FAQ (B)

How are cuts made?

We run a “no-cut” program. All players who come out for the team will be welcomed. Players may be dismissed from the team, however, for behavior issues, lack of effort, or poor attitude.

Additionally, in tennis, unlike other sports, all members of the team will play in every match. Players not in the starting 11 compete in ‘exhibition’ matches against players from the opposing school.

*note: There are no exhibition matches at tournaments.

What happens when it rains?

Because even a small amount of rain can leave our courts hazardously slick, practice will be moved indoors from 3:30-5pm, where we will use modified indoor court equipment. Please pay special attention to the afternoon announcements on days with questionable forecasts.

*Note: Due to Covid, we will NOT go indoors. Rain-Day practices will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Check our team PSL page for the link.

When do practices start/end?

Once we are able to get outdoors, Coach Betts' practice squad will practice from 3:30-5:15pm. Coach Scheurich's practice squad will practice from 4:00-5:45pm. Players are released from practice once the courts have been cleaned up and the team has “broken it down.”

When do matches start/end?

Despite the indication of match start-times on our schedule, the rule of thumb is that you can expect play to begin immediately upon our arrival at a host’s site or our opponent’s arrival at Jacobs.

Unlike sports such as soccer and football, tennis has no set time limit for completion. To put it simply, the match is over when it’s over. Also, players are expected to stay to support their teammates until ALL matches have been completed. Athletes will travel to and from all away contests with the team. Players are released from matches once the courts have been cleaned and the team has “broken it down.”

Absences…

Players who miss school for illness are unable to practice or compete and should text/email Coach Betts to notify him of their absence. In-season athletes have a commitment to their team and teammates. Non-essential scheduling conflicts should be avoided. Potential conflicts of any kind should be brought to Coach Betts’ attention via text or email at the earliest possible opportunity. Attendance is a factor in the determination of playing time.

Player contacts coach directly with a valid conflict - no penalty

Teammate/Parent, etc... contacts coach with a valid conflict - sit 1 match

No notice - sit 1 week

How is the lineup determined?

The coaching staff takes great care in putting together the most cohesive and competitive lineup for every match. Appropriate position in the lineup will be determined through a number of factors including, but not limited to: sportsmanship, effort, attitude, tennis IQ, composure, competitive record, and challenge match performance. Players may request reasonable challenge opportunities and respectfully share their opinions with the coaching staff.

What items will I need in order to participate?

Players will be supplied with a school-issued uniform top to be returned at the end of the season. For match play, players must have a pair of black tennis shorts (must have a pocket to hold a tennis ball.) I also strongly encourage players to wear tennis shoes and not running/cross-training/basketball shoes. The movement patterns of tennis as well as the durability necessitated by play on the hard-court surface are reasons why tennis-specific shoes provide a significant advantage. Locks for the locker room may be purchased from the athletic office for $7.

What is my role?

Coaching staff – Help players develop their competencies in tennis including technical and tactical components, tennis etiquette and sportsmanship as well as their capacity as mature, responsible, young men. Plan practices, set lineups. Focus on character above competition.

Players – Conduct yourselves as ambassadors for our community. Treat others with respect. Put your team first. Give 100% effort. Compete. Communicate concerns or suggestions with the coaching staff. Focus on character above competition.

Parents – Support your child win or lose. Focus on character above competition.