Introduction

The purpose of the handbook is to provide a complete overview of the Legacy Tennis Programs. Every player should be familiar with its contents.

 

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, at practice, and placing team goals ahead of personal goals are priorities.

 

Conduct

You are a representative of the Bismarck community. 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. Practice it on and off the court.

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No Cutting Policy

The Legacy tennis programs are no cut programs. A senior who doesn't make the top seven on the roster can practice with the team and challenge throughout the season to improve his/her position. At the end of the conference dual season, if a senior is in the top 12 of the tournament roster, he/she will be a part of the post season tournament roster. It doesn't guarantee his/her right to play, however, he/she could play as governed by the coach. Making the tournament roster also allows any senior to be recognized as a varsity letter winner. A senior will not play JV tennis. A senior can only play JV tennis if the roster is not complete through 12 players. Any senior who is 8 or higher on the roster, or any player other than a senior 13 or higher on the roster will play JV#2 matches and will be a part of the JV#2 team.

 

Practices

All players are expected to be punctual for all practices. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Practices will be held at the Legacy HS courts from 3:45-5:15PM for the V/JV & from 5:15-6:30PM for the JV#2 each day unless otherwise noted. All home matches will be held at the Legacy HS courts. Please communicate with me if any situation arises that will keep you from attending practice. You can either call me via cell phone (391-4874) or email me at scott_mcpherson@bismarckschools.org., or you can contact my boy's/girl's assistant coaches, Jim McMahon, via cell phone (214-1505) or email at james_mcmahon@bismarckshools.org or Jon Hilzendeger, via cell phone (410-370-5774) or email at jhilz@verizon.net  Much of the team's success this season depends on each player's willingness to work hard in practice, therefore, 100% attendance is necessary.

 

Challenge Matches

Challenge matches are used to determine each player's position on the team's roster at the beginning of the season. #1-6 are considered Varsity, #7-12 are Junior Varsity, and #13 and up are considered JV #2. All players on the team will get matches. #1-12 are on the team roster for the post season WDA and State Tournaments. During the season, any players on the Junior Varsity or JV #2 will have opportunities to challenge or be challenged through the season for his/her position on the roster. The coach will determine the challenge matches each week. No two players can play each other twice in one week. It's my philosophy as a coach that the more challenge opportunities a player has on the JV / JV #2 Squad to improve his/her position on the team, a more competitive player will be the result. After the team roster has been established, the head coach will determine when a Varsity challenge match should occur. At mid season, Varsity challenge matches will occur only if the player lower on the ladder has a better singles record than the player above him/her as a result of regular season matches.

 

Doubles Combinations

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

 

West Region Individual Tournament

The individual tourney will be dictated by the preferences of the players from the top of the team ladder and down. The top 7 players on the team are eligible to play in the West Region Individual tourney. The top 8 singles players and doubles teams advance to the State Individual Tournament. If you are a senior in the top 7, you will have 1st choice of what event you would like to participate. After seniors have chosen, the remaining events will be chosen according to roster position. There are a possibility of 3 singles positions and 2 doubles teams that can play in the tournament. I, as a coach, will often give my input to the players as to what events may be their best opportunity to qualify for the state tournament, however, the decision ultimately lies with each player.

 

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 by our opponent. Therefore, our team lineup can change with each match that we play. Any players on the roster from #1-12 can be used in the lineup even though #7-12 played primarily Junior Varsity through the regular season. The coaches are continually making decisions for the best interest of the team. We 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.

 

Lettering

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