Do's for Parents
1. Do treat your JTL player the same whether he or she wins or loses.
2. Do try to have fun and enjoy yourself. Your unhappiness can breed a child's guilt.
3. Do try to look relaxed, calm, positive and energized on the sidelines! Your positive attitude could help your child to play better!
4. Do make friends with other parents at the JTL matches and events. Socializing can make the events more fun for everyone.
5. Do promote proper on-court etiquette. If a child's behavior is unacceptable during match play, address the issue with the child at home, or in private after the match.
6. Do leave the coaching to the JTL coaches. Too much input can confuse the child.
7. Do be there when your child loses or gets discouraged. Try to be more of an understanding listener, than a "fixer".
8. Do allow for the possibility that your child may prefer to be alone after losing a match. Most likely, the child will let you know when he or she is ready to discuss the match.
9. Do keep you sense of humor. when you laugh and have fun, your child is less likely to feel any stress.
10. Do be on time when you drop off and pick up you child at team practices.
11. Do attend, watch and support all players and matches whenever possible. Parental support for all the players encourages them and helps build team unity and spirit. Additionally, your enthusiasm is part of what inspires volunteer coaches and keeps them so dedicated to your child's team.
12. Do be sure your child wears regulation tennis shoes and the JTL Team T-shirt to all JTL weekly matches. (Please wear shorts with pockets.)
13. Do be on time picking up your child from team practice or a weekly match.
Don'ts for Parents
1. Don't say, "We're playing a match today". Remember that this is your child's tennis match. Encourage him or her to be responsible for preparing to play, and to feel some independence in the pre-match procedures, such as checking in with the coach, etc.
2. Don't intervene during a player's un sportsmanship behavior/conduct on the court. Problems arising with on-court un sportsmanlike conduct should be reported immediately to the JTL coaches who will respond as needed. Try to remain objective.
3. Don't inflict undue pressure on your child regarding their play. Encourage them appropriately, and help them foster their talent at the rate they choose.
4. Don't try to take the coach's job away. Be a supportive parent.
5. Don't tell your child what he or she did wrong after a tough match.
6. Don't' force the child to talk with you immediately after a loss.
7. During any JTL match, don't cheer or clap at unforced errors of your child's opponent, such as a double fault or a miss-hit shot.
8. Don't' intervene to correct or discuss the score in a match. It will help if the players are able to work through any scoring discrepancies on their own. If needed, query a JTL coach's assistance to resolve any disagreement.
9. During a match, don't intervene regarding concerns about questionable line calls. Solicit a JTL Coach to look on if necessary.
10. Don't talk about us; talk to us! We encourage you to discuss you comments or suggestions with any of our JTL Board of Directors members, all of whom are volunteers.
11. Don't be delinquent picking up your child after a team practice or a weekly match.
Suggestions and ideas for JTL parent involvement and volunteerism
1. Be sure your JTL player attends all JTL functions, such as the Jamboree and the Awards Banquet, weekly matches and the JTL tournaments.
2. Be familiar with the JTL Calendar of Events, and have your JTL player be an active participant in all the available activities.
3. Express the importance of regularly attending team practices, and team matches.
4. Read thoroughly the JTL Handbook with your JTL player. (On web site)
5. Encourage your child to cooperate and respect the JTL coaches. (Remember, they are volunteers who have devoted a great deal of time and effort in teaching your child the game of tennis).
6. Volunteer as an assistant coach.
7. Volunteer as the coordinator of refreshments, the telephone committee, or the ladder and roster coordinator.
8. JTL team T-shirt should be worn in the weekly team matches. Regulation TENNIS (No running shoes) shoes must be worn at all team practices, challenge matches, and team matches! Please wear shorts with pockets.
9. Put a new meaning to the tennis term "love" love being a part of JTL.