Guidelines for Parents at County Cup Events
It is fantastic to have the parents supporting at the County Cup events and adds to the great atmosphere at these events. Many parents come to the younger age group events 8/9/10 and 12 and under but less so as the children get older at 14 and 18 and under level when the children often like to stay away as a team.
In order for the Team Captains to be able to do their job effectively at the event there are a few guidelines to help.
- It is the team Captain’s role to select the team for each match.
- Doubles pairings will follow the LTA rules for that event. Most County Cup events allow any combination of players e.g., 1 and 5 and 2 and 4 could be paired up; 1 and 3 and 2 and 4 etc. The exception might be 8 and under County Cup where 1 and 2 play together and 3 and 4. Captain’s will select the best combinations to try and win a particular match. If a player has had a very long singles match the captain may select another player to play doubles – remember it is a team event!
- The team captain needs to get the team to bond together – let your child be part of the team – they support each other and watch each other’s matches.
- Team captains are allowed on court at certain times to help the players and give advice and tactics – will depend on the event when this is.
- Team captains will talk to the players after the matches as well.
What is your role if coming to a County Cup Event?
- Ensure your child arrives in good time for the practice prior to starting the competition.
- Ensure your child has all the necessary kit with them – spare shirts, shorts/skirts, socks, plasters; healthy snacks; sufficient drinks etc.
- Encourage them to be part of the team and stay with the team and support the team when not playing themselves.
- Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of everyone and not only your child.
- Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
- Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
- Use correct and proper language at all times.
- Get them to talk to the team captain and always ask the team captain if leaving the watching area (off to get lunch etc).
- Support the team captain in all their decisions and explain to your child it is a team event. Let the team captain do their job!
- Check start time with the team captain for second day before departing if not staying overnight.
- Follow the County Values – C- Commitment; A- Ambition; M- Motivation; B- Belief; S – Sportsmanship.
