Handbook

JHS Girl’s Tennis Handbook

• The best way to contact Coach Coltharp and Coach Krug is through the “ParentSquare” app. This allows for important text messages from the Coaches about match changes/postponements, practice time changes, and other important information, as well as a calendar for all events. We will also use this to coordinate court locations for matches and tournaments.

Demerit System

• A part of being on a team and being a functioning member of society is to act responsibly and hold yourself accountable. To practice this, we are implementing a Demerit System to help combat the irresponsible occurrences that might happen.

• For instance, these occurrences might be, but not limited to:

  • Not coming prepared (forgetting your uniform, racket, etc)

  • Showing up late

  • Not showing up

  • Cutting class (leaving early before you’re dismissed)

  • Leaving trash

  • Leaving early (from home matches/tournaments)

  • Inappropriate language

• Each of these occurrences will be a demerit.

  • After the first 3 demerits - there’ll be a conference between the player, parent, and coaches

  • The next 3 demerits - suspension from a match/matches

  • Next 3 demerits - dismissed from the team

Practice Information and Policies

• 2 unexcused absences results in a conference to determine your status on the team.

  • After the conference, a 3rd total (or 1 more after the conference) unexcused absence is dismissal from the team.

  • An unexcused absence is an absence in which the coaches are not communicated with beforehand that you will be gone.

• A missed practice before a match excludes you from being able to play in that match (excused or unexcused).

  • Practices are still an important part of the sport and season, and the expectation is that you come to all of them.

• Athletes must have the following forms on file in the athletic office in order to practice:

  • Physical within the last two years (cleared for sports)

  • Medical History Form must be updated yearly

  • Concussion and Insurance Form needs to be updated before the season begins and must include a policy number

  • Drug Testing Consent Form completed once during high school career

• Athletes with prior and/or current injuries must follow a protocol involving Tracy Saunders's clearance. If another doctor clears you, you still need to go through Saunders to get everything cleared. Failure to do so could result in missing matches.

• We practice Monday through Friday from 4:00-6:00 PM at the JHS tennis courts once school starts (unless otherwise specified.)

  • If it rains, we will practice in one of the gyms, unless communicated otherwise.

    • Practices due to rain will be shortened.

Academic and School Policies

• Athletes must earn at least 6 credits in the previous semester and be enrolled in at least 7 credits to be eligible to participate. At least 2 of those credits must be in person.

• Athletes who earn A’s and B’s by the end of 1st quarter make our All-Scholar-Athlete Team.

• Any grade of an “F” – Athlete is required to attend any two (2) tutoring sessions offered at JHS, whether it’s a designated time in the morning or with the specific teacher during the course of a week until the grade is brought up to a “D” or higher.  

• Athletes will still be able to participate in practice and matches. Attending tutoring, students must sign a log-in sheet or have their teacher write them a note so that I can verify attendance at tutoring sessions.  

• If a student's grade has not improved to above passing within two weeks, possible match and practice suspension may occur.

Match/Tournaments Details and Policies

• The pickup location following away matches is in the FTC parking lot.

• Athletes must attend 14 practices before participating in a match.

• Lettering: Athletes must compete in at least 3 varsity matches. The decision is ultimately up to the coaches.

• All JV players participate in JV tournaments (unless specifically stated otherwise)

• For away V/JV duals, everyone might not attend (due to smaller opponents’ roster).

  • If you are not playing due to this, and it is a home match, you are still expected to attend to watch and cheer on the team. Failure to do so will result in a unexcused absence.

• For varsity tournaments, the top 6, 7, or 8 ranked players attend (this will be addressed prior)

• When we have a match or a varsity tournament scheduled, JV will not practice unless specified otherwise.

• Players should only be on the tennis courts if a coach is present.

• Students cannot check out early to prepare for a match.

  • If a student checks out of school early unexcused, they will not be allowed to compete that day. Athletes will be released from school with plenty of time to get ready before a match.

    • If a student misses a class period unexcused, they will not be able to compete in that day’s practice/match.

• If a student checks out of school because they are sick, then they cannot play in the match that same day.

• Players may not leave a match early if we are playing at home. This includes varsity and JV matches. If we are at an away match, and you have been told you are done with your matches for the night, you may leave if your parent/guardian signs you out. If I have written approval, you may leave with a friend’s parent/guardian.

• Permission may be given to leave early for home matches if coaches are notified prior to the match, or an emergency arises. 

All decisions made are in the best interest of the team.