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TEAM HANDBOOK

Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to provide as complete an overview as possible of the Century High School tennis program. Every player and parent should be familiar with the contents of this manual.

Philosophy

Participation in the tennis program is a privilege. Dedication, self-discipline, cooperation, and a solid work ethic is the foundation of a successful team. Each player is expected to demonstrate a positive, exemplary attitude at all times, both on and off the court. Working hard in school and in practice, and placing team goals ahead of personal goals are priorities.

Requirements to Participation

  1. Players must attend all practices. Only school-related or church-related events, and a few other exceptions, will be allowed.

  2. Players must attend all matches. If you have a valid excuse for missing a match, you must make coaches aware of your absence of the match by 8 AM of match day or you will not be allowed to play in the next match. If you anticipate being gone for any more than one match during the season due to other activities, vacations, or for any other reason, we strongly encourage you to participate in tennis recreationally but to abstain from joining the Century tennis program.

  3. Full-effort must be given at all practices and matches

  4. Players must respect their teammates and coaches at all times

 

Inability to abide by the above expectations will result in removal from the team lineup for all matches, regardless of position on team.

Conduct

You are a representative of not only Century High School, but also the Bismarck community as a whole. Be respectful and courteous of all people at all times and represent your school with the utmost pride and dignity. Being poised and staying in control of your behavior is a must in tennis, and players will be held accountable to the highest standard when it comes to sportsmanship. Any issues related to this will not be allowed and will be dealt with immediately.

No-Cutting Policy

There will not be any "cutting" as part of the Century High School tennis program.

Practices

You are expected to be punctual for all practices. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Practices will be held at Sertoma Park tennis courts each day unless otherwise noted. Please communicate with your coach if any situation arises that will keep you from attending practice. Much of the team's success this season depends on each player's willingness to work hard in practice. Therefore, 100% attendance is necessary. Failure to show up for practice without notifying a coach will result in removal from the team lineup at the next match, depending upon where you are on the team roster.

Seniors Not on Varsity

Seniors who are not in the top 8 (as this constitutes the year-end varsity lineup at the WDA and State tournaments), will not be eligible to play in JV1 matches.  They will be allowed to play at least one JV2 match depending upon the number of participants at other schools. Matches for all players who do not make the top 12 of the varsity/JV roster will be designated as "JV2" on the published schedule on the Century High School tennis website.

Team Breakdown

The breakdown of players on the team is as follows: Varsity (#1-6), Junior Varsity (#7-12), JV2 (#13 and below). Challenge matches to improve a player's position on the ladder will occur at the beginning of the season and periodically throughout the season.

Challenges

At the start of the season, the top 12 players from the previous season will start at the position they held at the end of the that season. This group will play round robin challenge matches in groups of 4, with the bottom of each group being challenged by the top of the lower group to determine the top 12 order.  For V/JV1 challenges, the coaching staff will determine which challenges will take place and when following the initial determination of the lineup. Parental input during the season is always welcome on administrative matters, but, when it comes to decisions related to on-court play, please refrain.

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Challenge matches are used to determine a framework for the team's lineup. ALL final lineup decisions will be made by the coaching staff. That can result in players playing higher than their position on the ladder based upon the match-up and effort given in practice. The top 6 players who are designated as "varsity" will not necessarily play in every varsity-designated match. The lineup is subject to change based on the aforementioned factors. Your understanding of this is critical. All line-up decisions will be made in the best interests of the team.

Doubles Combinations

Doubles combinations will be decided by the coaches for each regular season match and can change throughout the season. Skill level, age, and compatibility are significant factors in determining doubles teams.

West Region Individual Tournament

The top 9 players on the team are eligible to play in the West Region Individual tourney. There is a possibility of 3 singles positions and 2 doubles teams that can play in the tournament. The top 8 singles players and doubles teams advance to the State Individual Tournament.

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Coaching staff will determine position (singles or doubles) for each individual's participation in the West Region and State Tournaments

West Region Team Tournament

The ultimate goal for the team at this tournament is to qualify for the state tournament. The team lineup will be determined based on a number of factors including the given match-up and the strengths of our players. Therefore, our team lineup can change with each match that we play. Any players on the roster from #1-9 can be used in the tournament lineup and the final #'s 1-9 will be set the week prior to the WDA Tournament.

 

The coaches are continually making decisions for the best interest of the team and will determine whether a player competes in singles or doubles. As long as players are willing to accept the roles that are determined by the coaches, team success is usually the result. Lineups are also discussed with the team prior to each match to ensure each player is comfortable with their role. Again, please be flexible. All decisions are made not only in the best interest of the team as well as the individuals.

Lettering

A player must compete in a varsity match in order to become a letter winner. If a player makes the post-season tournament roster, which includes the players from #1-9, he/she is eligible to be a letter winner. If a 7th or 8th grader plays in a varsity match or make the post season tournament roster, he/she will get a letter of recognition.

Team Goals

  1. Enjoy the camaraderie that comes with high school athletics. You have a great opportunity to not just learn and improve your tennis skills but to meet a new group of people and work together as a team toward success.

  2. Qualify for the North Dakota High School Team Scholar Award. (The team must average a 3.2 GPA for its varsity letter winners during the season. )

  3. Finish in the top four of the West Region Conference.

  4. Finish in the top four of the West Region Tournament.

  5. Finish in the top five at the State Tournament.

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