Team Policies

PHS Student Athlete Handbook - Please refer to this handbook for information on the guidelines for student athletes.

http://www.plainvilleschools.org/departments/athletics/mission__philosophy/student_athlete_handbook

GIRLS GOLF TEAM POLICIES:

UPDATE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SOME TEAM POLICIES BELOW WILL BE AMENDED FOR THE UPCOMING SPRING 2021 SEASON. STUDENT ATHLETES AND PARENTS WILL BE ADVISED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Coach’s Introduction

My name is Mario Pires and I am head coach of the Plainville High School Girls Golf team for the upcoming season. I have been employed at PHS as a teacher for 18 years and I have a great passion for sports and academics. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you over the coming months to make your participation in this team a positive and successful experience. My coaching program will emphasize fun & enjoyment, skill development, teamwork and self-discipline on and off the golf course. I want the athletes to learn the fundamental skills of golf, work to their potential and develop a competitive spirit. I also believe that forming friendships, creating and achieving personal goals, developing a feeling of belonging and learning to share positive experiences with others is an important role athletics offer to a student here at PHS. That said, athlete’s must always understand that it is a privilege to belong to a team, not a right.

The Golf Season

The golf season runs from late March to June 1st, and practice will run Monday through Friday, with most Varsity matches held on Mondays and Wednesdays. A season schedule will be posted online for players and guardians at the start of the season, which includes match and practice schedule. Please contact me if you have any questions, thoughts or concerns.

Additionally, separate team events will take place throughout the season. Dates will be shared when they become available. Team events include, but are not limited to:

• Senior athlete nights (TBA)

• Spring Sports Awards Night (TBA)

• CCC Golf Tournament – held at Tunxis Plantation – Top 5 players go to event – (TBA)

• Community Service events (TBA)

Team Selection Policy

Typically, the number of players allowed on the Plainville High School Girls Golf team may not exceed 12 players in any one season. Due to time restrictions at the golf course during the season, a limit of 12 players is in effect. In the event that cuts need to be made, all athletes trying out for the team will be evaluated (by the head coach) on work ethic, attendance, conduct and performance during the first week of the spring season.

Playing Time

All team members will have equal opportunity to qualify to play in Varsity matches during the season. The golf team consists of 5 starters for Varsity matches along with a practice squad. One player from the practice team will be regularly selected to accompany the Varsity team as a 6th player. The 6th player will play against the opposing teams’ 6th player and gain valuable experience in competitive play. The team members who have the strongest work ethic, conduct themselves appropriately and demonstrate consistency with their golf skills will compete in the Varsity golf matches. Whether a player is playing golf in a varsity match or practice, the coach will constantly evaluate the scoring and performance of each team member (along with other factors such as work ethic and attendance, etc.) in order to make the proper decisions to whom will start in the Varsity matches throughout the season. I stress that it be essential that players schedule and attend Golf Lessons from a teaching pro prior and/or during the golf season. Proper technique and swing mechanics is an essential foundation to strong progression in golf.

Earning a Varsity Letter

A player will earn a Varsity Letter for the golf season by playing in 50% or more of Varsity matches (7 or more matches in an average season).

Contacting the Coach

Parents and guardians may contact me in a way that is most convenient for you. You may contact me in any of the following ways:

Schedule a meeting via email to speak to me.

• Email me at: piresm@plainvilleschools.org

• Call or text Coach Pires: All players and parents will be given my cell phone number at the start of the season. This phone number is for parents/guardians and athletes on the Girls golf team. Please do not hand this number out to anyone else and use it at times deemed appropriate.

Transportation, Home Facility and Practice Time

Our team’s golf course for home matches and practice is Hawks Landing Country Club, which is located at 201 Pattonwood Drive in Southington, Ct. The course is approximately 10 minutes from the Plainville High School. Practice time and schedule will be announced by the coach at the beginning of the season. Students will either drive themselves or take a PHS bus to practice and home matches. It is the student’s/parent’s responsibility to arrange transportation home from practice and matches. As coach, I will always oversee that all players safely get transportation home. Please be aware that students who are involved in Varsity matches will have later pick up times. Away matches will have a pick-up location at Plainville High School.

• When there are Varsity Away matches, the practice squad will practice at Hawks Landing Country Club under the guidance of the PHS boys golf coach.

Additional Practice Availability

Hawks Landing Country Club has communicated the following incentives to our team for 2021:

• Players may elect to stay after practice and play additional golf for free. A signed contract will be required when the golf season begins in late March, 2021.

• Players may golf for free on weekends depending on availability. Call the pro shop to get a tee time. Make sure to mention you are a PHS Golf Team member.

Academic Eligibility

Please refer to the PHS Athletic Handbook for all information related to Academic eligibility requirements. Academics are the priority above all else. The head coach will constantly monitor the grades of athletes and address any academic issues with the athlete. This includes athlete grades falling in the D and F range, probation status, student support and tutoring.

Attendance Policy

Any missed practice, excused or unexcused, must be addressed with additional practice time (e.g. 9-hole golf game, driving range). Additionally, planned absences must be communicated a minimum of one week prior and all absences must be backed up with a doctor note, teacher note, parent note, etc. Please be aware that practice is an essential element of the season and this is how your commitment and development as an athlete is monitored. If a student athlete is unable to commit to attending practices and matches on a consistent basis throughout the season due of other obligations, such as work and other personal issues, then one must consider not joining this team. Therefore, attendance at practice will determine your consideration for Varsity matches. Missed practices will result in reduced opportunities to play in Varsity matches and other team events.

PHS Player Contract and Expectations

Please refer to the Player Contract Form for complete details. Every member of the team must read, understand and sign these forms in order to participate prior to the start of the season.

Disciplinary Outline

Any player abusing the attendance policy, failing to commit to the Team Player Contract and Expectations and/or the Athletics Code of Conduct (see PHS Athletic Handbook) is subject to repercussions including disqualification from the team. School infractions, detentions, etc. will also be dealt with accordingly:

Layout of Discipline Policy for minor infractions such as attendance:

• 1st Offense: 1 practice and/or match suspension

• 2nd Offense: 1-week suspension (practice and match)

• 3rd Offense: Dismissal from the team

Essential Equipment

It is the athlete’s responsibility to come to practice and matches prepared. If you are experiencing financial hardship that would hinder you from acquiring golf equipment, please contact the coach.

Golf equipment includes:

• Golf clubs, golf balls, glove and golf bag

• Golf shoes, polo shirt and khaki style pants/shorts

• Proper weather related gear

• Snacks and personal water bottle

• Medical supplies if needed

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Coach Mario Pires

PHS Girls Golf

E: piresm@plainvilleschools.org