Middle School Tiger Tennis
“The pursuit of excellence on and off the court”
2012-2013
Purpose
Participation in the Tiger tennis program is a privilege, not a right. All athletes must
show a desire to compete and a willingness to learn. The following athletic policies must
be understood and agreed upon to between the school, athlete, and parents.
Grades
All athletes must maintain at least a 70 in all classes to be eligible for competition as
determined by the UIL. Failure to pass classes on a continual basis could result in
removal from team. Use time after school and during the lunch period to take care of
make-up work and tests. You will not be allowed to miss practice unless there was prior
approval from a coach.
Physicals
All athletes must have a physical, medical history form and a signed tennis procedures
sheet on file to participate on the tennis team. A student will not be allowed to participate
in practice without a physical examination by a doctor.
Equipment & Uniforms
It is the athlete’s responsibility to keep up with the school equipment and uniforms. Any
lost or damaged items will need to be paid for. Each player is required to wear the
uniform, t-shirt, and shorts that is chosen for each match. Players are allowed to wear
athletic clothes only with the specific colors: red, grey, white, or black. No jeans or
khaki shorts. Each player should have specific tennis shoes. They can be purchased at
Academy Sports or Tennis Mart in Belton.
Practice
Every student is expected to be present and on time to every practice. Practice time
should not be used to catch up on homework, make up tests, or go to any other
appointments. Use time after school or during lunch to make up any necessary school
work. Doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments, etc. should try not be scheduled
during practice time. If you must schedule them, please do so as late in the day as
possible. If there is any reason that you must miss a practice, you will need to notify the
coach assigned to your school. Players need to make sure they eat breakfast before
practice. Do not drink any energy drinks with caffeine such as Red Bull or Monster
drinks. Players need to bring a water bottle. The coaches will provide water.
Missing Practice/Being Late
If a player is going to miss practice, he or she will need to contact a coach. Tennis will
be the students’ 1st period class. The location of their 1st period class is the Belton high
school tennis courts. Missing practice will be missing school. If something happens and
a student is going to be late, he or she will still need to be taken to the tennis courts. If a
player is late to practice, he or she will run extra laps. If a player misses practice 2-3
times without notifying a coach, he or she could be removed from the team.
Matches/Tournaments
Once you have received a schedule, then all personal events should be planned around
matches and tournaments. It will not be okay to miss a match or tournament unless there
was prior approval from a coach. Funerals, sickness, and other such events are
understandable reasons for missing a match. If a player misses a match and does not
notify one of the coaches, he or she could be suspended from the next match. It is the
player’s responsibility to bring snacks and other food. On occasion, the coaches will get
pizzas after a match, so the players that did not bring food will need to bring money. But,
every player needs to have snacks in his or her bag. No sweets or sugary items. Granola
bars, nutrigrain bars, or other healthy snacks.
Travel
Each player will ride the bus to matches and tournaments. Each player is expected to ride
back with the team after the match. If a parent needs to take a player after the match,
please speak to one of the coaches. Please plan ahead and consult a coach before the day
of the trip.
Team/Player Concepts
1.
2.
3.
4.
BE AT EVERY PRACTICE.
Always give 100 percent in every drill, sprint, and match.
Be willing to spend extra time outside of practice to improve.
Be positive toward yourselves and encourage others!
Positive Player Characteristics (what we need to see on our team)
1. Players who listen.
2. Players who are willing to try new and unfamiliar skill without question or
complaint.
3. Players who are good students.
4. Players who don’t like to lose.
5. Players who have a love of practice and playing the game of tennis.
Practice Schedule
Monday-Friday
7:30-8:50 –parents will take their son or daughter to the BHS
tennis courts every day. After practice, BMS students will walk to the school and a bus
will take the LBMS students.
Dressing Out
Players will need to bring their school clothes in a bag. They will
be allowed enough time to dress out before 2nd period.
Practice Begins
Monday, August 31st at 7:30am. Even if a player does not have a
physical by then, he or she is required to be there because the tennis courts is the location
of his or her 1st period class.
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Belton Tiger Tennis
I have read and understand the contract and will follow all rules, procedures and
commitments.
Athlete’s signature________________________________________________________
Date
Parent’s signature_________________________________________________________
Date
Please cut this bottom portion, sign and return to Coaches Hammonds, Egan, or Givens.