing appropriate for the cold weather. 6. You must be eligible to participate in tryouts. IQ and physical forms must be submitted prior to tryouts. *Note: Players cannot step on the court for tryouts or practice without a physical form. VARSITY TRYOUT FORMAT: 1. Players will be evaluated on technique, form and footwork at the beginning of tryouts. 2. Players that advance after the technique round will play singles (same gender) in a Round Robin format, first to four games (no ad scoring) players tied at three all will play a five point tiebreaker. 3. Game wins and losses will be totaled for each player. 4. Players with the strongest win/loss game percentage may be placed directly on the Varsity team while others may continue in tryouts. 5. In cases where player s records are close, tied or coaches would like to see more from those players additional playoff matches will be held. These matches may include doubles or mixed doubles and could even include match play against previous state qualifiers (this helps coaches identify a player s ability to compete in multiple events and understand the player s strategy and thought process on the court).
6. Missing tryout matches: If you miss any tryout matches because you are not present you will default that match by a score of 4 0. Makeup of these matches must be approved by the coach. 7. The varsity coach has the final decision on the varsity team positions and players can be excluded for ability reasons, attitude and team cohesiveness. No spot is guaranteed and players must maintain athletic ability and positive attitude throughout the season. ALTERNATE SPOTS: Varsity team matches require nine boys and nine girls for competition, however there are times when a Varsity player is unable to compete (sickness, injury, etc.) Therefore there will be one alternate spot for the boys Varsity Team and one alternate spot for the girls Varsity Team. Alternate spots will be determined by tryout results and/or challenge matches. Alternates may be asked to play in Varsity matches if a Varsity player is unable to compete. Alternates would be notified day of competition after school as to whether they will compete for JV or Varsity. Challenge matches for the alternate spots are conducted on Fridays if approved by the Varsity Coach. Alternates must attend JV AND Varsity practice. The alternate will also compete in the Capital Classic for Varsity. 1. The varsity coach will create the original ladder and player positions based on previous state, district and tryout results as well as current ability of players. 2. A player must obtain prior approval from the Varsity coach on who they want to challenge for alternate position. 3. Matches are two out of three sets with a match tiebreak (first to ten points) played in lieu of the third set. 4. Players must accept a challenge or forfeit their position on the ladder. No excuses accepted except illness and out of school. 5. The varsity coach reserves the right to request a rematch between two players if necessary. 6. The varsity coach has the final decision on the varsity team positions as well as alternates and players can be excluded for ability reasons, attitude and team cohesiveness. 7. The varsity coach reserves the right to end challenge match opportunities for the alternate spot. 8. The varsity coach reserves the right to pull up a non alternate JV player to compete in Varsity matches. *PLEASE NOTE: ALTERNATES HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A VARSITY LETTER IF THEY MEET VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS.
PRACTICE GUIDELINES Players need to participate in 10 practices before they may compete in a match. A student who is absent from practice the day before a match is not eligible to participate in the match the next day. BE ON TIME!!! We are limited in courts and practices are short, timeliness is mandatory. BE FOCUSED AT PRACTICE! Give your best effort at all times. Excused practices are: Sick, Doctor, Family Emergency, Funeral; if you miss practice due to one of these, you can practice and play in the next match only if you have a signed excuse from your parent (in the event of Family Emergency or Funeral) and/or doctor (if you missed school due to being ill or having a doctor s appointment). Dress properly: Wear appropriate tennis clothing for the weather, always wear appropriate tennis shoes on the courts and NEVER wear non tennis approved black soled shoes on the courts. Take care of the balls: If you hit a ball over the fence, immediately go get it. Don t talk back to a coach or make excuses. Look at the coach when s/he is talking to you. Be courteous and respectful to coaches and teammates at all times. Bring water to stay hydrated and a snack for after to stay energized. No swearing. If you miss a practice due to an unexcused absence (example: skipping school or not providing a signed excuse): (1) First offense will result in missing the next match. (2) Second offense will result in a two week suspension. (3) Third offense will result in suspension for the year. MATCH GUIDELINES BE ON TIME!!! (see busing policy on page 6). Matches have a true start time of 4:30pm, however this means after player introductions and court assignments. Players need to show up to matches at 3:45pm so that they have proper time to warm up. Player introductions and court assignments begin at 4:15pm. BE FOCUSED and NEVER GIVE UP! Support your teammates! We are a team, which means we support our team until everyone is done with their matches. Please do not ask to leave early unless you have cleared this with the coach at least a day BEFORE match day. Wear the proper school uniform. Bring water to stay hydrated and snacks to stay energized. **Represent yourself and the school positively at ALL times. At practice, during matches, around town and on social media.** Inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behavior will be addressed by the coaching staff and the Head Coach reserves the right to remove a player from finishing a match if unsportsmanlike conduct is witnessed.
JUNIOR VARSITY EXPECTATIONS Our goal is to have all players and coaches working toward making our junior varsity programs as strong as possible. Each team is working to make tennis a fun sport for students to play and prepare interested players to be part of the varsity team. If a player is not going to consistently participate in practice they should refrain from joining the JV squad. If a player truly desires to become part of the varsity team, there are three main areas in which s/he must focus: 1. Athletically: Improve strength and quickness a. Consistency & ability to place the ball b. Mental understanding of how to set up points c. Proficiency in technique & fitness 2. Summer, Fall & Winter Programs a. Get involved in tournaments, camps and clinics b. Practice in season and during the off season 3. Play Hard a. Positive attitude, focus and effort at all times VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS Community Service: Each athlete must have two hours of community service during the tennis season. Varsity Matches: Must play in 40% of varsity matches and/or tournaments. Fundraising: Must participate in tennis fundraisers or donate in lieu of participation. Players must complete the season in good standing with the Head Coach to receive a letter. BUSING POLICY The JV and Varsity teams will NOT be bused unless they are playing out of our metro area (example: JV Parma Invitational). When we do bus to a two day tournament, we only bus on school days, not on weekends. IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL PLAYERS DRIVING TO A MATCH BE AT THE AWAY SITE ON TIME BY 4PM (TO PROPERLY WARM UP). Warm ups at opposing sites end at 4pm (depending on light & weather issues). Players should show up to opposing sites as early as possible to get a proper warm up. If you are late to a match, your match will be defaulted. If you default two matches, you will not be allowed to play for the remainder of the season. We will not be holding any warm up hitting sessions at the Eagle High courts before leaving for away matches. Due to time constraints, we suggest you change into your tennis clothes at school, have something to eat and get to the match site, as matches will start at 4:15 p.m. (after team introductions and court assignments). If you intend to drive your child to or from a match where a bus has been taken, please notify the coach prior to the event. On those days where a bus has been taken, you cannot give rides to other players on the team. Players are only allowed to ride home with a parent or legal guardian.
PARENT/COACH RELATIONSHIP Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an amiable understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to the student athlete. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to be advised of the expectations that will be placed on the player. COMMUNICATION YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE COACH: Loca ons and mes of all prac ces and matches. Team requirements: fees, special equipment, fundraisers, etc. Expectations the coach has for individuals as well as the players on the team. COMMUNICATION COACHES CAN EXPECT FROM PARENTS: Concerns expressed privately and directly to the coach. No fica on of any schedule conflicts or missing of class or a match well in advance. Any health issues your child may have that would be vital for the coach to know. APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COACH: The treatment of your child, both mentally & physically, by the coaching staff. Ways to improve player performance. Concerns about your child s behavior. INAPPROPRIATE CONCERNS THAT SHOULDN T BE DISCUSSED WITH THE COACH: Individual playing posi ons. Other team members. Team strategy. As your athlete becomes involved in the tennis program at Eagle High School, they will experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives. Still, parents and players should be prepared for moments when things don t go their way. It is extremely hard to accept not playing in the positions as hoped. However, coaches are professionals. They make decisions based upon what is best for the TEAM. We recognize that there are situations when a conference between the coach and the parent are necessary. These are encouraged, in order to have a complete understanding from both parties regarding positions taken. To arrange a meeting of this nature the following procedure should be followed to ensure resolution of the problem: 1. Please DO NOT attempt to confront the coach immediately before or after a match or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings in such a highly charged atmosphere do not promote resolution. 2. Contact the coach privately, directly and set up a meeting by calling or emailing the coach. 3. If the coach cannot be reached, contact the Activities Director at the school (Kimber Chrz) and she will set up a meeting. What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach was unsatisfactory in providing a solution? 1. Call and set up an appointment with the Activities Director to discuss the situation. 2. An appropriate next step will be determined.
TEXTING/EMAIL GUIDELINES Coaches will use email as the primary communication for players and parents. Texting will also be used for immediate communication needs such as notifying players of any cancellations, absences, or keeping track of tournament progress should players be at different sites. Players should only text coaches regarding tennis related activities. WEBSITE WWW.EAGLEHIGHTENNIS.COM For updated information on match schedules, game recaps and important information visit www.eaglehightennis.com. Players and parents should visit this website frequently. SOCIAL MEDIA Since last minute texts and emails are difficult to send to a large group, athletes and parents should check the EHS Facebook page for updates like rainouts, reschedules, and upcoming important dates and other information. Team and player photos will also be posted on this site. Please go to www.facebook.com/eaglehightennis and like the Eagle High Tennis Facebook page. DRUG, ALCOHOL & TOBACCO POLICY As a team, we will adhere to the districts policy on alcohol, drugs and tobacco as stated in the student handbook. Failure to comply with these policies will result in immediate consequences which forbid the violator to play for a set duration of the season. CONCUSSION INFORMATION Concussions are a type of brain injury that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. Concussions can occur in any recreational activity and can result from a fall or from players colliding with each other, the ground or with obstacles. The Eagle High Tennis Coaching Staff have all taken specific concussion training through the IHSAA If a concussion occurs the decision to return to play is determined by the high schools physical training staff and/or qualified health provider. In accordance with Section 33 1620, Idaho Code the Idaho High School Activities Association has provided information on its website for coaches, parents and athletes concerning the Identification and Management Strategies regarding concussions. The IHSAA encourages all coaches, parents and athletes to educate themselves about the recognition and treatment of concussions. Please take the time to visit our website at www.idhsaa.org. If you have any questions or need of further information, please contact your school or the IHSAA Office at admin@idhsaa.org. It is the wish of the IHSAA that you have a safe and enjoyable season.
If you have read the rules and expectations from the Spring 2019 Eagle High Tennis Parent/Player Handbook and agree to follow these regulations, please sign below. The EHS coaching staff appreciates your willingness to help bring success to the Mustang program. Date Player Name (Print) Player Signature Player Cell Phone Player Email Player Grade (FR/SO/JR/SR) Player Shirt Size (XS/S/M/L/XL) Player Short/Skirt Size (XS/S/M/L) Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Parent Cell Phone Parent Email Note: Cell &E mail info is only used to notify players & parents of team information.