FAIRMONT TENNIS HANDBOOK 2015 Introduction Welcome to the Fairmont High School tennis. The following information will briefly outline the philosophy and structure of the Fairmont tennis program. It will explain the requirements and expectations as they relate to each player. Philosophy High school tennis is a team sport. This program will work collectively towards the same goals. The following phrase defines our team: “Together Everyone Achieves More.” True success will only occur with the support of every player, coach, and parent of this program. Values The goals of this program revolve around are core values of academic performance and strong character. You are a student athlete. Be disciplined to excel in your studies. No grade of ‘D’ or ‘F’ in your classes is acceptable. Strong character must be maintained at all times. A positive attitude is essential. If you focus on the positive, rather than the negative, you will be able to achieve your goals. Put forth your best effort on the court and in the classroom. If you commit to giving your best effort you will continue to become a better version of yourself. Be a good sportsman. Do your best to encourage and respect your teammates, coaches, and opponents. “If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.” -Pat Riley Policies Make a personal commitment to the tennis program at KFHS Accept your role as a member of a team, which, as a unit, is working towards a single goal Create a supportive atmosphere for your fellow teammates while watching their participation Uphold the articles of the athletic code at all times Practice The tennis team will usually practice after school from 3:30-5:30. We will meet at a designated time and place to be determined by the coaching staff. Practice sessions are a time for each player, working together with their teammates, to improve both individual and team skills. Players are expected to attend all practices on time, physically and mentally ready for the training task. Please be punctual to practice. There will be no unexcused absences from practice. An excused absence will be pre-approved by your coach. Coaches must be notified as soon as possible. Being tardy to practice is unacceptable. Players will receive consequences for being late. If this is a chronic issue, players may be dismissed. Please come prepared to focus on becoming better each day and supporting your team. Cell Phones There have been increased issues with cell phones related to athletic programs. Namely inappropriate communication, pictures, and social media use. There will be no tolerance for any misuse of this technology. During practice: No cell phones or other electronic devices may be used. Please have your cell phone silenced and in a bag off the tennis courts during practice. Selecting the Team If it is determined that the number of players wishing to play tennis exceeds the resources available to run an efficient tennis program, coaches will determine who has qualified to participate in this season’s tennis program. Adherence to the team’s values and skills testing will be utilized to determine who will be a member of the Fairmont tennis program. Those that don’t make the team will be encouraged to continue to work on their tennis skills and try again next season for a position on the team. Dismissal from the Team Any player that causes conflict on the team or violates team policies will be subject to dismissal. Each player will accept and help all other players on the team. If a player is the cause of dissension or reflects negatively on the team, they will be given a verbal warning and will be documented by the coach. If the problem continues, the parents will be called in to discuss the situation in the company of the athletic director. If after this meeting, the player is still a distraction to the team, in any way, they will be dismissed from the team. Wrap Up The upcoming season is full of potential. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting year. We are thrilled to have you as part of the team! Team Goals: Individual Goals: Please detach this page of the packet and return to your coach. Keep the handbook as a reference for the remainder of the season. _____________________________________________________________ Fairmont High School Tennis Team Member and Parent/Guardian Contract I have read and understood all the team policies and expectations for being a member of the Fairmont tennis program. I am willing to abide by the regulations and procedures outlined in it. _____________________________________________ ______________________ Athlete’s signature Date _____________________________________________ ______________________ Parent/Guardian signature Date _____________________________________________ ______________________ Coaches’ signature – Matt Hughes Date