2009 CTMS Tennis Policies and Guidelines

Coach Boykin’s Contact Information

School Phone: (817) 251-5320 ext. 3216         

Email Address: William.boykin@gcisd.net

CTMS Tennis Website Address:

http://teacherweb.com/TX/CrossTimbersMiddleSchool/Tennis/

 

Mission Statement and Goals

 

The CTMS tennis program provides both a fun and competitive environment so each student learns teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect for the game of tennis.  The goals of our program are to develop players with solid character, and to improve their abilities so they will be able to compete on the next level, or play the game for the rest of their life.

 

Pre-Tryout Requirements:

 

1. A valid physical must be on file in the athletic office.

2. The last page of this form must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian.

3. The Player Information handout must be completed and turned in.

 

Tryouts:

 

All players (including previous year’s players) are required to try out.  All tryouts will be held at the GHS tennis courts.  Students must provide their own transportation.  The following is the 2009 tryout schedule: 

 

Seventh grade girls: Wednesday, January 21 (3:30-4:30) 

Seventh grade boys: Wednesday, January 21 (4:30-5:30) 

Eighth grade girls: Thursday, January 22 (3:30-4:30) 

Eighth grade boys: Thursday, January 22 (4:30-5:30) 

 

There will be a make-up tryout on Friday, January 23 for students who missed the previous tryouts for a valid reason, including students involved in winter sports.  The girls will try out from 3:30-4:30, and the boys will try out from 4:30-5:30.  If a student is not able to attend one of the tryout dates, they must inform Coach Boykin in advance.  An alternative tryout date will be assigned at that time.

 

The team will be posted on my door (B-13) on Friday, January 23 at 7:00 A.M.  If you are attending the make-up tryout that afternoon, you will be notified of your status after you try out.  The first practice will be Monday, January 26, and the first match will be Monday, February 9.

 

Rankings:

 

After tryouts, each player will be ranked on a challenge ladder based on their tryout score.  Throughout the season, you will be given opportunities to move up the ladder through challenge matches.  The coach can also make changes to the ladder at his discretion based on criteria such as practice performance.  Due to the unique nature of team tennis, there will be a boys ladder and a girls ladder, but there will be no separation by grade level.  Ladders will be made available to view at each practice. 

 

While it is always my goal for every member of the team to play in each match, only the top 7 seeds are guaranteed to play because of match rules, time, and court availability.  Based on past experiences, players not ranked in the top 7 can expect to play in 3 to 4 of the 6 matches we play.  While they will not count in the official score, “exhibition matches” provide valuable experience, and contribute heavily to the overall success of the team.  

 

Academic/Behavior Requirements:

 

1. Students must have a 2.5 GPA to play tennis, with no F’s on Report Cards for any six-weeks.  If a student has below a 2.5 and is showing signs of significant improvement, an exception may be made.  If a student falls below a 2.5 during the season, they will not be allowed to play in a match until they have shown signs of significant improvement. 

2. Students must have served no more than 4 D-Halls.  If you are issued a D-Hall during the season, you will not be allowed to practice on the day you serve it, or play in the following match.

3. Students shall not have in possession, use, buy, sell, or give away any controlled substance.  The penalty for a first violation of the substance abuse policy will be immediate dismissal from the tennis team.

 

Attendance:

 

You must attend school in order to attend practice or a match.  Scheduled practices are mandatory.  If you are not going to be in attendance at a

practice or match, I need prior notice.  My contact information is listed above.

 

*Note: School always comes before tennis.  If a player feels that they need to attend academic tutoring, they will be allowed to miss practice.  Please notify the coach in advance. 

 

Beginning and End of Practices:

 

Team members will be expected to be at the CTMS gym at 3:25 for all practices.  We will walk as a team to the GHS tennis courts.  Practices will end at 5:00.  If your ride is not at the GHS courts at 5:00, you will walk with the coach to the CTMS gym so that you can be supervised until your ride arrives.

 

Practice Expectations:

 

1. Practices will be from 3:25 to 5:00 on Monday through Thursday, except for match days.  Friday practices will be from 3:25 to 4:30.

2. Appropriate shirts and shorts must be worn at all practices.  On cold days, make sure to dress in layers and/or wear your warm-ups! 

3. Bring your own water.

3. Practices will consist of stretching, conditioning, drills, strategy sessions, and challenge matches.

4. In case of bad weather, announcements will be made during Pack Time.  You may also check my website for daily announcements.  Do not count on practice being cancelled due to weather.  We will sometimes find another task indoors during that day.

 

Match Days:

 

1. All members of the team are required to attend the home matches.

2. Only the top ten seeds are required to attend away matches.  However, all members may attend.  Every effort will be made to allow anyone that travels to play in a match.  However, traveling with the team will not guarantee you a match.

3. All traveling members must ride the bus to each away match. If a student wants to ride home with a parent, they must make arrangements with the coach before we leave. 

4. Students are expected to maintain proper sportsmanship during all matches. 

5. When you have completed your match, you are expected to watch another teammate and help encourage them.  Tennis is both an individual and team sport.

6. Uniforms must be worn during all matches.

7. Come to the matches prepared with enough strung rackets, water, towels, etc. It is the student’s responsibility to be 100% prepared to play the match.

8. If the weather is suspect, listen for an announcement.  Typically, the decision to play or not play a match is not made until after lunch.

9. Pick up the trash on the courts after matches.

 

Behavior/Attitude/Work Ethic:

 

Players will be expected to bring a positive attitude and desire to play tennis to every match and practice.  All players are expected to be respectful, committed, and focused.  Any racket abuse, ball abuse, or verbal abuse of a teammate, a coach, or an opponent will not be tolerated.  All players are expected to be models of good sportsmanship at all times.  Remember, as a member of this team, your behavior reflects not only on you, but also on your teammates, coaches, parents, and school.

 

How you practice dictates how you will play in a match.  If you practice hard, you will play hard.  A 100% effort will be expected during both practices and matches.  Those not putting forth a strong work ethic are not only cheating themselves, but they are also cheating their teammates.

 

Any player that can not meet these expectations will jeopardize their eligibility.  The first infraction will result in a verbal warning.  The second infraction will result in a demotion to the “exhibition” matches.  The last and final infraction will result in a suspension from the team.

 

Nutrition:

 

What you eat and drink each day can affect how you play!  It is suggested that you eat breakfast every morning, as well as a well-balanced lunch.  This is especially important the day of a match.  Drinking water throughout the day is very important.  You should limit or eliminate any intake of carbonated beverages before a practice or match.  A small snack can be consumed before playing, but a meal should be consumed at least two hours prior.  During a match, water should be consumed regularly.

 

The Role of the Parent:

 

The CTMS Tennis Program would not be possible without the help of dedicated parents.  As we look forward to another successful season, here are a few reminders to help the season run smoothly.

 

1. Please provide transportation in a timely manner when possible.

 

2. Remind students to bring necessary clothes, equipment, drinks, etc. for practices and matches.

 

3. Encourage students to stay on top of their academics at all times.

 

4. Express interest, encouragement and support to your child and the team.

 

5. If necessary, learn the rules of tennis so that you may understand and appreciate the game your child is playing.

 

6. Recognize and show appreciation for an outstanding play or achievement by either team.

 

7. Check the website regularly for announcements and updates.

 

8. If you have a question for the coach, or an issue to be resolved, please present it in an appropriate manner.

 

9. Remember that interscholastic athletics and activities are learning experiences for students and that mistakes are sometimes made.  Praise students in their attempt to improve themselves as students, as athletes, and as people, as you would praise a student working in the classroom. 

 

  

I have read and agree to abide by the CTMS Tennis Policies and Guidelines.

 

 

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Print Student Name                                                      Grade

 

 

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Student Signature                                                          Date

 

 

 

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Parent / Guardian Signature                                           Date