[tennisbiz] Re: Teaching Students

Hi Mike,
    Although your question seems to focus on the ethical aspect, there is
another consideration that may or may not apply in your area--regional or
state restrictions on out-of-season-practices for HS teams. In Virginia,
most Public HS sports play is governed by the Virginia High School League.
They have specific restrictions on the conduct of practice for school teams
of almost all sports and even some non athletic competitive activities (e.g.,
dramatics, speech, academics). So the first thing you should do is check to
see if your area is regulated by a similar organization.
    From an ethical aspect, you are a certified instructor. I see no problem
in offering and providing tennis lessons to the general public including
members of your team as long as you do not limit your availability to the
team alone and as long as you do not link participation on the team with
taking lessons from the coach. If you provide private lessons, you are
entitled to compensation at the prevailing rate. When you conduct group
lessons and clinics, be sure to include non-team members to avoid the
appearance of conflict of interest. At the end of your tennis season, you
should certainly encourage your team members to improve their skills over the
summer by attending clinics/camps; playing in local tournaments; and taking
tennis lessons. Don't hard sell your services. They will ask who they can
take lessons from. Give them your card and tell them to give you a call.
That way no one can say you used school facilities to market your private
business. Best of Luck!
Joe Rill
HS10scoach_at_aol.com


 
Received on Wed May 16 2001 - 10:12:51 CDT