The Marmonte League Constitution states that if an athlete is a senior, he or she must play for the varsity team or be entirely removed from the program. However, this rule has been revised for the boys tennis team starting in the 2012 spring season. It allows seniors to move up to varsity, if talent permits, or to maintain a position on JV and remain a part of the high school program.
Five years ago, the Marmonte League allowed seniors to remain on JV teams. However, the principals of the schools in the Marmonte League voted to change the rule to its current state. Coaches then faced problems recruiting enough students to fill their JV teams, an issue that was especially evident in the CHS tennis program. Head tennis coach Kim Kinberg took the lead in working with the district to return to the original Marmonte League rules.
“Since this change is a new experience for the boys, they do not realize that in the past, the idea of seniors on JV was very practical and happened all the time,” said Kinberg.
All student athletes hope to maintain a position on their team throughout their high school experience. With this new regulation, each student will have a chance to remain with the team that they have been a part of since their freshman year.
“As a coach, you do not want to cut someone who has put in a lot of effort but at the same time is not at the same skill level as other varsity players,” said Kinberg.
When Kinberg announced the new policy to the boys tennis team for the upcoming season, the athletes were relieved that they would be able to continue playing on a team that accurately represented their abilities. Many seniors plan to take advantage of the opportunity provided with the new rule change.
“I believe that your spot on the team should be based on ability,” said senior tennis player Brett Buford. “If you work hard at your sport and excel, you deserve a spot whether you are a freshman or a senior.”
In past seasons, there were numerous instances where opposing teams did not have full squads to play matches. Many players were disappointed because they had to prepare for a match only to find that they did not have an competitor to play against. Kinberg believed it was imperative to change this immediately. By allowing seniors to play on JV, each team member will have an opponent to play against at his or her competitive level.
“[For our upcoming] season, this new rule will strengthen our JV team and make the team experience better because [seniors] will be able to play on JV rather than sit out as alternates on the varsity squad [or be cut from the team],” said junior tennis player Bahrom Ostad.
Tennis is a non-contact sport and is strictly talent driven. Therefore, age has no effect on individual players and the structure of the team. Because their size will not directly threaten their opponents, the coaches believe that it is fair to allow seniors to play on JV.
“I always look at the current talent as what I will work with and what we, as a team, will put forth when we compete,” said Kinberg. “I work with the players to help them reach their highest potential.”
Kinberg and the other administrators in favor of the change hope that the senior athletes will now have the opportunity to participate in high school sports. If this rule is reversed, it will improve the overall athletic experience for all high school seniors. •
