2014-2015
HandbookFor
TENNIS
Players and Parents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
ATHLETIC CODE
MISSION STATEMENT
PHILOSOPHY
ORGANIZATION OF PERSONNEL
TEAM EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES
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INTRODUCTION
The Tennis Coaching Staff at Norco High School would like to extend to you a
warm welcome. We are providing this handbook to inform you of team
expectations, policies, and procedures adhered by the Norco High School Tennis.
This handbook in no way overrides district or CIF-Southern Section policy.
ATHLETIC CODE
The Athletic Code means to play the game in the spirit of fairness and
sportsmanship, to observe all rules and regulations. It means to accept the calls by
players without interference, to see that players & coaches are extended
protection and courtesy by all, to treat opponents as your guests, and to put clean
play and sportsmanship above victories. It means the ability to win without
boasting and to lose without grudge. The important thing in sports is to strive to
excel and the good feeling it fosters between those who play fair and have no
excuse when they lose.
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MISSION STATEMENT
To develop and utilize the talents of all members of the Norco High School Tennis
Program by insuring that each member of the tennis program is properly coached
and giving every opportunity for the players to play a significant role within the
Norco High School Tennis Program.
PHILOSOPHY
Our coaching staff believes a great tennis program is an integral part of the
high school athletic experience. Participating in tennis offers opportunities
to develop the bodies and minds of our student-athletes to higher levels of
responsibility, confidence, sportsmanship, time management, cooperation,
and teamwork. An emphasis on continuous improvement, overrides the focus
on match outcomes, as the basis of player assessment. When improvement
rather than outcome is foremost in athletes' minds, high school tennis
players are free to take on - and grow from - challenges they might
otherwise avoid. Wins are easier to come by when players' primary focus is
on specific quality-of-play goals. In other words, when players commit
themselves to improvement, outcome goals tend to take care of themselves.
Participation in tennis also develops in our student-athletes leadership
qualities necessary to be a productive member of society.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) Philosophy of player development is also followed:
view at http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/Coaching-Philosophy/
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ORGANIZATION OF PERSONNEL
PRINCIPAL
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL/ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
HEAD COACH
ASSISTANT COACHES
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Norco High Tennis – Team Rules
“DO NOT MISTAKE ACTIVITY FOR ACHIEVEMENT” – JOHN WOODEN
Expectations:
1.
The way you practice is the way you end up playing...Sloppy and unproductive practice =
YOU LOSE. WORK HARD, PLAY HARD OR GO HOME!
Be on time to practice. Those in 6th period, don’t be late!!! If you are taken to tardy sweep, you
won’t play!!!! Display a Consistent Quality Effort in Practice. Issues that are viewed as lacking in
effort include inconsistent attendance (missing lengthy periods of time to injury or nonparticiaption may result in dismissal), paces in practice, inability to finish workouts, staying on a
prescribed workout route, and walking in practice. This judgement is applicable to the season
specifically, but will be addressed as a concern when/ if the need arises.
2.
Do not use profanity or inappropriate language. Do not put criticize others, or other
coaches…see Coach Usui or Coach Gonzalez about any problems! (See Rules Infractions)
3.
Display a Consistent Positive Attitude - toward excellence, toward the sport, toward
teammates, coaches, the community. This includes internet communication, facebook
postings, twitter statements and any other "electronic" forms of displaying a negative
attitude.
4.
Be willing to accept advice from your coach(s) then apply the information.
5.
Always practice good sportsmanship: shake hands when the set is completed; don’t throw
your racquet; don’t throw temper tantrums; don’t throw the balls on the opposite side of
the court your opponent is on; be quick to call calls FAIRLY.
6.
Minimum grade point average is 2.0, however I expect a GPA of 3.0+ for all players
especially varsity.
7.
Never leave the courts without permission from the coaches. ALWAYS let Coach
Usui/Coach Gonzalez know when you are leaving the area during practice, and Home/Away
matches. DO NOT leave without our knowing!!
Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Practice begins at 2:50pm sharp and ends by 5:00pm. 6 th period will be dressed out and at
the courts by 1:55pm. If taken to tardy sweep, you won’t play!!!
a.
The season is short. The number of practice days a few enough, so plan your
appointments around practice as much as is possible.
A letter may be awarded to those who have competed in 50% of the varsity matches. Based
upon the coach(s) discretion, letters may or may not be awarded. However players who have
not played in 50% of varsity matches, but who have made very positive contributions to the
team by their efforts, attendance, attitudes, and support for the varsity team may be
awarded a varsity letter. Must have 2.0 gpa and ALL positive Citizenship marks. See
Awards Criteria page.
You will be demoted/dropped from the team on the FOURTH absence from practice, &/or
suspension/expulsion from school, behavior detrimental to the team.
If you are unable to make practice/match due to “unavoidable” circumstances, you are
expected to notify Coach Usui BEFORE the practice/match (can arrangements be
made?...See Coach Usui) or you are absent more than 4 periods during the day of a match
you will not play. (Excused absences are included in this rule.) Players late to practice will
have additional duties &/or conditioning following the end of practice. See Athletic Director
a. If injured/ill before or during a practice/match notify me ASAP. Do not hide an
injury/sickness.
All CIF and USTA rules and regulations will be followed and enforced.
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6.
Parents &/or family members of players are also representatives of Norco HS, therefore
they are encouraged to exhibit good sportsmanship while watching matches. Tennis is an
etiquette sport and spectators are expected to cheer only on good shots, NOT on opponents
mistakes. Parents are not permitted to speak to any player during a match – can result in
point penalties/loss of match. Do not make line calls/any other ruling. Please address all
concerns to Coach Usui/Coach Gonzalez.
Fundraisers - $$ is needed to purchase uniforms and equipment…get it in on time!!!
All members of the team are expected to attend and participate in all team
fundraisers. The funds raised are for the direct support of the TENNIS program.
Players are expected to maintain clean/laundered uniform that are worn for each match. Players
are expected to wear correct team attire to assembly days and matches. Team Captains &/or
Coaches will determine and communicate to all, what will be worn for each event.
Rule Infraction
1. Miss practice
2. *Uncooperative, display actions
detrimental to the team
Result
Extra running and/or sit out next match.
Extra running, *kicked out of practice,
*suspension from team, *expulsion from team,
(NHS discipline plan enforced)
(*Severity Clause = Suspension from the team and Administrative action)
3. *Profanity/inappropriate language
Immediate 25 down-ups, *(NHS discipline plan
at other players, coaches, etc…
enforced), *(repeat infraction see #2).
4. Throwing of a racquet
Immediate 25 down-ups
(repeat infraction see #2).
Severity clause will be imposed when player(s) act/display/speak inappropriately towards
teammates, coaches, audiences, opposing team and coaches. These actions will not be
tolerated and immediate action will be taken. As an athlete, you represent the school,
teachers and administration of Norco HS, more importantly you represent the team and your
teammates. Any conduct that reflects poorly on any of the above will not be tolerated. Ex:
leaving match before it is over, disrespect in the classroom, behavior on the court and off the
court, public displays of affection with significant others!
Communication
We want to make sure that all players feel as though they are part of the tennis program.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Coach Vance Usui at
vusui@cnusd.k12.ca.us or Coach Andy Gonzalez at acgonzalez@cnusd.k12.ca.us . If you are
having a problem, please follow the proper channels of communication
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Contact your child’s respective coach. 99% of all problems can be solved at this level.
Contact the Head Coach.
Make an appointment with Athletic Director Mr. Beronich
Schedule a meeting with the player, parent, and Head Coach
Schedule a meeting with the player, parent, Head Coach, and Athletic Director
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ILLNESS
If your child is ill the day of a match -- it is imperative you
contact the Head Coach ASAP!!! Not contacting the coach will lead
to missing that match.
EQUIPMENT: Maintain your racquet(s). If you need to get it re-strung do so...ahead of
time for when you will need it!
It is the goal of this tennis program to conduct an individual tournament in singles after
our last team match and before the league tournament for the purpose of determining the
top nine players (If the schedule allows). These nine will compete in the league tournament
called prelims. The top 2 singles and doubles teams in the league will compete in the
individual CIF tournament.
CONSEQUENCES: In the event a member of the team does not follow the above
stated expectations of policies, the below listed procedures will take place.
1st Infraction
Player is removed from practice for one day and parent is contacted.
2nd Infraction
Player is removed from practice and suspended from the next scheduled match,
parent is contacted, and a formal meeting with player, parent, and coach is held.
3rd Infraction
Player is removed from practice and suspended from the next two scheduled
matches, parent is contact, and a formal meeting with player, parent, coach, and
athletic director is held.
Possible Removal from the Program
Players may be removed from the tennis program when they have exhausted all
consequences and have continued to not follow the expectations and policies of
the program.
Coach Usui, Coach Gonzalez and Coach Altuna
Tennis Letter criteria is on next page
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NORCO HS TENNIS AWARDS CRITERIA
VARSITY
BEST SINGLES
1.
Winning Overall Record + League Record
(min 18 matches as singles)…and
2.
BIG VIII Pre-Lims results (as tiebreaker if necessary)…and
3.
Wins against “stronger” singles players (ex) win over the #1
player in league
4.
No Citizenship marks, no detentions, no referrals, 2.5
GPA/better
5.
BEST DOUBLES
1.
If win percentage under 50% - no award given
Does not need to be a doubles team-individuals who
played doubles
2.
Winning Overall Record + League Record
(min 75% of matches in doubles)…and
3.
BIG VIII Pre-Lims results (as tiebreaker if
necessary)…and
4.
Wins against “stronger” doubles teams(ex) win over the #1
team in league
5.
No Citizenship marks, no detentions, no referrals, 2.5
GPA/better
MVP
1.
Team Player
2.
Winning Overall Record and League Record
3.
Present for ALL practices and matches
4.
Coachable and +Attitude
5.
Player you can count on
(Wins, Advice, Support, Heart)
6.
Gave 100+% every practice and match
7.
Changed outcome of a match (ex) beat #1 players all
season/swept several matches/consistently won 2 or 3 against
every team
8.
No Citizenship marks, no detentions, no referrals, 2.5
GPA/better
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SCHOLAR
1.
Highest GPA – based upon classes taken (min 3.5)
or no award given
(ex)”A” in Office Aide is not = to “A” in Chemistry
2.
No Citizenship marks, no detentions, no referrals, or
waiver
3.
MOST IMPROVED
Junior or a Senior Class Standing
1.
Moved from JV  Varsity
2.
Changed Match outcomes (in our favor)
3.
Turned losing record into winning record
4.
Team Player
5.
Significant stroke and strategy development
6.
Increased competitive drive
1.
Team Player
2.
Winning Overall Record and League Record
3.
Present for ALL practices and matches
4.
Coachable and +Attitude
5.
Player you can count on
JUNIOR VARSITY
JV MVP
(Wins, Advice, Support, Heart)
6.
Gave 100+% every practice and match
7.
Changed outcome of a match (ex) beat #1 players all
season/swept several matches/consistently won 2 or 3 against
every team/beat Varsity players throughout the season.
8.
No Citizenship marks, no detentions, no referrals, 2.5
GPA/better
9.
JV MOST IMPROVED
1.
Player to watch or next season – impact on team
Most noticeable “+” change in strokes, strategy, match
outcomes
2.
Moved up challenge ladder throughout the season
3.
Turned losing record into winning record
4.
Team Player
5.
Made other team members want to play as their partner.
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I have read the NHS Tennis Team Handbook:
Date_________________,2014
Student-Athlete Name
________________________________________
Student-Athlete Signature _________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________
Players must have their own transportationto ALL AWAY league matches and to League pre-lims
tournament. Make arrangements for rides/carpools.
2014 TEAM GOALS:
1. Qualify for team CIF
2. Win the League
3. Qualify singles and doubles for Individual CIF
4. Make it into the Third round of team CIF competition
2014 INDIVIDUAL GOALS: List all of your tennis related GOALS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE TO COACH USUI &/OR COACH GONZALEZ