Tennis Jamaica Selection Criteria for National Junior Squads (10 to 18 years of age)
These guidelines have been established by Tennis Jamaica to outline the process by which players and teams are selected to represent Jamaica at the junior and to receive various coaching and training opportunities to enhance their development.
Definition
The groups of nominated junior players from which players are selected to represent Jamaica in various junior competitions, and to receive various training opportunities.
Events
Tennis Jamaica endeavors to have Jamaica’s leading junior players represent Jamaica in various international competitions such as:-
- The World Junior Tennis (14 & Under) Regional Central America and Caribbean Team Competition
- The Junior Davis/Fed Cup (16 and under) Regional Central America and Caribbean Team Competition
- The 12 and Under COTECC (Central America and Caribbean) Team Championships
- Tennis Jamaica can also endorse the entries of players into various international junior tournaments such as: ITF Junior tournaments, the Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl competitions.
- Tennis Jamaica may form squads in the future (dependent on funding) to participate in the ITF (18 and under) and COTECC (14 and under)regional tournaments.
Selection
Selections will be made by Tennis Jamaica’s Technical Tennis Committee (TJTTC) using any one or a combination of the criteria outlined below:-
- Trials may be conducted in a format determined by the TJTTC.
- The performances of Jamaican players will be considered as follows (in order of importance):
- ATP/WTA Rankings
- ITF World Junior ranking (18 and under) and performance in ITF World ranking junior competitions.
- NCAA collegiate competitions: NCAA Division 1, NCAA Division 2, NCAA Division 3/Junior Collegiate (NJCAA)
- USTA rankings and performances in USTA sanctioned tournaments and COTECC Regional (14 and under) tournaments will be considered
- Local ranking and performances of players in their age groups, higher age groups and open competitions will be considered.
- Head to head results of players over a 12 month period prior to the selection can be considered.
- Evaluation of the athlete’s profile* can be considered to assess the player’s developmental potential.
N.B. TJTTC has the latitude and can use discretion to nominate players who it determines can enhance the performance of a squad/team based on team needs and competitive conditions, e.g. doubles, surface etc
TENNIS JAMAICA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THROUGH THE TECHNICAL TENNIS COMMITTEE, RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND, MODIFY AND/OR ALTER ANY OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA. THE BOARD’S DECISION WILL BE FINAL.
Player Benefits and Responsibilities
- Opportunities to represent Jamaica in international competitions
- Special training and coaching opportunities in preparation for competition
- Opportunity for wild card entry into competition e.g. ITF Jamaica Junior
- Players must be members of Tennis Jamaica
- To represent Jamaica in ITF team competition players are required to have a valid Jamaican passport
- Players must be in good standing with Tennis Jamaica
- Players/parents must agree to abide by the code of conduct/release designed by Tennis Jamaica in relation to representing Jamaica in international competition
*Athlete Profile
Evaluation of the relevant qualities in the physical, psychological, technical and tactical areas can be considered:-
Physical area: speed and explosiveness, aerobic capacity, strength and endurance, coordination and agility
Technical area: outstanding areas of strength, limiting weaknesses, ability to learn and retain new skills in order to improve
Psychological area: proper commitment, motivation, competitive spirit in important situations, self confidence, leadership qualities and attitude
Tactical area: ability to understand and implement various strategies required to play tennis at high levels of competition, ability to implement a particular game style, harmony between the player’s game style and the player’s physical assets and liabilities
Other factors: the player’s environment, the ability to access competition, training and coaching.