1. Introduction & Methodology

These guidelines outline expectations and procedures for all EuroElite tennis tours, based on ITF Advanced Coach Guidelines and over 40 years of touring experience. Key Principles:

• Recent Training: All tour players must have trained with EuroElite within 6 MONTHS of the tour start date. This ensures our coaches are familiar with your player’s game and needs.
• Holistic Development: We focus on understanding the game, developing efficient strokes, fostering individual playing styles, problem-solving, mental toughness, self-esteem, and competitive spirit.
• Learning Attitude: Players must be open to learning and trying new concepts that have actually worked immediately for decades IF you try them all within your individual style of play!
• Positive Reinforcement: Coaches emphasise performance over outcome, reward effort, and use guided discovery to facilitate learning.
• Team Atmosphere: We foster a supportive team environment where players help each other improve.

2. Coach Responsibilities

Prior to Departure:

• Player Assessment: Ensure each player has attended a EuroElite PRIME or MHP Camp within the last 6 months.
• Communication: Communicate with players, parents, and private coaches via emails to gather information about playing style, temperament, routines, and any other relevant details.

During the Tour:

• Team Meeting: Conduct a team meeting at the start of the tour to discuss schedules, rules, expectations, and tournament information.
• Tournament Liaison: Liaise with tournament officials regarding schedules, draws, practice courts, and friendly matches.
• Training & Match Preparation: Plan and supervise training sessions, respect individual routines, and provide feedback using match charting.
• Player Support: Address player concerns, conduct regular meetings, and maintain open communication.
• Discipline: Address disciplinary issues fairly and consistently (see Disciplinary Procedures).
• Financial Management: Keep accurate records of all expenses.
• Communication: Provide regular updates to parents, private coaches, and federations.
• Promote Independence: Encourage players to take responsibility for aspects of their training and match preparation (stringing, equipment, snacks, etc.).

After the Tour:

• Player Evaluation: Provide each player with a verbal evaluation. For tours of 2 weeks or more, provide a written evaluation and encourage players to submit a self-evaluation.
• Follow-up: Encourage players to send a thank you email summarising their learning and areas for improvement. Respond with feedback and encouragement

  Player Responsibilities

  Players are expected to:
  • Sign in for tournaments on time.
  • Take full responsibility for doubles participation (finding a partner, transportation, preparation). We do everything for singles but doubles will be the sole responsibility of the player (unless there are extreme circumstances or if they are U12)
  • Manage equipment needs (stringing, grips, water, etc.).
  • Bring sufficient spending money for daily expenses, snacks, and drinks.
  • Follow coach instructions and guidelines.
  • Demonstrate respect for coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents.
  • Maintain a positive and supportive attitude.
  • Adhere to the dress code (proper match shirts for matches for example).
  • Familiarize themselves with ITF and Tennis Europe rules and guidelines.
  • Follow dietary guidelines provided by the coaches.
  • Ensure they have a valid passport and all necessary medications.
  • Pack appropriately (see “What to Bring on Tour”).

  4. Parent Responsibilities

  Parents are expected to:
  • Trust the Process: Avoid contacting the coach or staff during the tour except in cases of extreme emergency. Encourage your player to communicate directly with the coach.
  • Address Concerns Appropriately: If you have concerns, address them in writing after the tour or tell your player to contact one of the on-tour coaches.
  • Limit Communication: Players are allowed one call/SMS per day (two for players 12 and under).
  • Provide Sufficient Funds: Ensure your player has enough money for all expenses.
  • Respect Tour Guidelines: Understand and adhere to the tour guidelines.
  • Prepare Your Player: Ensure your player has a valid passport, necessary medications, and a working mobile phone.
  • Insurance: Provide international insurance coverage for your player.

  5. Disciplinary Procedures

  • Minor Infractions: Minor infractions (e.g., lateness) will result in reasonable financial penalties. These funds will be used for team activities or given to the “captain of the day”. We do NOT keep players’ money… we share it with those doing the right things:-)
  • Serious Misconduct: Serious misconduct (e.g., inadequate performance, poor behavior, abuse of officials) may result in the player being sent home at their own expense. We will call the parents prior to any decisions being made.

  6. What to Bring on Tour

  • Clothing: Match play shirts/shorts (no t-shirts for matches…only practice), appropriate attire for training and leisure activities.
  • Tennis Equipment: Racquets (at least 3), your own strings, grips, new shoe strings, overgrips, dampeners.
  • Medical Supplies: Medications, energy drinks/mixes, plasters, headache pills, blister treatment, bandages.
  • Other: Sun cream, mosquito repellent, water bottles (2), skipping rope, resistance bands, jogging shoes, walking shoes, towels, mobile phone and charger, notebook and pen, new tennis balls, passport, medical release form, small plastic bags for ice, rehydration powder (for hot climates).

  7. Coach “Off Time”

  Coaches are entitled to relax and socialize after work hours. While moderate alcohol consumption (max. 2 beers) may occur in safe environments, it will never interfere with their responsibilities. At least one coach will always be available and able to drive who has not partaken in any alcohol consumption.

  8. Financial Transparency

  Coaches will collect money for expenses like hotels, meals, and tours. Players are responsible for reviewing receipts and keeping a record of their expenses. We are committed to financial transparency and can provide receipts upon request. Thank you for reviewing the EuroElite Tour Guidelines.